Two postgraduate grants awarded from the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s Environmental Institute for Golf
Lawrence, Kan. (Jan. 26, 2016) – Patrick Burgess, a graduate student in the department of plant biology and pathology at Rutgers University, will be able to attend the Golf Industry Show (GIS) in February thanks to a Watson Fellowship grant.
A native of Mahwah, N.J., Burgess, 29, married his high school sweetheart, Lea, in October, but her preschool teaching schedule didn’t allow them to immediately get away to celebrate. That celebration will come when the school year is completed, which gives Burgess two getaways to look forward to.
“I am looking forward to our honeymoon, and in the meantime, I am excited to be able to attend the Golf Industry Show through a Watson Fellowship grant,” said Burgess, who will earn his Ph.D. in May. “I am interested in a research and development position within private industry, and working to learn more about plants respond to climate change. I am skilled with plants; my wife is skilled with children.”
Burgess was honored along with Greg Obear of Sheboygan, Wis., a graduate student studying agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Both students will receive a $5,000 grant and the opportunity to attend the 2016 GIS Feb. 6-11 in San Diego.
Burgess already has three educational seminars on his list, and he is eager to cheer on the Rutgers Turf Club in the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition.
However, Obear, 27, and his wife, Lisa, just welcomed their second child on Dec. 29, and he is unable to get away. He is scheduled to earn his Ph.D. in 2018 and plans to pursue a teaching or research career.
“This is the best time of my life,” said Obear, who turned toward a career in golf course management after being an intern at nearby Whistling Straits in 2006 and 2007. It is also where he met his future wife, who was then working on the grounds staff.
The Watson Fellowships are funded by a partnership between The Toro Company and GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). The fellowship, started in 1998, is named after the late James R. Watson, Ph.D., a vice president for Toro and a pioneer in turfgrass research. The winning students working in postgraduate degree programs have been identified as promising future teachers and researchers in the field of golf course management.
“We are proud to partner with GCSAA to recognize Patrick and Greg for their outstanding accomplishments,” said Dana Lonn, managing director of Toro’s Center for Advanced Turf Technology. “We look forward to their contributions as the next generation of science leaders in the turfgrass community.”
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, a special GCSAA honor, in 1995; and the Donald Rossi Award from the Golf Course Builders Association of America.
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 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.
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.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
