Dana Lonn, P.E.; Tod Blankenship, CGCS; Emily Merewitz; Alex Putman; and Van Cline, Ph.D., at the 2011 Golf Industry Show.
Tod Blankenship, CGCS, Emily Merewitz and Alexander Putman each have been awarded $5,000 postgraduate grants by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) as winners of the 2010 Watson Fellowship Program.
The Watson Fellowship is funded by a partnership between The Toro Co. and The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). It is named after James R. Watson, Ph.D., a retired vice president for Toro who pioneered turfgrass research. The winners, students working toward postgraduate degrees, have been identified as promising future teachers and researchers in the field of golf course management. They also received an all-expense paid trip to the 2011 GCSAA Education Conference (Feb. 7-11) and Golf Industry Show (Feb. 9-10) in Orlando.
Blankenship is working toward a doctorate degree at Oregon State University, Merewitz is pursuing a doctorate degree at Rutgers University, and Putman is a graduate student at North Carolina State University.
Watson is a leading authority on turfgrasses and was vice president for customer relations and chief agronomist for Toro. The winner of the USGA Green Section Award in 1976 and the 1977 Agronomic Service Award by the American Society of Agronomy, Watson was named a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America in 1979. He also won the 1991 Harry Gill Memorial Award of the Sports Turf Managers Association and GCSAA's highest honor in 1995, the Old Tom Morris Award. Over the course of five decades at Toro, Watson conducted research on adaptability of species and strains of turfgrasses, fertilization practices, snow mold prevention techniques for the winter protection of turfgrasses, etc. He has authored more than 400 popular articles on turfgrass cultural practices and water conservation.
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of nearly $1.7 billion in fiscal 2010, Toro's global presence extends to more than 80 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. Learn more about Toro.
The EIFG is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The EIFG concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. Backed by the organizations of Golf 20/20 and the World Golf Foundation, the EIFG is leading the golf course industry's commitment to continual improvement through its initiative Golf's Drive Toward Sustainability. Learn more about the EIFG.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information contact:
Mischia Wright, EIFG senior manager, 800-472-7878
