We've known Justin Ruiz, CGCS at The Rim GC in Payson, Ariz., for some time around these parts. Among superintendents, he's been one of the early adopters of social media tools to communicate to his golfers what's going on at his golf course, so we've connected plenty with Justin through this blog, our Twitter account (@GCM_Magazine) and others.
Justin's so passionate about the role social media can play in this profession that he penned a story for our June issue we called "Facing Facebook, talking Twitter," a story that was extremely well received by our readers. And now, Justin can add some more tangible recognition for that story to the anecdotal praise he's received — GCSAA's 2010 Leo Feser Award for the best superintendent-written story to appear in GCM.
While Justin deserves mad props (that's how the kids say it these days) for his writing efforts, he'd also be the first to tell you that, really, any superintendent could do it. Even if you've haven't written anything longer than an e-mail since college, you too could see your name in print in the pages of GCM. If you have a great story to tell about your work on the golf course or your career in golf course management, we want to hear about it. We've got staff members ready, willing and able to lend a hand, so drop us a line and get started.
GCSAA certified golf course superintendent recognized for writing
Ruiz wins GCSAA's Leo Feser Award
Justin Ruiz, CGCS, has been honored with the 2010 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Leo Feser Award for his article, "Facing Facebook, talking Twitter," which appeared in the June 2010 issue of Golf Course Management magazine.
Ruiz is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Ariz. His article focused on the communication advantages with golfers/members/customers that social media can provide.
The Leo Feser Award is presented annually for 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. Ruiz, a 12-year GCSAA member, will receive the award at the 2011 GCSAA Education Conference Feb. 8 during Celebrate GCSAA! presented in partnership with Syngenta. The conference (Feb. 7-11) will be held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (Feb. 9-10) in Orlando.
"Justin's article does a great job of simplifying social media and its relevance to our profession," said GCSAA President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS. "Through his writing he was able to help readers understand how helpful these new technologies can be to a golf facility's communication efforts."
As the Feser Award winner, Ruiz will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. Ruiz's name will also 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 (as the association's magazine was called then) from his home in Wayzata, Minn. The award was first presented in 1956 and has been given annually since 1977.
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