Honoring his more than 30 years of leadership and research, the United States Golf Association has named Dr. Bruce Clarke, of Rutgers University, as the recipient of the 2016 USGA Green Section Award. Presented annually since 1961, the USGA Green Section Award recognizes an individual’s distinguished service to the game of golf through his or her work with turfgrass.
Clarke, of Iselin, N.J., is an extension specialist of turfgrass pathology in the department of plant biology and pathology at Rutgers, and is the director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. Clarke has authored or co-authored 75 refereed journal articles and more than 200 industry publications, and he has edited three books, including the second and third editions of the Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases. He is also a frequent contributor at turfgrass conferences throughout the world.
Clarke’s research and extension programs focus on the cause and control of turfgrass diseases and integrated pest management strategies to reduce fungicide use. Clarke’s work with the biology and control of summer patch and anthracnose, and his introduction of effective cultural management and fungicides are cited as some of the most important achievements affecting the playing conditions of golf courses worldwide.
“While the efforts of scientists throughout the country advance turfgrass research and help provide golf with exceptional playing conditions, Dr. Clarke goes much further,” said Dr. Kimberly Erusha, managing director of the USGA Green Section. “He combines the qualities of an exceptional researcher with selfless dedication to outreach and outstanding commitment. His leadership at Rutgers University has motivated a team of scientists across all disciplines and resulted in a program that is improving turfgrass conditions around the globe.”