BLOOMINGTON, Minn., (May 2005) – Six Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) members have been selected to learn first-hand what it takes to prepare for the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. As winners of the Toro Championship Tournament Training Program, three participants will attend the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C., and three participants will attend the 87th PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., serving on the golf course maintenance staff for the respective events.
Joining superintendent Paul Jett, CGCS at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will be: Adam Pierce, assistant superintendent at Biltmore Country Club, North Barrington, Ill.; Jason Criss, assistant superintendent at The Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pa.; and Jonathan Mark Vandale, student at the University of New Hampshire. Joining superintendent Mark Kuhns, CGCS at Baltusrol Golf Club will be: Kyle Manus, assistant superintendent at The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek, Johns Island, S.C.; Stephen Tucker, assistant superintendent at Whispering Pines Club, Trinity, Texas; and Loren Frost, student at the University of Tennessee.
The six winners were selected from 55 assistant superintendent and 22 student entries that included past work experience and an essay about future career goals. Jett and Kuhns selected the participants from a slate of finalists.
The Toro Company established the Toro Championship Tournament Training Program in partnership with the GCSAA to provide an opportunity for assistant superintendents and student members to learn what happens at the highest level of golf course management. The Toro Championship Tournament Training Program is part of the Toro Scholars Program, which promotes professionalism in turf careers through scholarships, education and training programs throughout the industry.
"The Toro Championship Tournament Training Program brings the experience and knowledge of major tournament preparation to GCSAA's members," said Bob VandenBoom, sr. golf marketing manager at Toro. "The experience is designed to expose superintendents at the beginning of their careers to a variety of cultural practices and management techniques that make major tournaments a success."
About GCSAA:
Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain golf facilities in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 individual members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA online at www.gcsaa.org.
About The Toro Company:
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), with $1.6 billion in sales annually, is a leading provider of outdoor maintenance and beautification products for home, recreation, and commercial landscapes around the world. Together with its distributors, Toro provides innovative products, agronomic expertise and exemplary service that helps consumers and professionals maintain their landscapes. Visit the company Web site at www.thetorocompany.com.
For more information contact:
Jody Hinkle, The Toro Company, at (952) 887-7389
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications, at (800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
