Three postgraduate grants awarded from the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s Environmental Institute for Golf
Lawrence, Kan. (Jan. 27, 2015) – Phillip Vines, graduate student in turfgrass pathology at Mississippi State University, had an eventful December. On Dec. 6, The Philadelphia, Miss., native married his wife, Elizabeth, and on New Year’s Eve, he found out he had received a $5,000 grant as part of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America’s Dr. James Watson Fellowship Program.
Vines was honored along with David Jesperson of Livingston, N.J., and Charles (Chas) Schmid of Sioux Fall, S.D., who are both doctoral students at Rutgers University.
“I was really speechless when I found out,” Vines, who will finish his master’s degree in May, said. “With all of the money spent on the wedding and just starting out, it really relieved a burden.”
The Watson Fellowship is funded by a partnership between The Toro Company and GCSAA’s philanthropic organization the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). The fellowship is named after the late James R. Watson, Ph.D., a vice president for Toro who pioneered turfgrass research. The winners, students working toward postgraduate degrees, have been identified as promising future teachers and researchers in the field of golf course management. They also each receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2015 Golf Industry Show (Feb. 21-26) in San Antonio.
Watson was a leading authority on turfgrasses and was vice president for customer relations and chief agronomist for Toro. The winner of the USGA Green Section Award in 1976 and the 1977 Agronomic Service Award by the American Society of Agronomy, Watson was named a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America in 1979. He also won the 1991 Harry Gill Memorial Award from the Sports Turf Managers Association; the Old Tom Morris Award, GCSAA’s highest honor, in 1995; and this past December, the Donald Rossi Award from the Golf Course Builders Association of America.
An associate member of GCSAA, Vines’ history with the association goes back to his undergraduate days where he represented Mississippi State in GCSAA’s annual Collegiate Turf Bowl and served as president of the school’s turf club. He was well aware of Watson’s history and the fellowship.
“This is the most prestigious fellowship in our field. It means a tremendous amount and is very humbling to win an award named in Dr. Watson’s honor,” Vines said.
Over the course of five decades at Toro, Watson conducted research on adaptability of species and strains of turfgrasses, fertilization practices, snow mold prevention techniques for the winter protection of turfgrasses, and more. He authored more than 400 popular articles on turfgrass cultural practices and water conservation.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2014, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.thetorocompany.com.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
