Established in 1995 as part of the USGA’s Centennial Celebration, the Ike Grainger Award recognizes those volunteers who have given 25 years of service to the Association. Grainger served on the USGA Executive Committee and rose to become president from 1954-55. During his tenure, Grainger helped negotiate the first uniform code of Rules with the R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews).
In 2013, 43 individuals will have reached that milestone. In addition to J. Mark Black, Joseph F. Beditz, Becky Rountree, and Joseph Wortley are other Florida recipients of the award.
J. Mark Black is a member of the Green Section Committee, whose primary responsibility is directed toward USGA member clubs and courses in golf course maintenance affairs, mainly through the services of Green Section agronomists engaged in the Turf Advisory Service. Along with promoting the Turf Advisory Service and other Green Section programs, committee members serve as a sounding board for ideas, provide constructive feedback, and help the staff agronomists stay up to date on activities in their area.
Mark joined the Green Section Committee in February, 1989 when he was the golf course superintendent at the Bonita Bay Club in Naples, and has remained involved in the golf course maintenance industry as the Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at Quail West Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida. On behalf of Todd Lowe, senior agronomist for the Florida Region and myself, we congratulate Mark and thank him for his efforts and friendship over the years.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2013 Poa annua Golf Classic at the Naples Beach Hotel and Club. The USGA Green Section will be presenting a half-day education program on Friday, May 17. We would also like to remind all TAS subscribers that the deadline is approaching for the discounted TAS fees. To receive the $500 discount, payment must be received by May 15, 2013.
Source: John Foy (jfoy@usga.org)
Information on the USGA’s Turf Advisory Service
Contact the Green Section Staff