Chris Carson wins GCSAA’s Leo Feser Award
Chris Carson has been honored with the 2007 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Leo Feser Award for his article, "10 things I wish they’d taught me in turf school," which appeared in the February 2007 issue of Golf Course Management magazine.
A 29-year member of the association, Carson is a GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, N.J., where he’s been for 22 years. Carson becomes just the second repeat winner of the award, having received the honor in 2000.
The Leo Feser Award is given annually to the best superintendent-written article published in GCM, the association’s monthly magazine. The award winner is selected by members of GCSAA’s Strategic Communications Committee. Carson will receive the award Jan. 31 during the Opening Session of the Golf Industry Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Carson’s article touches on many of the key concepts from a career development class he teaches at Rutgers University. Carson tells the reader, "It’s important that your first few work experiences are more than just jobs. They need to be positive apprenticeships that will expand your knowledge and résumé, challenge you and better prepare you for your next position."
Read Carson’s article online.
"Chris is a dedicated GCSAA member who has always been willing to share his advice," said GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, CGCS. "This article is an example of his passion for the profession. It is practical information for anyone entering this field, and demonstrates how important lifelong learning is to career success. Chris is an example of how valuable a resource our experienced members can be for those entering the profession."
As the Feser Award winner, Carson will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference (Jan. 28-Feb. 2) and Golf Industry Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) in Orlando. Also, in addition to the recognition at the Golf Industry Show, Carson’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is on permanent display at GCSAA headquarters.
The Feser award honors the late Leo Feser, a pioneer golf course superintendent and a charter member of GCSAA. Feser is credited with keeping the association’s official publication alive during the Great Depression. For three years (1933-36), he wrote, edited, assembled and published each issue of The Greenkeepers’ Report from his home in Wayzata, Minn. The award was first presented in 1956 and has been given annually since 1977.
See the list of past recipients.
Golf Course Management is the leading publication for golf course managers. It has a circulation of nearly 30,000 and is delivered to every golf course in the United States.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
The Golf Industry Show is an innovative trade show designed for the owners/operators of golf facilities, and the professional members of the golf course and club management industries. Featuring its signature interactive solution centers, as well as the largest exhibit floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders. The Golf Industry Show is presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), along with supporting organizations, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Visit www.golfindustryshow.com.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications
800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org