Longtime golf course superintendent Mike Burkholder of Star Tannery, Va., has been named winner of the Virginia GCSA's President's Award for Lifetime Service for 2008. The award is given "in recognition of a career of distinguished and meritorious service and commitment to advancing the profession of golf course superintendent in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and in grateful appreciation for over twenty years of contributions that led to the advancement of association affairs since its inception."

Burkholder, a GCSAA Life Member, logged some 63 years in the profession, mostly in northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. He entered the profession in 1941 at Fairfax Country Club as a part-timer in high school. That part-time job turned into a 20-year commitment to the club, and as his career advanced, he credited mentors Bill Glover and John Connolly for his "self taught" education. He also began relationships with the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS and GCSAA, both of which have continued for more than 50 years.

His career took him to facilities in Virginia and Maryland, including Manor Country Club, Westwood Country Club, Evergreen Country Club and Spotswood Country Club. He retired from Shenvalee in New Market, Va., in 2003.

Burkholder was a leader in association affairs, including helping found the Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association 26 years ago and serving as its president. He was recognized by the SVTA for outstanding leadership in1983-85, and in 2003 he received the SVTA's Lewis A. Lamp Jr. Achievement Award, in recognition of dedication and service. He also received the Virginia Turfgrass Council Award for dedication to the improvement to the turf industry, and the VTC and VGCSA honored him as a life member.

"I must have done something right over the past 60 years to be recognized for the Past President's Award for Lifetime Achievement. I am honored to receive these awards and appreciate the acknowledgement from my peers and friendships I have developed over the years," said Burkholder.

VGCSA President Eric Spurlock said, "We are extremely proud to honor one of the great servants to golf and our profession in presenting this award to Mike Burkholder. Mike truly represents what is great and special about our profession, with his commitment and tremendous loyalty in an incredible career spanning over sixty years."

The Virginia GCSA awarded its 2008 Distinguished Service Award at Bob Ruff, CGCS at Two Rivers Country Club in Williamsburg, Va.

Ruff credits his father, Robert Ruff, and Bill Keehne as the influences in his decision to get involved in the turf business. Buddy Crouch and George Short played a major role in his development and in understanding the role of the golf course superintendent.

Ruff said, "In some small way, I hope I have helped instilled my passion for the golf maintenance profession over my 34 years to the greatest bunch of assistants, peers, cohorts and friends. Virginia has been a great place to work and my colleagues have offered the support and caring required to survive in this sometimes difficult profession."