Kansas, United States: For Jonathan Gruber, persistence has paid off. Gruber, 39, golf course superintendent at Alabama’s Hampton Cover Golf Course, has wanted to attend the annual Golf Industry Show (GIS) since entering the golf course management profession 18 years ago, but financially was unable to make the trip.
Next week, he will finally get the chance after being chosen as a winner in the Bayer Superintendent Grant Programme.
Through the Bayer Superintendent Grant Programme, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), its philanthropic organisation, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and the Environmental Science, a division of Crop Science, division of Bayer, are sending five golf course superintendents to the 2016 GIS in San Diego. The purpose of the grant is to assist superintendents with their professional development through participation in the annual event.
“I have applied (for the Bayer grant) every year. I have always wanted to go to the show, I just didn’t have the opportunity,” said Gruber, a 14-year member of GCSAA. “When I found out I was chosen, I was ecstatic. It was a huge surprise. I am really looking forward to spending time with my peers and discussing ways I can make our golf course even better. After 18 years of trying to attend, I am fired up.”
“We are pleased to support superintendents in their desire for continued learning. The Bayer Superintendent Grant Program aims to empower superintendents with the latest tools and education techniques available,” David Wells, Golf Business Manager of Bayer, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Five winners are chosen through a random drawing. Each receives airfare, hotel accommodation for five nights, conference full-pack registration, two education seminars and US$200 spending money.
“Bayer has been a strong supporter of GCSAA and the EIFG by contributing to the betterment of our members and the golf course management profession,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said.
“Bayer is providing this valuable opportunity, and I am excited for each of the winners to have the chance to expand their knowledge base and join us at the Golf Industry Show.”