For the past decade, John Deere Golf and Bayer Environmental Science have helped prepare the next generation of superintendents by bringing them together with some of the golf industry's most accomplished turf professionals at the annual Green Start Academy.
Online applications for the 10th annual event are being accepted through July 12.
This year marks the 10th annual Green Start Academy, a professional development initiative presented by John Deere Golf and Bayer Environmental Science that includes educational sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities for assistant superintendents from the United States and Canada.
Scheduled for Oct. 7-9, this year's event will be held at the Bayer Development and Training Center in Clayton, North Carolina, and the John Deere Turf Care factory in nearby Fuquay-Varina. Attendees will meet with fellow professionals and gain valuable insights from top industry leaders. Attendance is limited to just 50 assistant superintendents, who will receive an all-expense-paid trip to attend the event.
"Since 2005, Green Start Academy has provided assistant superintendents with the tools to advance their careers and highlight their commitment to ongoing professional development," said Ren Wilkes, marketing manager for John Deere Golf. "Through programs like Green Start Academy, John Deere can help support the ongoing success of promising assistant superintendents who represent the future of the golf industry."
Assistant superintendents interested in attending should complete the online application, which also includes submitting a resume and cover letter by July 12.
"It has been exciting to witness the evolution of GSA over the years, but one constant remains true," said David Wells, golf business manager for the Bayer turf and ornamentals business. "The high quality applicants ? all committed to the game of golf and to advancing their careers ? continue to inspire Bayer's ongoing commitment to elevate and equip the next generation of leaders to succeed and grow the industry."
Consideration is given to all applicants, representing every type of club and course. An independent panel of golf industry experts will select the 50 highest-ranked applicants. Those who are selected to attend will be notified by mid-August. Individuals who are not selected will have the opportunity to take advantage of a professional resume review and critique.
The 2015 GSA judging panel includes: Chris Condon, Tetherow Golf Club; Jeff Corcoran, Oak Hill Country Club; Chris Dew, The National Golf Club of Canada; Bob Farren, CGCS, Pinehurst Resort; Pat Finlen, CGCS, The Olympic Club; Lukus Harvey, Atlanta Athletic Club; Bryan Stromme, Billy Casper Golf; Billy Weeks, Duke University Golf Club.