Meet The Agronomists

chartwiger@usga.org | 678-591-7410 | Based in Pinehurst, NC
 

Chris Hartwiger is based in Pinehurst, NC and is the Director of Agronomy.

dbevard@usga.org | 610-246-9263 | Based in Kennett Square, PA

Darin Bevard is the director of Championship Agronomy for the USGA Green Section and is based out of Kennett Square, Pa. He oversees agronomic preparations for USGA championships with an emphasis on open championships. 

cthompson@usga.org | 908-396-1562 | Based in Pinehurst, NC

Dr. Cole Thompson oversees the USGA’s turfgrass and environmental research initiatives to improve sustainability and advance turfgrass science principles that enhance management practices for golf courses.

mserena@usga.org | 610-515-1662 | Based in Southern California

Dr. Matteo Serena engages with golf courses, public and industry scientists, allied golf associations, and other stakeholders to advance water conservation on golf courses throughout the USA.

jbooth@usga.org | 804-814-3078 | Based in Pinehurst, NC
 

Jordan joined the Green Section in 2021 as an agronomist in the East Region. He is currently based out of North Carolina.

edowling@usga.org | 224-656-9773 | Based in Longmeadow, MA
 

Elliott is an agronomist in the USGA Green Section’s East Region based out of Longmeadow, MA. He helps golf facilities maintain better playing conditions through USGA Course Consulting Service on-site visits, educational outreach and research throughout the region. 

bgietka@usga.org | 410-218-0131 | Based in Hagerstown, MD
 

Brian joined the Green Section in 2023 as an agronomist in the East Region. He is based out of the Mid-Atlantic area. 

znicoludis@usga.org | 412-215-6488 | Based in Columbus, OH

Zach joined the Green Section in the spring of 2016 as an agronomist in the Central Region. He is based in Columbus, Ohio and conducts visits in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky as well as providing educational outreach throughout the Central Region. 

bwhitlark@usga.org | 480-215-1958 | Based in Gilbert, AZ

Whitlark joined the Green Section staff in 2008 as a senior consulting agronomist in the West Region. He makes Course Consulting Service visits in Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico and Mexico. 

cisom@usga.org | 831-917-3152 | Based in Puyallup, WA

Cory Isom is an agronomist in the USGA Green Section’s West Region. He is based in Puyallup, Washington. 

dobrien@usga.org | Based in Pinehurst, NC
 

Dr. Daniel O’Brien joined the USGA in 2024 as Green Section Research Manager, working in Pinehurst, NC. In this role, Daniel provides support for Green Section research activities.