GCM's Most Valuable Technician Award is designed to honor the best and brightest golf course equipment technicians in the industry, the men and women who play such a key role in keeping the tools of golf course maintenance up and running. The award is presented annually in partnership with Foley. Nominations are narrowed to a field of three finalists by a team of industry judges. GCM readers then review the qualifications of the finalists and vote online for their favorite.
Choose the 2021 MVT
Read the nominations submitted by golf course superintendents to learn about these EM members' valuable contributions to their golf facilities, and then vote for the technician most deserving of this year's award. Online voting closes July 16, and the winner will be profiled in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
Kevin Hennigar
Goodwood Golf Club and Angus Glen Golf Club in Ontario, Canada
Preventive equipment maintenance and an emphasis on safety and cleanliness are hallmarks of Hennigar’s shop operations. Nominating superintendents Kyle Whitham and Dan North commend Hennigar’s facility upkeep and layout, designed to maximize efficiency, adding, “His organization of parts and tools is second to none.” Hennigar is also meticulous with his budget, diligently researching cost-effective options and solutions, and serves as an enthusiastic teacher and mentor to other EMs. A four-year GCSAA member, Hennigar has completed both Levels 1 and 2 of the association’s Equipment Management Certificate Program. He has been a licensed small engine mechanic for over 20 years.
Brandon Hoag
Glens Falls Country Club in Queensbury, N.Y.
Nominating superintendent Chris Frielinghaus praises Hoag’s transformation of the shop at Glens Falls CC, which, on Hoag’s watch, has become a safer, cleaner, more organized space. The one-year GCSAA member is committed to environmental protection and immediately addresses spills, properly disposes of waste, and recycles scrap parts and metal. Frielinghaus also lauds Hoag’s proficiency. “He has all of the skills needed to bring a used piece of equipment up to the equivalent of a new machine,” says Frielinghaus. “He also fabricates some items instead of purchasing them new. He does not use a band-aid approach that will cost more money at a later time. He fixes everything right the first time.”
Bill Raisch
High Hampton Inn and Country Club in Cashiers, N.C.
Raisch has been in the golf industry for more than 30 years, and nominating superintendent David McIntosh commends his ingenuity, work ethic and attention to detail. “Having designed his own shop, everything is ideally located and stored for optimal use, flow and organization,” says McIntosh. “Bill’s shop is the best I’ve been around in over 30 years.” Raisch’s experience ranges from single-handedly maintaining an older fleet to managing a new, multimillion-dollar equipment package, and during recent reconstruction at High Hampton, he adjusted to work out of temporary shops. Raisch is a 15-year GCSAA member and a member of the Carolinas GCSA and Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas.