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ALGINURE -SOIL IMPROVERDOWNTO THE NITTY-GRITTY' ALGINURE REDUCES MOISTURE LOSSFact: 14% more moisture in Alginure treated soil after 6 daysthan in untreated soil* ALGINURE REDUCES MOISTURE LOSSMORE THAN SEAWEED MEALFact: 25% more moisture in Alginure treated soil after 6 daysthan soil treated with Seaweed meal* GROUNDSMEN KNOW ALGINURE WORKS*based on University trials 1979 - 1987- on golf courses, bowling greens and pitches THE FACTS SHOW ALGINURE WORKS . . .- we'll send them if you askISN'T IT TIME YOU TRIED - ALGINUREalginure products ltd.BELLS YEW GREEN,TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN3 9BTTEL: (089 275) 664TELEX: 95303 COMAL GTHE TUFTURF' TEE MAT —Like a piece of firm, well sprung fairwayAND FAIRWAY SHOTSFOR TEE SHOTS"A British made porous hardwearing all weathertee 1.5 m x 1m and 2m x1m. Syntheticgrass,bonded to reconstitutedrubber underlay shockpad with 60 tee inserts, combine to give a superbplaying surface. Its use is highly beneficial as aWINTER TEE, or when re-turfing tees in the playing season. Also ideal for DRIVING RANGES andPRACTICE GROUNDS both indoor and outdoor."Further details from:CARPETITION LTD.,6 KAFFIR ROAD, EDGERTON,HUDDERSFIELD HD2 2AN.Tel: 0 4 8 4 - 2 8 7 7 7
CONTENTSFACE TO FACE with Rodney Foster6RUDDINGTON GRANGE a remarkable newcomplex opens soon.10NTC RELAUNCHED12BIGGA Annual Tournament Results16DEVASTATION Octobers stormswreck course18TREES PART 4 byTony Gentil22ABROAD ON THE GOLF COURSERoyal Harare24NOTEBOOK28APPOINTMENTS20. 34. 35.36.38BUYERS GUIDE39Front Cover: October - hurricane force windsandfloodsbring devastation to many UKcourses.BY the time you readthese notes, all paidup members should bein possession of bothmembership card andlegal advisory servicecard - any memberwho is not pleasecontact me as soon aspossible. The establishment of the membership list has been amajor exercise, withmanychangesofaddress to be documented and cheques arrivingwithout application forms and vice versa, apartfrom cheques for incorrect amounts! I will nowbe seeking the assistance of Section Secretariesto break down the membership list on asectional basis. Membership applications havenearly reached the 2000 mark. Of this figureapproximately 35% are new members notconnected with the previous Associations,which means that approximately half themembers of the previous Associations have yetto join BIGGA. Whilst the initial response is,therefore, most encouraging, it is clear that amajor membership drive is necessary in linewith the new subscription year commencing inJanuary.-theGolfCourseOCTOBER 1987Publisher: Fore Golf Publications LtdManaging Director: Michael CoffeyAll advertising matter, editorial copy andcorrespondence should be sent to: the GolfCourse, 121-123 High Street, Dovercourt,Harwich, Essex. CO 12 3APTel: 0255 507526Subscription Rates:UK- 18. USA- 45.Continent - 30. Eire - IR 23.the Golf Course is publsihed ten times a year.Printed in England byJ.B.Offset, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex.Copyright: Fore Golf Publications Ltd 1987UPDATEThe General Purposes sub-committee has nowconsidered entries for the logo competition,which were of a high standard. These wereconsideredalongsidecommercialartistsubmissions to ensure that in deciding on alogo, the best possible choice was made for thenew Association.The final choice wasextremely difficult but, in deciding to choose alogo submitted by a commercial artist, the subcommittee agreed that an award should be madeto the best entry from an Association Member.This award goes to Mr. Jim Russell, AssistantCourse Manager, Hankley Common Golf Club.Well done Jim! - A blazer badge for theAssociation will be on its way to you in duecourse.Now that we have an official logo, details arebeing finalised with regard to the Association'suniform. Members can, therefore, give earlyconsideration to their requirements as it ishoped to make an official announcement oncolours, costs etc. in the next edition of 'the GolfCourse*.Members may well be aware through theirsections that Regional Meetings are being heldContinued cm page 6
VOTE orCONFIDENCESales of Daconil* turf prove the point. Since it was launched byICI last year, greenkeepers everywhere have elected to use thisturf fungicide based on cholorothalonil. Well you can't keep a goodfungicide down!Its unique mode of action means that even after years ofsuccessful use on fine turf it continues to be effective.And because of its multi-site action and chemical compositionin sequential spray programmes with totalit can be usedconfidence.The list of turf diseases prevented, controlled and curedis impressive:But that's not all. Daconil turf can be used at any time of theyear and is especially useful in spring and autumn when diseaseincidence is most likely. It has dependable and consistent diseaseactivity and only needs to dry on the leaf to resist heavy rains,morning dew or frequent watering. And because of its liquidformulation it is easy to dilute and apply.Vote for Daconil turflDaconil turf,Professional ProductsICI Professional Products, Woolmead House East, Woolmead Walk, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7UB. Tel: (0252) 724525Daconil i//f contains chlorothalonil. Read the label before you buy; Use pesticides safely.*Daconil is the registered trade mark of SDS Biotech.
JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF THOSEWHO HAVE USED THE PROFESSIONALSMAJORCAPTAINEngage SCC's land army for all your maintenance, courseJ f e improvements, construction, landscaping and hiring needsBsSSAll types of turf care equipment for hire.& C C Lands Maintenance Ltd12 Foxburrow Close, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 9JJ.Tel.: Haverhill 62369Do you think of Watermation as Europe's leading TURF IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR— the one with systems in all the best places?Quite right — WE AREDid you also know we are now Europe's leadingMANUFACTURER OF QUALITY TURF IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT?Right again — WE ARENo need to look any further, w e can provide you with everything you need for your turf irrigation. S e e our new quality equipmenton Stand G 2 3 - 2 5 at the I.O.G. Show at Windsor, or telephone us on W o k i n g (04862) 7 0 3 0 3 or 2 1 0 0 9 for our catalogue.Watermation Ltd., Monument Way E., Woking, Surrey GU21 5LY. Telex: 859224 FLEXON G. Tel: Woking (04862) 70303/21009or Stirling (0786) 70252, or Dublin (1) 789501 or Paris (1) 47 06 04 19.
continuedfrompage 3during November.These are essential inestablishing the lines of communicationthrough the Board of Management/Headquarters to the Regions and hence to theSections.The five regional meetings willconsider both structural and funding matters atregional and sectional level, as well asgeographical boundary issues. Secretaries andAdministrators should note that the Regionssub-committee has decided that the structurewill henceforth have only two titles i.e. Regionsand Sections.Where necessary, therefore,amendments should be made to existing titles. Ilook forward to attending these meetings andgetting to know section representatives.Following them, I'm sure members will begin tofeel that progress is being made both at the localand regional level.You will find the latest Newsletter enclosedwith this edition of 'the Golf Course' as promisedin my update for the September issue. I wouldwish to acknowledge criticism from somemembers with regard to the Association's intentin respect of the Newsletter. The aim will be toproduce a Newsletter with eveiy edition of 'theGolf CourseAgain,I would ask that sectionalsecretaries submit material to me (and not ';theGolf Course') regularly and in good time for eachissue. If this happens there will be no problemin producing a regular Newsletter.Included in this month's issue is arecommended minimum salary/wages structurein response to many requests from bothgreenkeepers and golf clubs.The scale isapplicable from 1 January 1988 and it isintended to update it on an annual basis. It isdifficult to produce a scale appropriate forimplementation across the United Kingdom as awhole, but the Board of Management isconfident that the recommended scale is a fairand reasonable basis for negotiation betweengreenkeeper and club. The structure will becirculated to golf clubs.Finally, please note that the Association has aseparate telephone line at the Sports TurfResearch Institute and the number is Bradford(0274) 560556.Members contacting theAssociation's office should note that with effectfrom 2nd November Miss Caroline Holdsworthwill be taking up duties on a permanent basis asmy secretay/personal assistant and no doubtshe will often represent the first point of contactfor members in the future.NATIONAL TOURNAMENT 1988BY means of preliminary announcement,members will wish to note that plans areunderway to hold the National Tournament atthe Ayr Belleisle course in Scotland probablyduring the second week of October 1988. Detailshave yet to be finalised, but the Board ofManagement is considering combining theTournament with an International Conferenceand running the event over five days. Facilitiesare excellent and the course of internationalstandard.Consideration is being given toappointing a sub-committee to plan and arrangethis major event with Ayrshire membersplaying a leading role and liaising with Board ofManagement and myself. Further details willbe included in 'the Golf Course' as they becomeavailable, but it would be helpful if sectionalsecretaries could give me an early indication ofmembers expressing an interest in attending.INSTITUTE OF GROUNDSMANSHIP SHOWS WINDSOR AND HAYDOCK PARKI WAS in attendance for two days at bothWindsor and Haydock Park and ns. They can be viewed from differentangles - Windsor is now a vast affair and morethan one greenkeeper was seen to collapse in theBIGGA caravan as he made a tired exit!Certainly three full days are needed to do justiceto the event. Haydock Park on the other hand isset to expand and, with the success of this year'sevent, will rapidly develop in terms of size andscope. Criticisms would be minor in that it iseasy to lose oneself at Windsor and bettersignposting would be in order. At Haydock Parkthere was the pitiful sight of Bill Lawson, DavidGolding and myself begging for a roll at theSISIS stand at 3.45pm having failed to obtainlunch -they had run out of food! No doubt thesematters can be put right next year!As a meeting ground for BIGGA members, bothoccasions are ideal and I exchanged views withmany members over the four days. Good ideasemerged and will receive further considerationas the Association moves forward. I met manyrepresentatives of the trade whose reception forthe new Association is a warm one. It gave methe opportunity to outline what I see as amutuallybeneficialworkingrelationshipbetween the Association and the trade, but arelationship which I see developing alongdifferent lines to those which have appliedhitherto.Certainly there will be ongoingdiscussions with trade representatives in themonths ahead.The Association's thanks are due to KevinMunt for organising BIGGA's caravan atWindsor in conjunction with Michael Coffeyand to the various Board members who tookturns of duty. At Haydock Park much hardwork was put in by Bill Lawson, Brian Moss,David Golding, Howard McAddey, John Loweryand the committee of North West Section andour thanks go to them. A special word of thanksto Mark Lewis of Heswall for manning the tenton the second day.He claims that hevolunteered for duty though others see aninfluence behind the scenes! Anyway, well doneMark! All in all, both shows were a successfrom BIGGA's point of view and certainly helpedto spread the word!On a personal note, I was very pleased to meetso many members,Names and faces arebeginning to register.NEIL THOMAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SALARY/WAGES SCALEIn response to many requests, the Association has formulated a recommended minimumsalary/wages scale for 1988, although actual figures remain the subject of negotiation betweenthe golf club and greenkeeping staff. The quoted rates apply to 18 hole golf courses.Course Manager/Head GreenkeeperDeputy Course Manager/Head GreenkeeperFirst AssistantAssistant GreenkeeperApprentice 50% ofAssistant Greenkeeper rate i.e.and to increase annually by 12.5% 12,650 9,100 150.96 141.54 70.77per annum*per annum*per week*perweek*per week *The First Assistant is a post designed to recognise a third-in-charge where appropriate to thesize of the club. In cases where the First Assistant is the recognised Deputy the appropriatesalary scale of 9,100 per annum should apply.N.B. Staff in possession of recognised qualifications should have this reflected in an additionto basic salaiy.* Basic conditions of employment should include:(1) where accommodation is provided by the Club it should be rent and ratesfree with heating/lighting costs borne by the club.(2) where accommodation is not provided by the club a suitable remunerationshould be paid.(3) 40 hour week(4) Retirement Pension Scheme(5) Telephone costs on club business(6) Mileage allowance(7) Time off to attend lectures, demonstrations, BIGGA functions andtournaments.(8) If not salaried, basic overtime to be paid at time and a half with double timeon Sundays and Statutory Holidays.OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATIONTo promote and advance all aspects of greenkeeping; to assist and encourage the proficiency ofmembers; to arrange an International Annual Conference, educational seminars, functionsand competitions; to maintain a Benevolent Fund; to act as an employment agency; to provide amagazine; to collaborate with any body or organisation which may in any way benefit theAssociation or its members or with which there may be a common interest; to carry out andperform any other duties or responsibilities which shall be in the general interests of theAssociation or its members.
I THINK the most importantthing about golf I have noticedis that littletilingsmean a lot.If a club pays attention to thesmall things on a course then itwill have a good future.Many people think Carnoustiewas taken off thechampionship circuit becauseof the lack of accommodationand facilities, but this was notthe case. It was because thecourse was not good enough interms of its general condition.The Scottish AmateurChampionship was held therefour years ago and the coursewas desperate because no-oneseemed to care. It had been awonderful links course, buteverything had gone to rackand ruin. It was not tidy andthe greens were not as theyshould have been.As a result the personresponsible was removed andthe number two greenkeeperfrom St. Andrews took overthree years ago. The YouthChampionship was held atCarnoustie in August last yearand Michael Bonallack, whohas played all over the world,said it was the best conditioncourse he had ever seen.This was due to thegreenkeeper being able togenerate enthusiasm in hisstaff and the people he workedfor. In two years all the littlethings had been sorted out.At Pinehurst in NorthCarolina there are six coursesand hundreds of peopleworking there. No expense isspared and the courses are intremendous condition. InAugust the grass dies every yearand is re-seeded and the greensare out of this world.At Bradford Golf Club manyyears ago, Gilbert Kendall, thegreenkeeper, had only a littleold tank which he used to hitchup to the back of a tractor inorder to water the greens. InJuly and August the membersexpected the greens to be hard,fast and true. It was a sternertest of golf and there was agreater differential between thebetter and poorer players.I believe this is the way itshould be and that there is noharm in it. I do not think the theG o l fCoursearguments for automatic watersprinklers are valid. Britishgolf should not be compared toAmerican golf because theclimate, terrain and sub-soilare all different.When Tom Watson came toplay in the Open at Sandwichin 1981, where they have wateron all the fairways, he was notvery pleased with the courseand was overheard saying,'There is no point in mecoming to Britain to play on alinks course if it is going to belike this. I can play every dayin America where the ball goesfrom A to B, and that is notwhat I want out of the game".Championship links coursesare made so that in the summerthe ball is expected to run forever and ever. That is the way Ithink golf courses should be. Iam certainly against wateringand feel our courses should benatural. Inland course aredifferent: The bounce is muchmore severe and morefrustrating.I like to see trees on inlandcourses, but trees that are keptunder control. There is no usehaving a nice little copse whichis so thick that it cannot beplayed out of. You have to havetrees on an inland course froman aesthetic point of view aswell as a test of skill, but theymust be kept in trim so a golferhas a sporting chance to playFACETOFACEAn extractfrom a talkgiven byRodney Fosterto membersof the BGGAin 1986out of them.Golf overseas is a totallydifferent game, mainly due tothe climate. Some people saygolf is a climate game andcertainly the players fromwarmer countries seem toperform better than we do. Youcan only play sensible golf herefor a maximum of six monthsof the year. Ifyougetabadstart to the golfing year interms of weather, it ruins theamateur golfer's season becausehe cannot put the work in. Iamsure the same thing is true ofgreenkeeping.A modern clubhouse overlooks the 1st tee on Carnoustie's championship course.
There is something elsemissing in this country whichseems to be present abroad, andthat is money, in the form ofmachinery and men. I thinkeverything should be done togive greenkeepers a chance toattend to the little things to getthe general standard ofhousekeeping up to scratch.Abroad, this seems to be donewith out financial restraints.If you go to Ganton, which Ithink gets as many golfers asother clubs and a tremendousnumber of visitors, you will seethat they do tend to be luckybecause when they sand andseed tees, they do seem togerminate quickly. On inlandcourses this takes more time.One article I read asked whytees could not be just likegreens but a little longer. On ashort hole, of course, it is notpossible, but on a driving hole Icannot see why the tee cannotbe presentable and attractive.On links courses theformation of bunkers is easy:you dig a hole and it is there,but you then have theconstruction to look at. It isturved down the face or open? Iprefer to see them open, but Iappreciate that on a linkscourse turved faces are veryattractive, but I would havethought that the maintenancewas a little harder.With inland courses the trapthat is often fallen into is to tryto make the bunkers like thoseon seaside courses and youcannot do it. You cannot have aseaside bunker on an inlandcourse. It does not work.This lovely white sand is soattractive until you get in it!Your foot goes in, you havemaybe a couple of shots andthen you look behind you at themess and then have to spendfive minutes with a raketidying it up to make itpresentable again. On inlandcourse bunkers are in a worsecondition, not through thefault of the greenkeeper, but, inmost cases through frustratedgolfers.I would rather see the gritty,darker, firmer sand. Let's notmake pretentions that ourinland courses are like the onesat the seaside. They may bebowls of dirt to some people,but they are eminently moreplayable and they are easier tokeep in good condition.I think one could be moredaring in the terms of the shapeof bunkers. At my own clubthey have tended to be ovalwith a straight line at the front.I think this is a bitunimaginative and I think it isthe same with fairways. Ithink it is nice to see a bit ofshape to a fairway, whether ona championship course or anexciting local course. This issomething which can be donewith very little effort and thebeauty of it is that it is notirreversible. If you decide itdoes not look right you just letthe grass grow.These are the sort of steps Iwould much rather see greenscommittees take with theconnivance of the greens staffbefore they start altering thebasic design of
THE TUFTURF' TEE MAT — Like a piece of firm, well sprung fairway AND FAIRWAY SHOTS FOR TEE SHOTS "A British made porous hardwearing all weather tee 1.5 m x 1m and 2m x1m. Synthetic grass, bonded to reconstituted rubber underlay shock pad with 60 tee inserts, combine to give a
