People News

Eight awarded GGCSA Legacy Scholarship

Eight students were awarded the 2008 Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association (GGCSA) Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship offers educational aid to the children and grandchildren of GGCSA members. The awards are funded by the GGCSA.

Applications were reviewed by an independent committee consisting of the GGCSA Scholarship Committee. Criteria for selection included: academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership and outside employment. The student’s also submitted an original 500-word essay on his or her parent’s or grandparent’s involvement with GGCSA. One or more of the applicant's parents or grandparents must have been a GGCSA member for five or more consecutive years and must be a currently active GGCSA member in one of the following classifications: A, SM, C, Retired A, Retired SM or AA Life. The student must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution for the next academic year.

2008 GGCSA Legacy Scholars:

• Jackson Esoda - son of Mark Esoda, CGCS - Atlanta Country Club
• Ashley Staughton - daughter of Richard Staughton, CGCS - Towne Lake Hills Golf Club
• Thomas Waldron - son of Randy Waldron - Director of Golf Courses & Landscaping - The Golf Club of Georgia
• Heather Dusch - daughter of Jim Dusch, CGCS - Hawks Ridge Golf Club
• Andrew Jason Martin - son of Mike Martin, GCS - Hampton Golf Village
• John Underwood - son of Chuck Underwood, CGCS - Northwood Country Club and grandson of Charlie Underwood - Retired AA
• Kyle Ketelsen - son of Craig Ketelsen, CGCS - Orchard Hills Golf Club
• Cliff Echols - son of Dennis Echols, CGCS - The Georgia Club

Donahue joins Phoenix as northeast sales manager

Michael J. Donahue has been named northeast area sales manager for Phoenix Environmental Care. "Mike’s 20-plus years of experience in the New England golf and specialty markets make him an ideal choice to help us continue our growth and maintain our commitment to superior customer service," said Owen Towne, president.  

Donahue will cover the New England Specialty Turf and Ornamental markets from Maine to Virginia.  He was formally Connecticut territory manager for TurfLinks, and before that was with R.F. Morse Turf & Ornamental and Lesco Inc.  

NGF announces board appointments

The National Golf Foundation has elected the following golf industry leaders to three-year terms on its board of directors:

• Jeff Fiorini, president, Eaton Corporation/Golf Pride Grips
• Mike Happe, general manager, The Toro Company
• Jerry Hinckley, national sales director, Textron Financial Corporation
• Charlie Kammerer, publisher, GOLF MAGAZINE / golf.com
• Bill Knees, senior vice president, Callaway Golf Company
• Page Thompson, president, Golf Channel

The following NGF directors were elected as officers:

• Chairman - Jim Connor, president, FootJoy
• Vice Chairman - Steve Mona, chief executive officer, World Golf Foundation
• Secretary/Treasurer - Jerry Hinckley, national sales director, Textron Financial Corporation

"The NGF board of directors and its officers continue to be one of the most prestigious boards in the industry, representing a variety of industry segments," said Joe Beditz, president and CEO of NGF. "We are pleased and honored that these industry leaders continue to support and help guide the NGF in the pursuit of our mission of helping golf businesses succeed."