For the past several years, we've brought you reports each fall from a unique event for assistant superintendents called the Green Start Academy.
Presented through a partnership between the folks at John Deere Golf and Bayer Environmental Science, Green Start has become a key milestone on the calendar for assistants looking to learn more about their industry, the issues facing that industry and network with peers from all around the country.
“You can’t beat the networking opportunity that Green Start Academy offers,” says Joe Schneider, an assistant at Beverly CC in Chicago and a 2010 Green Start Academy attendee. “It’s interesting to meet with assistant superintendents from across the country and realize we all face the same issues; it’s a great way to get an idea of what works and doesn’t work for your peers.”
This year's event is set for Oct. 5-7 in North Carolina (Bayer has a research-and-development facility in Clayton, while Deere has a production facility in Fuquay-Varina), and assistants interested in taking part in the 2011 event can apply right now.
To be considered for Green Start Academy, assistants are required to complete an online application and respond to one of two pre-selected essay questions. Of the applicants, only 50 are selected to attend the event. A panel of industry experts will judge the essays:
- Ken Mangum, director of golf course and grounds, Atlanta Athletic Club
- Bob Farren, grounds and golf course manager, Pinehurst Resort
- Patrick Finlen, director of golf maintenance operations, The Olympic Club
- John Zimmers, grounds superintendent, Oakmont Country Club
- Paul Grogan, director of golf course maintenance operations, TPC Deere Run
The application phase is open through July 8, 2011, and winners will be notified the week of August 15, 2011. For more information and to apply, assistant superintendents should visit www.BackedbyBayer.com/GreenStartAcademy.
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