Industry News

The LPGA Foundation donates to The Institute

The LPGA Foundation has donated $5,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf in honor of Rae Evans, Institute trustee and past chairman of the LPGA's Board of Directors.

The donation makes The LPGA Foundation a new member of the Platinum Tee Club, which is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to The Institute. The LPGA Foundation is also recognized at the Presidential Club level for organizations that have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999 since 1987.

"This donation to The Environmental Institute for Golf is a strong statement from one of GCSAA's closest allies about the LPGA's commitment to environmental stewardship, research and education," said GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS. "We have a strong relationship with the LPGA and look forward to strengthening that relationship even more."

Evans, the founder and president of the Evans Capitol Group, spent 25 years in various senior level government relations positions including vice president of national affairs for Hallmark Cards Inc., and director of government relations for CBS Inc. She was co-chairman of the search committee that selected current commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens and was a member of the former Commissioner's Advisory Council under Charlie Mechem, where she was instrumental in Susan G. Komen for the Cure being named the official national charity of the LPGA in 1992.

GCSAA and the LPGA worked together in 2007 to hire John Miller, CGCS, as the LPGA Tour agronomist. He works for GCSAA and assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course conditions, serving as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

Bernhard Court opening marked by Royal Day Celebrations

A gathering of international visitors took part in a program of events marking the official opening of Bernhard Court, the new flagship premises in Rugby, England, of Bernhard and Co.

The highlight of the day was the official opening ceremony by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex. 

Managing Director Stephen Bernhard said, "Tuesday's visit by Prince Edward is the culmination of a lot of hard work and detailed planning by many of our Rugby based team.  It goes without saying that the honour of having His Royal Highness come to open our offices is something I and all the Bernhard team feel immensely proud of. It was also a well deserved recognition of our recent Queen's Award for Enterprise."

The event had an international flavor as delegates from the golf course maintenance industry’s international management associations attended the event to meet Prince Edward. Representatives from GCSAA, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland attended a full day session at discussing major issues facing the industry. GCSAA was represented by board member Pat Finlen, CGCS.

"We were proud to host senior executives from the GCSAA, FEGGA, GCSAI and BIGGA as well as several well known industry leaders at the opening ceremony, reflecting our interest in promoting international relations," added Bernhard.

GCBAA extends GIS partnership

The Golf Course Builders Association of America has announced the extension of its Golf Industry Show Participating Partner agreement through the year 2014.  GCBAA is one of several non-profit organizations working together to present and support one of the largest trade shows in the industry.

"This extension demonstrates our organization's continued commitment to the industry and its desire to provide its members with educational, networking and business opportunities," GCBAA Executive Director Paul Foley said.  "We appreciate all the support and consideration we receive from all the participating organizations."

The show is presented by the GCSAA, NGCOA and CMAA, with participating partners, GCBAA, ASGCA and the NGF.

E-Z-Go and Atlanta Motor Speedway to present E-Z-Go 200

E-Z-Go is partnering with Atlanta Motor Speedway and NASCAR to present the E-Z-Go 200 Saturday, Oct. 25.

The 130-lap event is one of four remaining races to decide the 2008 winner of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. E-Z-Go is presenting the race as part of an ongoing effort to extend consumer awareness of the company’s line of personal-utility vehicles. In addition to its business-to-business marketing of fleet golf cars, turf-maintenance vehicles and personnel carriers to the golf and resort industries, the company also markets vehicles to consumers via the industry’s largest network of dealers and distributors, with more than 600 dealer locations nationwide.

Vehicles for consumers range from the electric Freedom RXV personal golf car with AC Drive technology and full-time regenerative braking system, to the ST line of personal-utility vehicles, with various models equipped for a wide range of work and recreational needs.

In addition, E-Z-GO has a longtime relationship with veteran NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Mike Skinner. E-Z-GO also sponsors its own Landon Ball, engineering manager in the company’s Augusta headquarters, in the National Auto Sport Association’s American Iron Series.