Industry News

USGA Green Section Summer Internship Program

Each year, the USGA Green Section provides the opportunity for 14 to 17 students to travel with members of the Green Section staff on Turf Advisory Service visits for one week between May and August.  The goal is to provide students with a broader view of the golf course industry and help them learn about golf course maintenance through the perspective of the Green Section agronomists.  Students receive a $250 stipend for the week, and all transportation, hotel, and meal expenses are paid by the USGA. 

The USGA regional director and agronomists interview candidates from among the universities in that region, and one or more students are selected to participate in the program.  The travel week date is flexible and is mutually agreed upon by the Green Section staff and the student.  The student travels to the prearranged meeting site on Sunday and returns on Friday of the travel week. 

As part of the internship, the student is required to submit a report that summarizes the week’s observations and experiences.  The report is due three weeks following the conclusion of the travel.  

To qualify students must:

• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior in a four-year baccalaureate program, or a graduate student, majoring in horticulture, agronomy, or a related field.
• Be returning to school the semester following the internship.
• Have an interest in golf and turfgrass management, and preferably some experience working on a golf course or playing the game.
• Have good leadership potential.

Application packets must contain:

• A cover letter from the student, explaining how they became interested in turf management and why they would like to participate in the internship program.
• The student’s resume, including the projected graduation date.
• A letter of recommendation from the student’s faculty advisor.

Submit the application to the director in the Green Section region where the student’s school is located.  Applications are due by Nov. 24. Selected candidates will be notified after March 1, 2009.

Future Leaders Forum helps high school students chart career

Select students from around the world are packing their bags and heading to Walt Disney World Resort for the second annual Future Leaders Forum. In a partnership between The Toro Co., Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee, this innovative educational program helps strengthen leadership skills, prepare for college, and explore the many career disciplines in and outside the game of golf.

During a three-day immersion in the sport, business and science of golf, 50 outstanding students from The First Tee facilities around the world will attend this year's Future Leaders Forum, Nov. 6-9, and receive practical training to become productive leaders in their classrooms, communities and careers.

"The Future Leaders Forum is a unique learning experience for our participants," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. "This will give them the opportunity to explore various career opportunities within the golf industry and ultimately plan ahead for their future. We are delighted to partner with Toro and Walt Disney World Resort to make this program possible for the second year in a row."

Students will attend sessions hosted by the PGA of America, PGA Tour operations, and Nicklaus Companies; as well as discover what it takes to run a professional golf event when they shadow tournament staff at the Children's Miracle Network Classic. For many individuals, the forum not only provides access to their first professional tournament, but also to some of the world's most renowned golfers and golf industry leaders.

The 50 young leaders, from 38 chapters of The First Tee, were selected through an essay competition and application process. Nominees submitted a 200-word essay about their career aspirations and post-high school plans; a listing of involvement in school and community activities; and a letter of recommendation describing the student's leadership skills.

Briggs & Stratton announces "Tell Us Your Story" winner

Tim Ingram, Louisville, Ky., has won Briggs & Stratton’s "Tell Us Your Story" contest. Ingram shared his collection of Briggs & Stratton memories: learning from his father how engines work, mowing lawns for his first job, and later sharing his knowledge about engines and lawn care with his own children.

Chosen from more than 800 submissions, Ingram is the winner of the Ultimate Garage Package, valued at $6,500. It includes a lawnmower, trimmer, generator, leaf blower, lawn tractor, rear-tine tiller and other Briggs & Stratton products.

As part of the company’s centennial celebration, Briggs & Stratton solicited personal essays from customers that showcased "The Power Within," a phrase that sums up the company’s core values. Those values include a can-do spirit, the satisfying feeling of a job well done, and an insatiable desire to pass on knowledge to the next generation.

"Ingram’s essay stood out as a direct reflection of our core values," said John Shiely, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. "We are proud of the impact our products have had on our customers."

"I am thrilled to be the winner of the essay contest. Happy anniversary, Briggs & Stratton. My family will be using your products for years to come," said Ingram.
Visit http://www.briggsandstratton100years.com to read Ingram’s essay along with the top ten finalist submissions and photos.

School of Grounds Management program announced

The Professional Grounds Management Society has announced its faculty and curriculum for the 2008 School of Grounds Management, Oct., 22-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

 "This year’s education program will provide grounds management professionals with the knowledge to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the push for sustainability," said Monica Higgins, CGM, PGMS education chair.

 "With a faculty of green industry experts and a wide offering of courses ranging from LEED and conservation issues to management to horticulture, the School offers grounds superintendents and landscaping professionals a great opportunity to further their professional development."