Piper & Oakley Award   

Dr. Charles V. Piper and Dr. Russell A. Oakley were among the earliest scientists to conduct studies in the fields of turfgrass science and golf course management, and served as the first Chairman and Co-Chairman of the USGA Green Section when it was formed in 1920. They were men of great character, keen vision and remarkable achievement, whose contributions to the improvement in early greenkeeping methods cannot be overstated. The Piper and Oakley Award, established in 1998, periodically recognizes others who have so generously contributed to the programs and activities of the USGA Green Section and the game of golf as a volunteer.

PIPER & OAKLEY AWARD RECIPIENTS

M. Ali Harivandi, Ph. D. – Awarded October, 2009 A very active member of the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee since 1998, Ali has exhibited unselfish dedication and significant contributions to the USGA Green Section, the game of golf, and the turfgrass industry. Ali is an Environmental Horticulturist who specializes in turf, soil, and water issues with the University of California Cooperative Extension, providing an invaluable national and international perspective to help guide the USGA’s broad research objectives.

James M. Latham - Awarded February, 2003 Actively involved in the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee from 1995 - 2002, he attended numerous research monitoring visits and was able to shed some practical light on the research projects being considered by the committee. This practical insight came from his long-standing involvement in the turfgrass industry as USGA Green Section agronomist from 1956 - 1960, and again from 1984 - 1994.

Robert A. Laubach - Awarded March, 2002 A member of the USGA Green Section Committee since 1974, and a participant at several meetings of the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee. He also served on the USGA Sectional Affairs Committee and Senior Amateur Championship Committee and has been instrumental in planning and coordinating regional meetings in his home state of Arizona.

Eberhard R. Steiniger - Awarded July, 2000 A long-time superintendent at Pine Valley Country Club (N.J.), he was a valuable advisor to generations of Green Section agronomists and researchers. He officially served on the Green Section Committee and the USGA Green Section Award Committee from 1974 - 1989. He contributed many articles to the USGA Green Section Record magazine, and served as a speaker at countless USGA educational conferences and seminars.

Jaime Ortiz-Patiño - Awarded November, 1999 He was a loyal and dedicated member of the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee for more than ten years (1988 - 1999). Through his interest in the Green Section, his international influence in the game of golf, and his real world experience in the game, he was a very effective proponent of the work of the Committee and other Green Section programs. He has been able to effectively communicate the Green Section's environmental message to people at every level of the game and well beyond.

Dr. Victor R. Gibeault - Awarded March, 1999 A turfgrass extension specialist at the University of California - Riverside, served the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee through his keen ability for planning and communications. He was a member of the committee from 1985 - 1997.

Dr. James R. Watson - Awarded March, 1999 Former vice-president of the Toro Company for many years and the first scientist to receive a Ph.D. in turfgrass science. He has been a member of the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee since 1982, where he has brought his expertise in grass improvement and water issues in the game of golf.

Dr. Paul Rieke - Awarded January, 1999 As professor of turfgrass soils at Michigan State University, he has contributed immeasurably in the fields of soils and turfgrass fertility. He has served continuously on the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Committee since its inception in 1982.

Dr. Arthur P. Weber - Awarded December, 1998 A member of the Green Section Committee since 1984, he has enthusiastically championed environmental stewardship in golf and written numerous articles on a variety of topics for the USGA Green Section Record magazine.