National Turfgrass Conference 2004

'In Pursuit of Excellence'

Press Release

Some of the world's leading and finest turfgrass Educationalists and Agronomists will be actively promoting and sharing information at this year's National Turfgrass Conference being held in Southport (England) on the 29^th November - 2^nd December 2004. The Conference, now in its third year, attracts a variety of turfgrass industry professionals from all over the world.

The programme for the conference sees a wide range of subjects being delivered during the four days, with the conference starting at 0900 hrs each day and finishing at 1700hrs. The organisers, not content with a full day time programme, have also put together some evening activities including a Reception and Gala Evening on the Wednesday when BRITTIR (British Turfgrass Industry Recognition Awards) Awards will be presented.

A warm welcome from the Trustees

The Trustees of the National Turfgrass Foundation welcomes all delegates to its 'In Pursuit of Excellence' Conference and Turfgrass Education Emporium 2004. Those visitors who have attended previous NTF conferences will see that we have continued to expand the quantity and diversity of advanced educational opportunities with the addition of our new feature, the 'Turfgrass Education Emporium'. The TEE offers a chance to delve more deeply into a number of crucial topics that can aid you in your professional and personal development. For the first-time visitor, you will be amazed at the wealth of information that you can take away with you from this information-packed conference. You'll also have opportunities to express your views and share in the experiences of others that are equally passionate about their subject. It's a great way to learn - and raise your professional status.

A very special welcome and sincere thanks is extended to the professional organisations that have come together with the National Turfgrass Foundation to bring this special programme to you.

• The INSTITUTE OF GROUNDSMANSHIP,

• FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN GOLF GREENKEEPERS ASSOCIATIONS, (FEGGA)

• BRITISH TURF AND LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION

• BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTORS

• EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS

• TURFGRASS GROWERS ASSOCIATION

• PITCHCARE. COM

• CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY

have combined with the National Turfgrass Foundation to create the most extensive and diverse turfgrass education conference programme staged in the UK. All parties are working together 'In Pursuit of Excellence' for the benefit of education and the turfgrass industry.

The National Turfgrass Foundation is administered by a handful of volunteers. There are no paid officers and nobody receives any remuneration for their efforts. A special thanks is extended to those who have so willingly given of their time and energy to make this event happen. The National Turfgrass Foundation Trustees also extend their sincere thanks to all their supporters and the companies that have so generously sponsored this assembly of highly prodigious speakers.

For further information on the 'In Pursuit of Excellence' Conference or any other of the National Turfgrass Foundation's activities, please telephone +44 (0)1995 670675, fax +44 (0)1995 670675, or email NTFoundation@aol.com.

Conference Programme

Monday 29^th November 2004

9.00-10-00 Registration and Tea / Coffee and Bisciuts

SESSION 1

10.00 a.m.- 10.30 a.m. Welcome and Conference Introduction Martyn Jones National Turfgrass Foundation

10.30a.m. - 10.45a.m. Chairman's Address Mr Paul Fisher President, English Golf Union

10.45a.m. - 11.30a.m. Major Tournament Preparation - a Course Manager's Perspective Mr Jim McKenzie, Course Manager Celtic Manor Resort

11.30a.m. - 12.15p.m. USGA Agronomy Input in Tournament Course Preparation Mr Larry Gilhuly Director, USGA Northwest Region

12.15p.m. - 12.30p.m. Questions from the Floor

12.30p.m. - 1.45p.m. LUNCH

SESSION 2

1.45pm. - 2.00pm. Chairman's Address Dr Gordon McKillop Executive Director, STRI

2.00p.m. - 2.45p.m. Preparing & Implementing a Tree Management Programme Mr Jonathan Smith, Golf Course Advisor Scottish Wildlife Group

2.45pm - 3.30pm New Breeding & Genetics of Cool-Season Turfgrasses Dr Leah Brilman, Director of Research, Seed Research of Oregon

3.30p.m. - 4.00p.m. Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

4.00p.m. - 4.45p.m. Glass Substitute for Rootzones and Bunkers - Research Update Dr Andrew Owen Sports Turf Research Institute

4.45p.m. - 5.15p.m. Questions from the Floor and Discussion

Additional Half day and full day Tutorials are also on offer.

Bring a little warmth and sunshine to your visit to Southport in November! Cynodon species are some of the most widely used turfgrasses in warmer climates. As with other warm-season turfgrass species, their anatomy and physiology are very different from the cool-season species that we are familiar with in northern Europe. And they require different techniques for successful establishment and management.

This half-day tutorial is presented in association with the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations and welcomes one of the world's leading authorities on the establishment and growing-in of golf courses. Terry Buchen, Certified Golf Course Superintendent and Master Greenkeeper, has been responsible for the grow-in of some of the most revered golf courses. His wide experience, along with his easy manner, makes this tutorial one of the 'must-sees' for any turfgrass manager responsible for maintaining bermudagrass surfaces, or those wishing to extend their knowledge and career opportunities.

TOPIC TUTORIAL 1 'Bermudagrass Establishment and Management for Greens, Tees, Fairways and Sportsfields'

Presented by Mr Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG Golf Agronomy International

1.45p.m. - 5.15p.m in the Lakeside Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £25 Limited to 25 places.

A fascinating world, invisible to the naked eye, is brought sharply into focus in this intriguing Study Group session. How many times have you wondered what was happening in a plant or in the soil? Well, now you can find out.

The selection and working principles of microscopes are explained and hands-on experience in the preparation of specimens and use of equipment ensures that this Study Group provides an ideal introduction into laboratory use of microscopes. A range of prepared slides will enable you to have first-hand knowledge of things that you might encounter in your search through the microscopic world of plants, soils and water.

STUDY GROUP 1

'What the eye can't see! - Making the most of a microscope for problem solving' Presented by Mr. Phil Sharples and Mr. Chard Spicer Reaseheath College. Whether you wish to advance on to higher technical education, wish to establish your own small laboratory at work, or develop your own interests at home, you'll gain a great start here.

1.45p.m. - 5.15p.m. in the Garden Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £25 Limited to 20 places

TURFGRASS GROWERS ASSOCIATION Symposium

A symposium package assembled jointly between the NTF and TGA. It has been specifically designed to be of interest to all Members of the Turfgrass Growers Association as part of its continuing education and development programme.

1.45 - 2.00p.m. Welcome and Chairperson's Address

2.00 - 2.45p.m. 'The Evolution of a New Turfgrass Variety' by Dr Danny Thorogood, IGER

2.45 - 3.30p.m. 'Chemical and Nutrient Usage in Turfgrass Establishment' by Mr Nick Martin, Scotts UK.

3.30 - 4.00p.m. Coffee and Biscuits

4.00 - 4.45p.m. 'Biotic and Abiotic Issues Relating to Turfgrass Establishment' by Mr John Hacker, Consultant, PSD

4.45 - 5.30p.m. Discussion on 'Seed quality control - where do the responsibilities lie'

Tuesday 30^th November 2004

Today's Conference programme is presented in association with the British Turf and Landscape Irrigation Association and the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations.

8.15a.m. - 8.45a.m. Registration

SESSION 3

In association with the British Turf and Landscape Irrigation Association

8.45am - 9.00am Welcome and Introduction Martyn Jones National Turfgrass Foundation

9.00am - 9.15am Chairman's Address Mr Gordon Moir, Links Superintendent St Andrews Links Trust

9.15am - 10.00am Accurately Assessing Irrigation Requirements Professor Karl Danneberger Ohio State University

10.00am - 10.45am Water Regulations and Legislation Update Mr Graeme Francis British Turf & Landscape Irrigation Association

10.45am - 11.15am Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

11.15am - 12.00 Producing, Monitoring and Recording a Water Audit Dr Jerry Knox Cranfield University at Silsoe

12.00 - 12.30pm Questions from the floor

12.30pm - 1.45pm LUNCH

SESSION 4

In association with the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations

1.45pm - 2.00pm Chairman's Address Mr Joseph Bedford President Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations

2.00pm - 2.45pm Converting Species Composition by Overseeding - How successful can it be? Mr Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG Golf Agronomy
International

2.45pm - 3.30pm Habitat Creation on Golf Courses for Greater Biodiversity Mr Bob Taylor, Senior Ecologist Sports Turf Research Institute

3.30pm - 4.00pm Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

4.00pm - 4.45pm Maximising Root Growth Dr Joseph M. DiPaola Golf Market Manager, Syngenta Professional Products

4.45pm - 5.15pm Questions from the floor and discussion

FULL DAY MASTER CLASS 1 'Turfgrass Identification and Species Adaptation'

Presented by Mr. David Rhodes, MSc

9.00a.m. - 5.15p.m. in the Lakeside Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £50 Limited to 25 places

Fundamental to any turfgrass management programme are the accurate identification of each species present and an understanding of its adaptation to the environment.

There are about 150 species of grasses that are indigenous to the British Isles and, whilst only a small percentage of this total are adapted to turfgrass usage, they represent a diverse range of forms, growth habits and adaptations. Learn the characteristics that help to identify each species and discover some of the amazing adaptations that this group of plants has evolved to survive, not only in natural environments but also under the austere stresses of intensively managed turf. You will find that the infectious enthusiasm that David Rhodes has for grasses will keep you mesmerised throughout the day.

HALF-DAY SEMINAR 1 'Developing an Effective Health & Safety Policy'

Presented by Mr. Douglas Shearer Elmwood College

9.00a.m. - 12.30p.m. in the Garden Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £25 Limited to 25 places

Legislative directives to ensure the safety of all your employees, users and visitors to sports areas has demanded an effective Health and Safety Policy that is well structured, recorded, administered, and communicated.

Revered as one of the most experienced educators in the field of Health & Safety on golf courses and sports grounds, Douglas Shearer will share his vast knowledge and experience with you. It will help you produce risk assessments, record evidence, monitor progress and effectively communicate all aspects of your H & S policy to your membership. A must for any manager that wants to ensure that those legislative demands are fully complied with - and it can be fun!

HALF-DAY SEMINAR 2 'Project and Contract Management Achieving financial success'

Presented by Mr Steve Prinn Askham Bryan College and Cranfield University
In Association with British Association of Golf Course Constructors And British Turf and Landscape Irrigation Association

1.45p.m. - 5.15p.m. in the Promenade Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £25 Limited to 25 places

Designed specifically for golf course, sports ground, and landscape constructors, and irrigation installers, this half-day Seminar focuses on the complexities of contract law and project management to avoid financial losses. Presented in association with the British Association of Golf Course Constructors and British Turf and Landscape Irrigation Association, it explores some of the pitfalls to avoid and how you can safeguard your position in relation to the client's expectations.

Cranfield University has had an enviable record over the years for the quality of its courses on financial, resources, and human management. It brings those years of experience to this intensive half-day seminar to assist contractors in developing a sound and effective management structure for their projects and contracts.

Evening

6.15 p.m.-8.30 p.m. EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS RECEPTION AND INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Prince of Wales Hotel Lord Street, Southport

Have you strong views on the direction in which golf course design should be going? Do you feel that there should be changes to the ways in which golf courses are designed, developed, and constructed? Are golf courses designed to be maintenance friendly?

The design, development and marketing of golf courses are highly emotive topics and this evening offers an ideal opportunity to express your views in an informal and frank discussion with some of the most experienced golf course designers in Europe in an open and relaxed atmosphere.

The National Turfgrass Foundation is dedicated to working with other like-minded associations and governing bodies for the betterment of education and training. The NTF warmly welcomes the European Institute of Golf Course Architects as co-hosts of this evening's reception and discussion programme.

Wednesday 1^st December 2004

8.15a.m - 8.45a.m. Registration

SESSION 5

In association with the British Association of Golf Course Constructors and the European Institute of Golf Course Architects

8.45am. - 9.00am. Welcome and Introduction Martyn Jones National Turfgrass Foundation

9.00am. - 9.15am. Chairman's Address Mr David White, Secretary British Association of Golf Course Constructors

9.15a.m.- 10.00a.m. What to Expect from a Soil Testing Laboratory Ms Ann Murray, Director of European Turfgrass Laboratories

10.00a.m. - 10.45a.m. Greens and Tees Construction - Recommendations Update Mr Matt Nelson, Agronomist USGA Green Section

10.45a.m. - 11.15a.m. Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

11.15a.m. - 12.00 Golf Course Refurbishment - tasks, roles and responsibilities of those involved Panel of Experts from the Professions

12.00noon - 12.30p.m. Questions from the Floor

12.30p.m. - 1.45p.m. LUNCH

SESSION 6

In association with the Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations

1.45pm. - 2.00pm. Chairman's Address Mr Eddie Donlon, President Golf Course Superintendent's Association of Ireland

2.00p.m. - 2.45p.m. Motivating your Work Team Mr Billy McMillan, Course Manager Tyrells Wood G C

2.45p.m. - 3.30p.m. Record Keeping and Office Skills Mr Bruce Williams, CGCS Los Angeles Country Club

3.30p.m. - 4.00p.m. Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

4.00p.m. - 4.45p.m. Preparation and Presentation of a Golf Course Maintenance Budget Mr Duncan McGilvray, Course Manager Potters Bar Golf Club

4.45pm - 5.15pm Questions from the Floor and Discussion

Alternative days programme presented by INSTITUTE OF GROUNDSMANSHIP (IOG) GROUNDSMANSHIP SYMPOSIUM

Groundsmanship have joined forces to bring you a unique symposium that focuses attention on the science and practices that help to get the best performance from natural grass. Increased pressures of play, inappropriate stadia design and higher player expectations have put greater demands on turf managers for quality surfaces. Experts from the UK and America bring with them some of the most recent findings and current technology for 'getting the best from natural grass'.

'Getting the Best from Natural Grass'

8.15am. - 8.45am. Registration

8.45am. - 9.00am. Welcome and Introduction

9.00am. - 9.15am. Chairman's Address - Mr Alex R Millar Chairman, Institute of Groundsmanship

9.15a.m. - 10.00a.m. Products for Improved Performance in Stress Conditions Dr John Rogers, Michigan State Univ.

10.00a.m. - 10.45a.m. Breeding Ryegrass for Stress Situations Dr Leah A Brilman, Research Director Seed Research of Oregon

10.45a.m. - 11.15a.m. Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

11.15a.m. - 12.00noon Plant Nutrition for Wear Tolerance Dr David Lawson Sports Turf Research Institute

12.00noon - 12.30p.m. Questions from the Floor

12.30p.m. - 1.45p.m. LUNCH

1.45pm. - 2.00pm. Chairman's Address -Mr David Winn Training and Education Manager, IOG

2.00p.m. - 2.45p.m. Rootzone Design for WinterSports Mr Mike Harbridge, Consultant, Professional Sportsturf Design

2.45p.m. - 3.30p.m. Quality Standards for Managing Sports Surfaces Mr Chris Gray, NDT

IOG Training & Education Committee

3.30p.m. - 4.00p.m. Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

4.00p.m - 5.15p.m. Panel Discussion & Questions from the Floor

COLLEGE CAMPUS STUDENT PROGRAMME

8.15am. - 8.45am. Registration

8.45am. - 9.00am. Welcome and Introduction

9.00am - 12.30pm. Presentations by experts from the UK and USA, on 'Black Layer', 'Internships in the USA', and 'Water Movement in Soils'.

12.30pm. - 1.45pm. LUNCH

1.45pm. - 5.15pm. Presentations by experts from the UK and USA, on 'Turfgrass Nutrition' and 'Becoming a Golf Course Manager'.

A programme packed full of informative presentations by some of the most revered authorities in their subject areas, designed specifically for turfgrass students with their sights on a successful career in golf course and sports ground management.

Ask your tutor to contact the National Turfgrass Foundation for details of the presentation schedule and the special discounts for students who are registered on a higher-level education programme.

Evening

6.30p.m. BRITTIR AWARDS BRITish Turfgrass Industry Recognition Awards RECEPTION AND GALA EVENING The Southport Theatre and
Floral Hall Complex.

An evening of entertainment to celebrate the winners of the 2004 BRITTIR Awards, collectively presented by the leading associations within the British turfgrass sector.

The Associations who have collaborated to show their appreciation to individuals and groups who do so much for our industry are:

• National Turfgrass Foundation

• Institute of Groundsmanship

• British Association of Golf Course Constructors

• British Turf & Landscape Irrigation Association

• British Rootzone & Topdressing Manufacturers Association

• Turfgrass Growers Association

Thursday 2^nd December 2004

8.15a.m. - 8.45a.m. Registration

SESSION 7

8.45am - 9.00am Welcome and Introduction Martyn Jones National Turfgrass Foundation

9.00am - 9.15am Chairman's Address Mr Melvin B. Lucas, Jnr., CGCS Past President, Golf Course Superintendent's Association of
America

9.15am - 10.00am New Generation Pesticides Dr Joseph M. DiPaola, Golf Market Manager Syngenta Professional Products

10.00am - 10.45am Cylinder Maintenance, Backlapping, and Mower Settings- Cutting-edge Research Update Mr Ian Fear European Product
Manager, Foley United

10.45am - 11.15am Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

11.15am - 12.00noon Being a Professional - and living it! Mr Bruce Williams, CGCS Los Angeles G & CC

12.00noon - 12.30pm Questions from the Floor

12.30pm - 1.45pm LUNCH

SESSION 8

1.45pm - 2.00pm Chairman's Address Mr Eddie Seaward Head Groundsman All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

2.00pm - 2.45pm Micronutrients - are they a major marketing ploy? Professor Karl Danneberger Ohio State University

2.45pm - 3.30pm Minimal Input Maintenance of Fine Turf Mr Simon Barnaby, Technical Manager Scotts UK Ltd

3.30pm - 4.00pm Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

4.00pm - 4.45pm Producing a Golf Course Management Policy Document Mr Matt Nelson USGA Green Section

4.45pm - 5.15pm Questions from the Floor and Discussion

5.15pm CLOSE OF CONFERENCE

Additional programmes

This is your chance to solve that troublesome drainage problem on your golf course or sports ground. Experts from both sides of the Atlantic bring their combined expertise to this fascinating full-day MasterClass.

An appreciation of water movement and retention in soils is fundamental to the design of an effective drainage scheme and recent research has led to a greater understanding of how they dictate the playing characteristics of intensively used sports areas. Whether you are responsible are for the management of a golf course or sports ground, this highly informative Masterclass is sure to provide you with a greater comprehension of the science of drainage.

FULL-DAY MASTERCLASS 2 'Soils and Drainage'

Presented jointly by Cranfield University at Silsoe, Michigan State University and TurfTrax Ltd.

9.00a.m. - 5.15p.m. in the Lakeside Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £50 Limited to 25 places.

Two of the most celebrated experts, Professor 'Al' Turgeon and Professor Joseph Vargas, Jr., have joined forces to bring this unique educational opportunity to the UK. A rare chance to gain so much information in the space of a single day.

Poa annua - Everything you wanted to know about it but were afraid to ask!

Presented by Prof. Joseph M. Vargas, Jr., Michigan State University and Prof. 'Al' J. Turgeon, Pennsylvania State University

9.00a.m. - 5.15p.m. in the Garden Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £50 Limited to 25 places

'Al' Turgeon is Professor of Turfgrass Management in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Penn State University and has authored over 300 publications, including the classic textbook 'Turfgrass Management'.

Joseph Vargas, Jr., Professor of Plant Pathology at Michigan State University, is one of the best known turfgrass pathologists in the World. He has authored hundreds of papers and the most widely used textbook on turfgrass diseases, 'Management of Turfgrass Diseases'

Recently, they co-authored a comprehensive guide to controlling and cultivating Poa annua. Simply entitled, 'Poa annua', it is published by John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey. ISBN 0-471-47268-9

FULL-DAY MASTERCLASS 3 'Golf Course Architecture - the design class'

Presented by Mr. Howard Swan, Past President European Institute of Golf Course Architects

9.00a.m - 5.15p.m. in the Promenade Suite Cost: Registration Fee plus £50 Limited to 20 place.

One of the best known and acclaimed British golf course architect teams will be sharing some of their knowledge, experience, and flair in this highly instructive and enjoyable one-day MasterClass.

Responsible for the design and construction of golf courses all over the World, Howard Swan has gained an enviable reputation for creating imaginative, challenging, and manageable courses. His philosophy is based on the time-honoured principles associated with the Master Architects such as Dr Alister Mackenzie, Albert Tillinghast, W. Herbert Fowler, Harry S. Colt, and Donald Ross.

The MasterClass provides you with a superb opportunity to expand your appreciation of golf course design, demonstrate your creativity, and seek the opinions of experts. How do you measure up to their standards, or those of your peers?

Howard Swan and members of his team will bring their own inimitable style, enthusiasm, and enjoyment to this hands-on MasterClass.