ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 24, 2010) – The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation honored GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, N.Y., as the recipient of the fourth annual Arthur P. Weber 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 award was given at the 2010 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series and Award Luncheon on Wednesday, March 24, at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., and was presented by MGA President Al Small.

Accepting the award for GlenArbor were superintendent Ken Benoit and club president Morgan Gregory, whose family was the driving force behind the development of the club. Since its founding in 2001, GlenArbor has led the way in establishing an environmental policy to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. As noted in their application for the award: “Our environmental policy at GlenArbor is part of our larger social responsibility, which we take very seriously.” The club has evolved into one of the most environmentally friendly clubs in the Met Area, highlighted by their wildlife preservation efforts. During his acceptance speech, Benoit noted that the club’s environmental program extends from larger projects like wildlife preservation to smaller scale projects like a vegetable garden used by members.

“We are always striving to improve and expand our Environmental Excellence Program. It goes without saying our commitment doesn’t end with this award,” said Benoit. “We are not satisfied here and plan to expand our program each year, the scope of which is only limited by our imagination.”

The award is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who died in 2008. Weber wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course maintenance at his home club nearly two decades ago that courses still use as a model. Weber was a long-time member of the USGA Green Section and helped found the MGA Green Committee and the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation.

The award presentation was the highlight of the Green Chairmen Series program, which featured more than 130 club representatives who enjoyed outstanding speakers on timely topics relevant to today’s challenging economic and environmental issues. Presentations included “Why Do They Do That?” by USGA agronomist Adam Moeller, which addressed the logic behind the decisions of turfgrass managers. “Budget Trimming in 2009: What Worked and What Didn’t?” by USGA Northeast Green Section Director Dave Oatis, Ridgewood Country Club (N.J.) superintendent Todd Raisch and Echo Lake Country Club superintendent Chris Carson. This presentation examined the results of some of the budget decisions made by clubs during the economic downturn. “Why Can’t We All Get Along?’ by Stanwich Club superintendent Scott Niven and Stanwich green chairman Peter Sanders looked at the relationship between superintendents and green chairmen and offered some insight on how to best manage that relationship. “Why Do They Say That?” also by Oatis, looked back on some answers to unusual questions he has received regarding golf course maintenance over the years.

The 2010 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. Video of all presentations from today’s program will be available on www.mgagolf.org.

About the MGA: The Metropolitan Golf Association was founded in 1897 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest amateur golf associations representing more than 500 clubs in the tri-state Metropolitan Area. Through a network of more than 300 volunteers, and a full-time staff operating out of its “Golf Central” headquarters in Elmsford, N.Y., the Association fulfills its role as a true non-profit service organization. Through a variety of unique, relevant, and innovative services for member clubs and area golfers, the MGA has established itself as a leader among local and national golf organizations.