Robert C. Vavrek, Jr.

 Senior Agronomist
North-Central Region

Vavrek is responsible for Turf Advisory Service visits in three states of the North Central Region of the USGA Green Section (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin). Other duties include writing articles for various publications and making numerous educational presentations at university turf conferences, USGA regional meetings, state /local golf association seminars and golf course superintendent meetings. His goal since joining the Green Section is to help provide golfers the best playing conditions possible within the budgetary limitations of a particular golf facility.

A Masters degree in turfgrass entomology from The Ohio State University explains his interest in helping golf course superintendents make an accurate diagnosis of turf related problems and, whenever possible, to reduce pesticide use through Integrated Pest Management. His Master's thesis research investigated the impact of insecticides on beneficial arthropods in a Kentucky bluegrass home lawn ecosystem.

Vavrek lives in Elm Grove, Wis. His hobbies are fishing, particularly fly fishing, and magic.