Programs for superintendents, equipment managers based on financial need and desire to advance career

Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 9, 2021) – Two programs based on gifts from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation sent 16 members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to the virtual 2021 Golf Industry Show and will also send them to the 2022 GIS in San Diego.

The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA-member superintendents. It is administered through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program was established in 2012 by the late Ken Melrose, former CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.

Academy members are chosen through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism and a drive to advance their careers. The new class will participate in networking and leadership activities, as well as attend a variety of education seminars. Eleven superintendents were chosen to be a part of the 2021 Academy.

The Melrose Equipment Management Experience supports the professional development needs of GCSAA golf course equipment manager members by providing select individuals the opportunity to attend the Golf Industry Show. The Melrose Equipment Management Experience was established in 2019 supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG and was designed to have a positive impact for each equipment manager selected and ultimately, the game of golf. Five equipment managers were chosen for the 2021 Experience class. “With the 2021 GIS being virtual, we didn’t want the Melrose honorees to miss out on a traditional GIS experience, so we are excited that they will be able to attend the 2022 in-person event as well,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Ken Melrose’s contributions to the industry

continue even after his passing last year, and I congratulate the Melrose winners for being a part of that legacy.”

The members of the 2021 Melrose Leadership Academy are:

· Jessica Aytoun of Sutton Creek Club in Essex, Ontario, Canada
· Cole Daniel Clark of Pryor Creek Golf Club in Huntley, Mont.
· Terry Davio of Rutland Country Club in Rutland, Vt.
· Nicholas Dickerson of Owatonna Country Club in Owatonna, Minn.
· Eric Feldhusen of Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, Ore.
· Peter Fish of Potowomut Golf Club in Warwick, R.I.
· Jeffrey Curtis Knutzen of Black Butte Ranch Corp in Black Butte Ranch, Ore.
· Mark Mansur of Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, Conn.
· Andrew McHugh of Green Meadow Golf Club in Hudson, Mass.
· Cory See of Moscow Elks Golf Course in Moscow, Idaho
· Clinton Tingen of Hobe Sound Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla.

The members of the 2021 Melrose Equipment Management Experience are:

· Matthew Caine of Plantation Sanctuary Inc. in Bridgetown, Barbados
· Micheal Kay of Torreon Golf Club in Show Low, Ariz.
· Chris Lomas of Eaton Country Club in Eaton, Colo.
· Frank McQuiggan of Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater, N.J.
· Chris Whittaker of The Winston Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

For more information about the Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, visit www.eifg.org.