Far Hills, New Jersey, United States: Dr Bruce Clarke, of Rutgers University, has been named as the recipient of the 2016 United States Golf Association (USGA) Green Section Award.
Presented annually since 1961, the USGA Green Section Award recognises an individual’s distinguished service to the game of golf through his or her work with turfgrass.
Clarke is an extension specialist of turfgrass pathology in the department of plant biology and pathology at Rutgers, and is the director of the Rutgers Centre for Turfgrass Science.
Clarke has authored or co-authored 75 refereed journal articles and more than 200 industry publications, and he has edited three books, including the second and third editions of the Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases. He is also a frequent contributor at turfgrass conferences throughout the world.
Clarke’s reseach and extension programmes focus on the cause and control of turfgrass diseases and integrated pest management strategies to reduce fungicide use.
Clarke’s work with the biology and control of summer patch and anthracnose, and his introduction of effective cultural management and fungicides are cited as some of the most important achievements affecting the playing conditions of golf courses worldwide.
“While the efforts of scientists throughout the country advance turfgrass research and help provide golf with exceptional playing conditions, Dr Clarke goes much further,” said Dr Kimberly Erusha, Managing Director of the USGA Green Section.
“He combines the qualities of an exceptional researcher with selfless dedication to outreach and outstanding commitment. His leadership at Rutgers University has motivated a team of scientists across all disciplines that has resulted in a programme that is improving turfgrass conditions around the globe.”
Clarke earned his undergraduate degree in forest management and his Ph.D in plant pathology from Rutgers. In 1982, Clarke joined the faculty as an assistant extension specialist in the plant pathology department. He was named Director of the Centre for Turfgrass Research in 1994, after one year as Interim Director. Under Clarke’s guidance, the Rutgers programme has become a centre of scientific and educational excellence.
“Dr Clarke has that uncanny ability to relate to and connect with whomever he meets,” said James A. Murphy, Ph.D, Rutgers University extension specialist in turfgrass management. “His communication skills are outstanding in all situations: one-on-one, small groups or large audiences. He can communicate with persons of any background, and he is just as effective listening as he is speaking.
“Numerous golf course superintendents, USGA agronomists and academic peers consider Dr Clarke a friend as much as they do a colleague. They trust him and frequently seek his advice and counsel. He is selfless with his time and works tirelessly to serve any member of the golf course industry as well as students and colleagues.”
During more than 30 years as a researcher and educator, Clarke has mentored hundreds of students who are now leaders in the turfgrass industry.
“I was completely surprised when I received the call from Dr Erusha,” said Clarke. “It’s a tremendous honour to receive the Green Section Award from an association that I respect and have worked with for more than 30 years. It’s nice to be recognised for doing what I really like to do – helping superintendents solve their turf disease problems.”
Clarke and his wife, Ellen, have two children, Chris and Katherine. He will receive the Green Section Award on February 6, 2016, at the USGA’s Annual Meeting and Service Awards in San Diego.
The Service Awards Dinner consolidates the presentation of many of the USGA’s most significant honours into a single, inspiring event, highlighting the people and organisations whose selfless dedication and notable accomplishments have made an important contribution to the USGA and its mission to serve the game.
Through the work of its Green Section, which was established in 1920, the USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on turfgrass management, as well as research, development and promotion of environmentally friendly practices and a more sustainable game.