(PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.) – PGA Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy, Dick Gray, was named the 2016 TurfNet “Superintendent of the Year” at the Golf Industry Show earlier this month in Orlando.
Widely regarded as one of the most inspirational turf grass experts in the industry, Gray topped a list of 228 nominees from across the country. Entrants were judged on their ability to excel in labor management, maximize budget limitations, educate and advance the careers of colleagues and assistants, prepare for tournaments under unusual circumstances, service to golf clientele, upgrade or renovate courses, and deal with extreme or emergency conditions.
Since joining PGA Golf Club in 2013, Gray has been instrumental in its growth and success. Charged with elevating the flagship facility of the PGA of America, Gray led a team to renovate and re-grass the Wanamaker and Dye courses. Now PGA Golf Club is one of only a few resorts in America with two of its courses ranked among the best in state by Golf Digest and Golfweek.
“Dick Gray and his team are leading an impressive transformation that has cemented PGA Golf Club among the elite golf destinations in Florida,” says Jimmy Terry, PGA Senior General Manager. “The stunning renovations are shining examples of his dedication to providing great course conditions day in, day out to our club and PGA members, and guests.”
Gray’s career started in the 1960s where he worked under the guidance of his mentor, friend and legendary course architect, Pete Dye, at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, IN, host of the 1991 PGA Championship. More than 50 years later, Gray and Dye collaborated to renovate the Dye Course which has received rave reviews. Gray’s imprint can been seen throughout south Florida: he helped design and build The Florida Club in Stuart, worked with Dye and P.B. Dye on the construction of Loblolly Golf Club in Hobe Sound, and oversaw a re-grassing project at Jupiter Hills Club (ranked among “America’s 100 Greatest Courses in the United States”) in Tequesta.
“I’m humbled to receive this honor,” says Gray. “This award is tribute to the real magicians at PGA Golf Club, my team, who push themselves every day to deliver the best possible conditions on our golf courses.”
With the honor, Gray earned a trip for two to Scotland in October for the TurfNet Members golf trip, courtesy of award sponsor Syngenta.
To learn more about PGA Golf Club: pgavillage.com, 772.467.1300.
Getting There: PGA Golf Club is less than a two-hour drive from Orlando and Miami, and under three hours from Tampa, Fort Myers and other Florida population centers. Having been ranked among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Digest, PGA Golf Club is conveniently located 50 minutes north of Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), off Interstate 95 in Port St. Lucie. PBI offers nearly 100 nonstop flights to more than 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Known as the “Ultimate Golf Resort Destination,” PGA Golf Club is home to four distinct golf courses. The entertaining layouts were designed by renowned architects Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Jim Fazio.
Contact:
Andy DeKeuster
Buffalo.Agency
adekeuster@buffalo.agency
Buffalo.Agency
