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Mining for Molecules

March 1, 2009 By: Larry Aylward Golfdom

Chemical companies say they are as committed as ever to the golf industry, despite a down economy and potential new environmental regulations


Newer companies to the industry such as Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Valent U.S.A. is committed "more than ever" to the golf course industry, says David Frye, Valent's vice president of marketing. "There's a clear research and development effort to bring new products to market."

Arysta Lifesciences, another new company to the golf industry that's based in Cary, N.C., is "fully committed to the golf course maintenance industry," says Mike Maravich, Arysta's marketing and product manager for turf and ornamentals.

So if there's a firm investment and commitment from chemical companies for continued research and new products, what does this mean for golf course superintendents? It means a few things, for sure, if not several.

First, it means a continued — and probably more intensive — focus on superintendents' needs, especially in a more competitive industry because of the decline in new golf courses. It also means new pesticides with new modes of action. And it means chemical companies will continue in their collective quest to introduce environmentally friendly active ingredients that require low-use rates, including nontraditional products.

In terms of meeting superintendents' needs on their golf courses, chemical companies realize their business models begin with the customer service component. Never has the customer been more important, especially in a specialized market with many suppliers and products, than they have now.

"The business is constantly changing," says Tom Hoffman, vice president of commercial sales and product development for Kansas City-based PBI/Gordon. "We're constantly trying to find out the problems superintendents are having."

"We know we have to continue to build products that not only provide some solutions, but offer all the things customers are looking for," Arysta's Maravich adds.

Ravel says Syngenta will "do what we can to know what superintendents' needs are and try to anticipate what they need next." And it's not just about bringing new active ingredients to market, Ravel points out. It's also about improving everything from product formulations to product packaging, he says.

Bucci says it's BASF's job as a basic manufacturer to provide innovation to superintendents. "That's what our customers should expect from us," she adds.

Their customers might also expect chemical companies to give back to the golf maintenance industry, which many companies do.

"We give back a significant portion of our funds to the industry in terms of industry support and grants to trade shows and sponsorships," Towne says. "That resonates with superintendents."

Bayer's Welge is not blind to the fact that superintendents have had to reduce their maintenance budgets. Hence, it's up to chemical companies to prove their products and services are "highly valued" in order to receive a piece of the maintenance budget pie, he notes.

Along that line, Pedro Perdoma, director of research and regulatory affairs for Dayton, N.J.-based Cleary Chemical, says his company's No. 1 goal is to maintain a strong dedication to customer support. Its No. 2 goal is to broaden its portfolio with products that complement its existing line. Perdoma says Cleary plans to develop new active ingredients with new modes of action.

Of course, other chemical companies aim to do the same. And when things get cooking in the R&D labs, there's no better time.

"It's a real exciting time at DuPont," Silcox says. "Our discovery team is just kicking these molecules out left and right."

A new mode of action is always viewed favorably in the marketplace, especially when there are pesticide resistance issues to solve, Silcox adds. Perdomo says Cleary Chemical is working to develop new pre-mixed products to reduce pesticide resistance problems. 

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