For most of the past two decades, John Deere, Rain Bird, Bayer and now Envu have teamed to help prepare hundreds of future golf course superintendents for the next stage in their careers through the Green Start Academy.
The application period for the 19th annual professional development and peer networking event is open through Aug. 1.
Scheduled for Dec. 11-13 at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, the three-day education and networking experience is open to 50 assistant golf course superintendents and provides attendees with the opportunity to become immersed in lectures and roundtable discussions conducted by the golf industry leaders. According to the GSA website, the program is designed to provide "the best environment for assistant superintendents to impart essential knowledge and facilitate the sharing of industry best practices, with a clear focus on professional development."
"Green Start Academy has consistently paved the way for assistant superintendents to excel in their careers," said Mark Ford, Envu customer marketing manager.
This year marks the fourth consecutive appearance for Green Start at Pinehurst, site of this year's U.S. Open Championship.
The goal of the GSA program is to drive both personal and professional success by providing the tools and training needed by today's golf course superintendents while also giving attendees the chance to build relationships with peers and industry leaders.
"Spending time with the mentors, our friends at John Deere and Envu at Pinehurst, the home of American golf. What could be better?" said Tony Whelan, national sales manager for Rain Bird. " Developing a program that helps prepare assistant superintendents from across the U.S. and Canada for their next role and seeing them building a network of peers and mentors. I know the golf course community's future is bright and in good hands with the graduates of this program."
Previous Green Start Academy participants are not eligible, with the exception of the 2020 virtual class, who may reapply for consideration in this year's or a future in-person program. Applicants selected for this year's academy will be notified by Aug. 30.
Click here to apply.