The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) will be recognized at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show

Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 28, 2021) – Andrew Jorgensen, CGCS, has been named the recipient of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s 2022 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.

Jorgensen, the director of golf course maintenance operations at On Top of the World Communities in Ocala, Fla., will officially receive the honor at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego in February.

The President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.

The 22-year GCSAA member oversees course maintenance at three golf courses – Candler Hills Golf Club, The Tortoise & Hare and The Links, which are all part of On Top of The World Communities. Jorgensen has held this position since December 2005.

“It is a great honor to be recognized for our environmental efforts,” Jorgensen said. “Environmental stewardship is an active part of how we operate as a company. We strive to leave it better for generations to come.”

Jorgensen prioritizes water conservation and almost half of his irrigation comes from reclaimed water. In addition, no areas outside of the line of play are treated with pesticides or fertilizers and out-of-play areas have been turned into wildflower pollinator areas, further reducing inputs and increasing habitat for wildlife.

Jorgensen is one of the pioneers of solar power use on golf courses and has also taken many steps to reduce waste, both in packaging coming into the golf course and by composting on site.

“Our entire team is focused on preserving the land around us,” Jorgensen said. “Our programs ensure that native wildlife, water quality and quantity continue to be available for generations to come.”

Jorgensen has served as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador since 2015, been a part of the GCSAA’s Best Management Practices (BMP) Resource Task Group and has been a presenter at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show several times.

Jorgensen, who has earned degrees and turfgrass certificates from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia, has previously been superintendent at Southern Woods Golf Club, World Woods Golf Club and Sugarmill Woods Golf and Country Club.

A list of past President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship recipients is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/about-gcsaa/awards/president-s-award-for-environmental-stewardship