Florida, United States: A new ‘points race’ modelled on the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup will lend even greater interest for superintendents who participate in the showcase annual golf events across Florida going forward.

Under a three-year partnership with BRANDT Consolidated, the new programme will provide an annual trophy for the overall winner plus travel, entry fees and uniforms for a total of 10 Florida GCSA members – two teams – to represent the state in the team event at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) National Golf Championships.

Golfers will earn points based on their performance in the Everglades GCSA Poa Annua Golf Classic, the Florida GCSA Steven Wright Memorial Golf Tournament, the North Florida GCSA Fall Classic, the Central Florida Crowfoot Open and the new Florida GCSA Benevolent Fund Tournament.

The highest points earner will get to keep the BRANDT Cup for one year as well as a trophy they keep permanently.

“We are very excited to help ensure that superintendent golfers who qualify will actually get to go the national,” said Chris Cartin, Turf and Ornamental Territory Manager for BRANDT, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“It gets more and more expensive to attend the national show each year and not every superintendent or their facility has the resources to meet those costs. We’re looking to help guys have that chance to participate, show their skills and proudly represent their state,” added Cartin.

A former superintendent and two-time winner of the Florida GCSA Golf Championship, Cartin has wonderful memories of competing in the GCSAA National Championship.

The experience of the golf competition was only one aspect of the overall benefit, he said. Additionally, the camaraderie and networking between golfers from across the country was energising on both a professional and personal level.

Florida GCSA President Andy Jorgensen, from On Top of the World-Ocala, said the new partnership will also increase access to education for superintendents who finish in the top 10 of the points race.

He said: “While at face level this partnership focuses on the golf, it will greatly increase the chance for qualifying members to participate in the national education conference and trade show, wherever it is held.

“Many members have limited travel and education budgets. Some don’t have any at all. With BRANDT covering the costs of getting to and from the national championships that will certainly open the door for team members to attend seminars and take part in the entire show experience.”

The partnership will also ensure the Florida GCSA has the best chance to build on an impressive record at the national golf championship. Over the past 20 years, Florida has produced the winner of the individual championship nine times and the winners of the team event eight times.