Former USGA Green Section agronomist and national director William H. (Bill) Bengeyfield passed away June 3 at the age of 97.
Bengeyfield had a significant impact on the golf industry and the USGA. He first joined the Green Section in 1955, serving as an agronomist until 1978, when he became the director of golf courses and park maintenance at Industry Hills Golf Club in Southern California. He rejoined the Green Section in 1981 and served as national director from 1982 until his retirement in 1990.
Bengeyfield believed that the recommendations and information provided by the USGA Green Section must be firmly based in science. He served as chairman of the USGA Turfgrass Research Committee and was instrumental in establishing the foundation of what is now known as the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program, which continues to have a profound impact on golf course maintenance. Bengeyfield served as editor of the USGA Green Second Record from 1967-78 and 1982-1990.
The USGA Green Section Record provided details for this report.
