Melrose Leadership Academy to send 17 superintendents to Golf Industry Show

Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 2, 2014) – Golf course superintendent TD Storie Jr. knew the value of the education and networking at the annual Golf Industry Show, but the budget at his course, Centennial Valley Golf Course in Conway, Ark., simply didn’t allow him funding to attend the event.

This year, however, Storie will be in San Antonio for the 2015 Golf Industry Show (GIS) (Feb. 21-26), as a member of the 2015 Melrose Leadership Academy. The Melrose Leadership Academy is a program of the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. As part of the academy, Storie will join 16 other GCSAA members for an all-expenses-paid trip to GIS.

Academy members were chosen through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism and drive to advance their careers. The academy will offer education specific to risk management (health, safety and environmental compliance), operational efficiency, business and environmental stewardship. Attendees will also participate in various leadership activities.

The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents by providing individuals the opportunity to attend the Golf Industry Show. It was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.

Melrose’s relationship with the golf industry is longstanding, as he joined the Toro Co. in 1970. He quickly ascended the ranks of the company, culminating with his appointment as CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board of directors in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2005 and from the chairman position in 2006. That same year he formed Leading by Serving LLC, a new company whose mission is to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations.

“I feel honored to be selected; it’s recognition for a long career,” Storie, a 17-year GCSAA member, said. “I have been very involved in GCSAA, but unable to regularly attend the show. It’s strictly financial. Now I am really looking forward to meeting people from all over the place – it’s all about networking.”

In addition to Storie, the selected participants are:

Nicholas W. Cummins, Westwood Golf Course, Newton, Iowa
Jon-Claude Whillock, Harrison (Ark.) Country Club
Hamilton S. Griffith, University of Georgia Golf Course, Athens, Ga.
Ryan Smith, Old Silo Golf Club, Mount Sterling, Ky.
Kyle Erdige, Timber Banks Golf Course, Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Joey G. Franco Jr., CGCS, Brookstone Golf & Country Club, Acworth, Ga.
Chase H. Best, Old Capital Golf Club, Corydon, Ind.
Kurtis A. Wolford, Cherry Island Golf Course, Elverta, Calif.
Stephen Sarnowski, Raisin River Country Club, Monroe, Mich.
Scott Cybulski, CGCS, Martindale Country Club, Auburn, Maine
Scott Winkelman, Lakeview Golf & Country Club, Auburn, N.Y.
Leslie A. Carpenter Jr., Newton (N.J.) Country Club
Robert W. Turcotte, Baker Hill Golf Club, Newbury, N.H.
Jason S. Heydt, Spring Hollow Golf Club, Spring City, Pa.
Rick A. Jacobs, Mirror Lakes Golf Club, Lehigh Acres, Fla.
Nathaniel R. Dyer, Neshobe Golf Club, Brandon, Vt.
“The Melrose Leadership Academy offers GCSAA members a fantastic professional development opportunity,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Congratulations to the winners, not only for being named to the academy, but for making the decision to continue to learn and enhance their careers and the profession.”

About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.