Feb. 2, 2005 – Golf course irrigation pioneer John Singleton will accept the coveted Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects during its Annual Meeting on April 18 in Pebble Beach, Calif.
ASGCA President Bill Love will present the award during the Donald Ross Award Banquet at The Lodge at Pebble Beach Resorts. The award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the game of golf and golf course architecture.
“John Singleton is a true gentleman, problem solver and friend to everyone in the golf industry,” notes Love. “During nearly 40 years at The Toro Company, his dedication to golf and golf course architects has helped facilitate golf’s global expansion and provide the world’s golfers with the best possible playing conditions.”
Love continued, “Golf course architects have certainly benefited from his attention to the goings-on in the industry as Toro’s ‘architect liaison.’ No one knew more about how to get the job done than John.”
Long Career in Irrigation:
Singleton’s career began after his return from the U.S. Army in 1948 and the completion of his education at Boston University. He started installing automatic irrigation systems in the late 1950s just before the introduction of plastic sprinkler heads. He recognized the potential of the plastic technology and installed prototype systems in several courses.
His work was recognized by Toro, which at that time was concentrating on tractor and large commercial mower sales. Their long-term relationship began with his hiring in 1967. In addition to the sprinkler head technology, his industry impact was compounded with the popularity and utility of “Automatic Control Systems.”
In recent years, he has taken his expertise around the world, and spent considerable time working with golf course developers and operators in Europe.
Singleton will be the 30th recipient of the Donald Ross Award. Following is a list of the previous award winners:
Year Recipient Occupation
2005 John Singleton, Irrigation Pioneer
2004 Thomas Cousins Philanthropist, Urban Golf Developer
2003 Bill Campbell President, USGA, Captain, Royal & Ancient Golf Club
2002 Byron Nelson Professional Golfer
2001 Jack Nicklaus Professional Golfer, Golf Course Architect
2000 Jaime Ortiz-Patiño Owner, President, Valderrama Golf Club
1999 Arnold Palmer Professional Golfer
1998 Judy Bell President, USGA
1997 Gene Sarazen Professional Golfer
1996 Ron Whitten Golf Writer
1995 Pete Dye Golf Course Architect
1994 James R. Watson Agronomist
1993 Brent Wadsworth Golf Course Builder
1992 Paul Fullmer ASGCA Executive Secretary
1991 Michael Bonallack Secretary, Royal and Ancient (St. Andrews)
1990 John Zoller Former Executive Director, No. California Golf Association
1989 Dick Taylor Editor, Golf World Magazine
1988 Frank Hannigan USGA Executive Director
1987 Charles Price Golf Writer, Author
1986 Deane Beman PGA Tour Commissioner
1985 Peter Dobereiner London Observer Columnist
1984 Dinah Shore Sponsor of Women's Golf Tournament
1983 Al Radko Former Director, USGA Green Section
1982 Geoffrey Cornish Golf Course Architect, Historian
1981 James Rhodes Governor of Ohio
1980 Gerald Micklem Former Captain, Royal and Ancient
1979 Joe Dey Former Executive Director of the US
1978 Herb and Joe Graffis Founders, National Golf Foundation
1977 Herbert Warren Wind Golf Digest Columnist, Author
1976 Robert Trent Jones Founding Member of ASGCA
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of 165 golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues affecting the future of the game.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members and other available publications, log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org or call 262/ 786-5960.
Contact:
Aileen Smith
262/786-5960
aileen@asgca.org
