Lavrenz wins GCSAA’s Leo Feser Award
Thomas K. Lavrenz has been honored with the 2008 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Leo Feser Award for his article, “Stress: What’s really important,” which appeared in the February 2008 issue of Golf Course Management magazine.
Nearly five years ago Lavrenz was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and more than a year ago he was also diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy. Last year, Lavrenz retired from his job as director of golf for the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In his golf career, he has been an active member of GCSAA for 18 years, working as a Class A superintendent at such Iowa courses as Jones Park Golf Course, Squaw Creek and Ellis Golf Course. Lavrenz now spends his time enjoying the company of Julie, his wife of 25 years, and his five boys, ages 19, 18, 16, 12 and 8, at their home in Hiawatha, Iowa.
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. Lavrenz will receive the award Feb. 5 during the Opening Session of the GCSAA Education Conference at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.
Lavrenz’s article is about the difference between what is important and can be changed, and what is important but cannot be changed. He tells the reader:
“Stress often results from not being able to differentiate between the two. You must recognize this, figure out what is most important, and then tackle it in a straightforward manner. While all superintendents are different, we have one thing in common: We belong to one of the finest professions in the world. This is not just a job to us … it is our chosen profession. All the way from the CEO of GCSAA to an assistant superintendent in Small Town, U.S.A., our association has been trying to help us recognize our own strengths and weaknesses and improve the quality of our lives. Now I want to help my colleagues in a similar manner.”
Read Lavrenz’s article online.
“Tom is a dedicated GCSAA member who has always been willing to share his experience both on and off the golf course” said GCSAA president David S. Downing II, CGCS. “Though not a typical GCM article, we believe it holds meaning for our members and it obviously struck a chord with the Strategic Communications Committee.”
As the Feser Award winner, Lavrenz will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference (Feb. 2-7) and Golf Industry Show (Feb. 5-7) in New Orleans. Also, in addition to the recognition at the Golf Industry Show, Lavrenz’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 GCSAA Education Conference, held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show, is the largest educational conference in the turfgrass management industry. More than 100 seminars and 60 additional hours of educational sessions are offered, covering all ranges of golf course management, including agronomics, communication and business management. Visit www.gcsaa.org/conference.
Golf Industry ShowThe 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 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
