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The University of Massachusetts Amherst took home this year's GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl trophy.
The 2013 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl took place last Thursday, Feb 7, at the 2013 Golf Industry Show in San Diego. Students from over 35 universities and colleges participated in the competition, which tested their agronomic skills, turf care knowledge, leadership, and ability to think on their feet. The idea is that these skills are needed in the golf course industry and the challenges covered are ones superintendents might face on a day-to-day basis.
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The Turf Bowl has been in existence since 1995. Each year, the exam is looked over and modifications are made to the sections that include, but are not limited to, essay, multiple choice, identification, short answer, and fill in the blank. There is also a hands-on portion. Because of the yearly changes, and the span of topics covered, the GCSAA provides faculty advisors with a study guide for the participants. There is no limit to the number of participants, but each student must meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Team members included Kevin Shewmaker, Sean Raposa, Peter White, Evan Bradstreet, and University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Patricia Vittum. Teams who place second through 10th place also received graduated prize money.
The winning team received $4,000 cash, bragging rights, a trophy, and the chance to volunteer at TCP Sawgrass to experience first-hand what goes into preparing a course for a PGA tournament.