March 20, 2009 — The MGA Foundation held its annual MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series on March 19 at Hackensack Golf Club. The seminar featured expert speakers addressing a variety of topics of interest to club leaders. The presentations are now available on mgagolf.org, click here to access them. The MGA Foundation also honored Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., as the recipient of the third annual MGA Club Environmental Award. The award recognizes an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education and research.

The Green Chairmen Series program featured more than 100 club representatives who enjoyed outstanding speakers on timely topics relevant to today’s challenging economics. Presentations included “The Business Value of Environmental Stewardship,” by Audubon International Staff Ecologist Jim Sluiter; “Changes at Bethpage and Changes in USGA Championship Philosophies,” by USGA Agronomist Adam Moeller; “Changing Priorities and Evaluating the Numbers: What is really important?” by Met PGA Executive Director Charlie Robson; and “Green Committee 101” by USGA Green Section Northeast Director David Oatis. To access video of these presentations, click here.

Westchester Country Club superintendent Joseph Alonzi and green chairman Frank Amodio were on hand to accept the 2009 MGA Club Environmental Award on behalf of the club. With a history of excellence in the Met Area, Westchester has evolved into one of the most environmentally friendly clubs, highlighted by their implementation of more than 200 geothermal wells on the property, which have drastically reduced fuel costs. Also, as a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), and a designated Audubon Sanctuary, Westchester’s membership actively participates in early-morning bird watches.

During his acceptance speech, a gracious Alonzi emphasized that it is an honor for an older club to receive the award. “The last two years, the award went to newly constructed clubs [Trump National-Bedminster in 2007 and Sebonack in 2008]. This is a great honor for both our club and membership, and we are very proud. We receive great support from the membership in this conscious effort, and that is emphasized by the 50-60 members we get at our 5 a.m. bird watches.”

The panel of judges was drawn from local superintendent organizations, environmental leaders in the industry, as well as MGA representative Gene Westmoreland.

The 2009 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series is part of a month-long program of educational forums that are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of issues affecting Met Area clubs and golfers. Topics include the Rules of Golf, handicapping procedures, new technology and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs.

2009 MGA Foundation Spring Education Series Schedule