Golf Course Superintendents Association of America award presented in partnership with Foley United
Lawrence, Kan. (Aug. 25, 2014) – Joe Stefanick, the equipment technician at Seven Lakes Golf and Tennis Community in Fort Myers, Fla., has been selected as the recipient of the 2014 Most Valuable Technician Award, presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Golf Course Management (GCM) magazine in partnership with Foley United.
Now in its fifth year, the award recognizes excellence among golf course equipment technicians and the vital role they play in the golf course management industry. Technicians are nominated by their golf course superintendents, and a panel of industry judges narrows those nominations down to three finalists, who are then voted on by GCSAA members through the association’s website.
“It is a great award,” said Stefanick, 50, a native of Conshohocken, Pa. “I have had a great opportunity to work with the best of the best in this business, like Luke Majorkie, who got me started. And I have loved it every day.”
“Our members know full well just how important a competent and professional golf course equipment technician is to the success of a golf facility,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “We’re pleased this award program has helped shed light on the value of equipment technicians, and we’re honored to recognize Joe for his long-term accomplishments in the industry and his contributions to the success of Seven Lakes.”
Nominated for the Most Valuable Technician Award by J.R. Irwin, Seven Lakes’ GCSAA Class A superintendent, Stefanick has served in his current role for the past two years. His career in golf course management, however, spans several decades and includes stops at such storied facilities as PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., and Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples.
Stefanick also has extensive major championship experience, having worked multiple U.S. Opens at the request of the host club superintendent, and has led the maintenance of equipment being utilized in the construction of several golf facilities, including Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla., and The Florida Club in Stuart.
Read more about Stefanick in “A place to call home” from the September issue of GCM.
“Joe Stefanick is certainly a worthy recipient of this honor, and we’re proud to recognize him with this year’s Most Valuable Technician Award,” said Jim Letournau, president of Foley United. “Golf course equipment technicians are our company’s primary customer, so we understand the valuable role they play in this business. It’s a privilege for us to partner with GCSAA and GCM to acknowledge and honor these individuals.”
Previous MVT Award Winners
2013 – Brian Heywood, The Valley Club, Hailey, Idaho
2012 – Jim Stuart, Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Club by Marriott
2011 – Gene Pascareli, Colorado Springs Country Club
2010 – Ramon Salas, Azusa Greens Country Club, Azusa, Calif.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
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 nearly 18,000 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. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.
About Golf Course Management magazine
Golf Course Management magazine is dedicated to advancing the golf course superintendent profession and helping GCSAA members achieve career success. To that end, GCM provides authoritative, “how-to,” career-oriented, technical and trend information by industry experts, researchers and golf course superintendents. By advancing the profession and members’ careers, the magazine contributes to the enhancement, growth and vitality of the game of golf.
About Foley United
Foley United, a division of The Foley Companies, is a Minneapolis, Minn., company that for nearly 80 years has been and industry leader in the design and manufacture of sharpening equipment. Foley United grinders sold into the golf and turf industry and one of four product groups that are manufactured at the company’s River Falls, Wis., facility.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
