Recognizing those that help build the game of golf, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) posthumously honored irrigation innovator Edwin J. Hunter at its annual awards banquet held at the Golf Industry Show in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 23. The GCBAA also raised a record-setting $140,000 through its annual auction at the banquet. These funds will go toward the GCBAA Foundation, new "Sticks for Kids" programs and college scholarship funds.
GCBAA awarded its Don A. Rossi honor to Hunter, honoring his work as a pioneer of the modern irrigation system. The Rossi Award is given annually by the GCBAA in memory of the late Don Rossi, former president of the National Golf Foundation and former executive director of GCBAA. The Rossi award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the golf industry, the game of golf and its growth, and has inspired others by their example. A gifted inventor and businessman, Hunter held more than 150 U.S. patents for turf and landscape irrigation products. The award was accepted by Hunter's son, Richard E. Hunter, on behalf of Hunter who passed away in 1998.
With generous donations from Caterpillar, John Deere, Toro and other GCBAA members, the GCBAA's auction raised more than $140,000 from GCBAA members seeking to own a Caterpillar track skid steer or mini excavator, a John Deere bulldozer, a Toro Sand Pro bunker rake or a variety of other member-donated products. These funds will assist GCBAA in further developing and growing its successful "Sticks for Kids" program - a national golf instruction program that's designed for youth who may not otherwise have an opportunity to learn and play golf - and scholarships for college students studying to enter the golf building industry.
"The GCBAA is pleased to honor the innovative manufacturing contributions of Edwin Hunter and we're proud of the commitment our members have shown to help the GCBAA build its programs and services," said Paul Foley, executive director of the GCBAA. "Through recognizing innovative, course-improving technology and receiving continued, generous support from its members, the GCBAA is assured of its success in helping to build the game of golf."