Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Jason Ziegler, the equipment manager at The Oaks Club in Florida, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Most Valuable Technician (MVT) Award, presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Golf Course Management (GCM) magazine in partnership with Foley Company.

Now in its 14th year, the award recognises excellence among golf course equipment managers and the vital role they play in the golf course management industry.

Equipment managers are nominated for the award by their golf course superintendent, and a panel of industry judges narrows those nominations to three finalists, who are then voted on through an online process.

“Golf course superintendents know how important a good equipment manager is to the overall success of a golf facility,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “That’s why GCSAA has dedicated so many resources to supporting these professionals through a separate membership classification, dedicated education tracks at our annual conference and trade show, and industry-leading professional development programmes for equipment managers.

“Awards such as the MVT are just another way for the association to highlight its commitment to serving this important group, and I congratulate Jason on joining the illustrious list of winners of this award.”

Ziegler’s contributions to the operations at The Oaks Club, a 36-hole facility just outside of Sarasota, extend far beyond his ability to keep the club’s maintenance equipment humming, according to Gregory Jack, the GCSAA Class A Director of Greens and Grounds there.

Ziegler oversees three other equipment managers, so his role as a teacher and mentor is crucial. He created a colour-coded system for keeping parts and machines organised based on job and course.

When Hurricane Ian left a mess on the property last September, Ziegler was among the first on the scene to help assess the damage and clear paths for elderly members who lived nearby.

“It was exciting just to make the top three, so I was shocked to learn that I had won,” said Ziegler, a nine-year GCSAA member. “Gregory has always been very thankful in all that I do that may be outside my ‘normal’ job description, but I didn’t believe that he thought this highly of me. It has been a great honour, and I am very thankful that he went to the trouble of making everyone else aware of my value to him and the club.”

Jack said: “I was ecstatic upon learning that Jason had won the Most Valuable Technician Award. I am honoured and overjoyed that a fellow co-worker has received an award like this for all his hard work, especially this last year. Our club is excited to get to celebrate the recognition of a long-tenured employee who always goes above and beyond his responsibilities.”

Paul Rauker, President and CEO of Foley Company, the presenting partner of the Most Valuable Technician Award since its inception, said: “We work with golf course equipment technicians each and every day, so we get an up-close-and-personal look at the valuable role they play in our industry.

“We’re proud to sponsor an award programme that acknowledges the contributions made by these professionals and congratulate Jason on being the 2023 MVT Award winner. I’d also like to thank all of those who submitted nominations, as there were many excellent candidates.”

A Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Foley will launch a similar MVT programme in Asia in the coming months.