People News

Inaugural Edwin Budding Award presented to Combest

Ed Combest, retired professor from Lake City Community College has been named as the winner of the inaugural Edwin Budding award sponsored by Ransomes/Jacobsen

David Withers, managing director of Ransomes/Jacobsen presented the award to Combest.  John Piersol, director of golf/landscape/forestry at Lake City, credited Combest for being one of those responsible for the success of the turf equipment technology program at Lake City. Piersol said, "Ed’s organization, professionalism, and vision put Lake City on the map."

The 2008 Budding Award will be given away at Harrogate Week hosted by the British International Golf Greens keepers Association (BIGGA).

The Edwin Budding Award was created to award those in the turf equipment industry whose actions have gone above and beyond the norm to help shape the industry. Edwin Budding designed the first reel mower, which changed the shape of golf.

Peper to receive ASGCA’s Donald Ross Award

George Peper, editor-in-chief of Golf magazine for a quarter of a century and author of 17 books on golf and golf courses, has been chosen to receive the 2008 Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects. He will accept the award during the society’s annual meeting, Apr. 3, 2008 in St. Andrews, Scotland.

The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to golf and golf course architecture. Steve Forrest, ASGCA president, will present the award to Peper.

"George Peper is one of the most knowledgeable voices in golf, respected for his prolific journalistic and publishing career and his respect for and knowledge of golf courses," said Forrest.

DeLozier named principal of Global Golf Advisors

Henry DeLozier, vice president of golf for Pulte Homes for the past nine years, has been named a principal of Global Golf Advisors, an international golf consultancy.

He will join the firm’s resort and residential consultancy practice with an emphasis on developing investment strategies for international funds and helping clients leverage their golf facilities as beneficial amenities,

As head of Pulte Homes’ golf portfolio, DeLozier oversaw the development of 27
courses in 10 states and created the homebuilder’s business strategy of integrating golf assets as value-adding amenities within the company’s national real estate holdings.

He is currently the president of the National Golf Course Owners Association and serves on GCSAA’s Strategic Communications Committee and the Employers Advisory Council for the PGA of America.

Key joins SubAir

SubAir Systems has added of Brian Key to its agronomic and golf project staff.  As an agronomist and golf project manager, he will assist in all stages of the SubAir golf project – planning, installation, and customer service.  He will also assist SubAir engineers leading projects on research greens at their office and production facility in South Carolina.

Key has worked in environmental horticulture for more than fifteen years.  Prior to joining the SubAir team, he was the director of golf at Swainsboro Golf and Country Club.