This award recognizes an MGA member club that demonstrates environmental leadership through their efforts in golf course maintenance, construction, education, and research. Accepting the award from Environmental Award Committee Chairman Ken Benoit were Wee Burn Superintendent Doug Drugo and General Manager Warren Burdock.

The award is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course maintenance at his home club (Old Westbury on Long Island) nearly two decades ago that many Met Area clubs still use as a model. Weber died in 2008. Past recipients include Rockland Country Club (2012) The Round Hill Club (2011), GlenArbor Golf Club (2010), Westchester Country Club (2009), Sebonack Golf Club (2008), and Trump National-Bedminster (2007).

The presentation was the highlight of the Green Chariaman Education Series program, which was attended by more than 150 club representatives. Several industry leaders presented on topics ranging from green speeds, regrassing, best management practices for golf courses, slow play issues, and concluded with an update from the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation. The day also included a USGA championship update from Jeff Hall, Director of the Walker Cup Championship, and Ben Kimball, Director of the U.S. Women’s Open, both of which will be held in Southampton, Long Island later this year (National Golf Links of America and Sebonack Golf Club, respecitvely).

The MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series is part of a two month-long program of educational forums that are designed to educate club leaders and golfers about different issues pertinent to Met Area clubs and courses. The range of topics include the Rules of Golf, handicapping, technology, and MGA member services and benefits. 

- Helen Stock

Photo on homepage: (l to r) Ken Benoit (Chairman of the Environmental Award Committee), Doug Drugo (Superintendent, Wee Burn), Warren Burdock (General Manager, Wee Burn), Steven Green (MGA Exectuive Committee).