A lot has changed during James Drinkard's long career as a superintendent — except where he went to work every day for nearly a half-century.
Drinkard (right) of Athens Country Club recently was named Superintendent of the Year by the Georgia GCSA. He has worked at the club for 45 years.
Drinkard's career began at Athens, a 27-hole Donald Ross design, when he was in high school, working for $1.85 per hour.
When accepting the award, Drinkard credited his father-in-law, Buzz Howell, longtime colleagues Bill Hunt and Chris Thornton, and many turfgrass students from the University of Georgia for his success.
The award was one of many presented at the association's recent annual meeting and banquet at King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island.
Also recognized at the meeting that was attended by nearly 250 people was outgoing executive director Tenia Workman who will retire at the end of the year after 22 years heading the association. Georgia GCSA president Tim Busek, the former superintendent at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek, will take over for Workman, who was presented with an E-Z-Go golf car in recognition of her years of service.
At the annual meeting, members also elected Brad Tremmier of RiverPines Golf in Johns Creek as vice president and Scott Slemp of Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta as secretary-treasurer.
Members also renewed Heath Allen's turn on the board of directors for another term. Allen is superintendent at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta. Also elected to the board were Lucas Walters of Ocean Forest Golf Club on Sea Island and Ronald McWhorter of Reynolds Lake Oconee.
In other association news:
- The late Jim Dusch, who spent much of his career at Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, was inducted to the Georgia GCSA Hall of Fame.
- Chris Steigelman, CGCS at The Landings Golf and Athletic Club in Savannah, received the Distinguished Service Award.
- Travis Goss, also from The Landings Golf and Athletic Club, was named Assistant Superintendent of the Year.
- Steve Gonyea, CGCS at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Young Harris, won the Environmental Leader in Golf Award.
- Jud James of Whitewater Creek Country Club in Fayetteville, and Mike Waldron, former executive director of the Georgia State Golf Association, each received a 30-year membership pin. John Leach of Bent Tree Country Club in Jasper, and Rocky Dreibrodt of Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply, each accepted 25-year pins.
- Philip Soukup of The Landings Golf and Athletic Club in Savannah, won the hashtag competition with the slogan #NEWBEGINNINGS2025.