AUSTIN, Texas -- Golf course superintendents and GCSAA will get worldwide exposure on ESPN, Sept. 19, thanks to The People vs. The Pros .
BASF Professional Turf & Ornamental will recognize the golf course superintendent's critical role in the golfer's enjoyment of the game and in the economic viability for the golf facility during the golf tournament, held September 9-12 at Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas. It will be televised in prime time on ESPN, Sept. 19. GCSAA has signed on for a second year as an official sponsor.
As presenting sponsor, BASF hosted more than 600 superintendents in 17 regional qualifying tournaments. From those tournaments, 20 superintendent winners will join the ranks of 288 amateur competitors playing in a three-day, 54-hole stroke-play tournament.
One champion from each division, 18-49 and 50 & older will earn the chance to play against PGA Tour professionals Justin Leonard and Ben Crenshaw, respectively – with the opportunity to win $100,000.
The qualifying superintendents will compete in the second annual BASF Superintendent's Cup, featuring the top two superintendent finishers from tournament play. The winner will receive a $10,000 check from BASF and an additional $10,000 worth of BASF products. The runner up will earn a $5,000 check from BASF.
For its participation, GCSAA will receive commercial air time and be featured on signage and promotional materials. In addition, member superintendents will be interviewed for the broadcast.
Superintendent participants include:
Age 18-49 division
* Matt Miller, Carey Park, Golf Course, Hutchinson, Kan.
* Scott Wagner, Leisure World of Maryland Golf Course, Silver Spring, Md.
* Rafael Martinez, Via Verde Country Club, San Dimas, Calif.
* Steve Vaughn, The Clubs of Kingwood, Kingwood, Texas
* Mark Esoda, CGCS, Atlanta Country Club, Atlanta, Ga.
* Brian Brown, Chisago Lakes Golf Club, Lindstrom, Minn.
* Charles Sheffield, Croasdaile Country Club, Durham, N.C.
* Greg Wiles, The Links at Echo Springs, Johnstown, Ohio
* Jeff Connell, Columbia Country Club, Blythewood, S.C.
* David May, Copper Mill Golf Club, Zachary, La.
* Mike Werth, Monroe Country Club, Monroe, Wis.
* Pat Murphy, North Shore Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.
* Matt Curl, Indian Creek Golf and Country Club, Fairbury, Ill.
* Russ Heller, William J. Devine Golf Course, Dorchester, Mass.
Age 50 and over
* Don Tew, Calabash Golf Links, Calabash, N.C.
* Bob Graunke, CGCS, Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
* Roger Frazier, CGCS, Cattails at Meadowview, Kingsport, Tenn.
* Bob King, The Orchards, Washington, Mich.
* Steve Ravenkamp, Ten Killer Golf Club, Vian, Okla.
* Dick Rudolph, Foxtail Golf Club, Rohnert Park, Calif.
The final match is currently scheduled to air on ESPN. Sept. 19.
For more, visit www.peoplevsthepros.com, www.turffacts.com.
