William H. (Bill) Bengeyfield, former USGA Green Section agronomist and national director, passed away earlier this week at the age of 97. Bill had a far-reaching impact on the golf industry and the USGA. He first joined the Green Section in 1955, serving as an agronomist until 1978, when he became the director of golf courses and park maintenance at Industry Hills Golf Club in Southern California. He rejoined the Green Section in 1981 and served as national director from 1982 until his retirement in 1990.
Bengeyfield believed that the recommendations and information provided by the USGA Green Section must be firmly based in science. He served as chairman of the USGA Turfgrass Research Committee and was instrumental in establishing the foundation of what is now known as the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program, which continues to have a profound impact on golf course maintenance. One of Bill’s great interests during his tenure with the Green Section was the USGA Green Section Record. He served as editor from 1967 to 1978 and 1982 to 1990. His sound editorial perspective and his convincing writing style made the Green Section Record an invaluable reference for golf courses throughout the world.
Bill’s 34-year career positively impacted the game of golf and the turfgrass industry and helped mold the USGA Green Section into the leader it is today. Golf course agronomy is better today because of leaders like Bill Bengeyfield.