John Deere Golf and Bayer Environmental Science today opened the application process for assistant superintendents across North America to attend Green Start Academy 2010. This is the fifth year the two companies are partnering on Green Start, a program that offers assistant superintendents the opportunity to learn about industry trends from the experts and collaborate with their peers.
From the lectures and round table discussions to the networking opportunities and best practices exchanges, Green Start provides assistants knowledge and tips that are essential to their professional growth. “The most beneficial part of Green Start was the interaction with other assistants that have the same goals in the industry as I do,” said Steven Biehl, 2009 Green Start Academy attendee and assistant superintendent at Naperville Country Club, Naperville, Ill. “It was great to interact with others who share the same ambition, and get together with other assistants to share ideas.”
To be considered for Green Start Academy, assistants are required to complete the online application and respond to one of two pre-selected essay questions. Of the applicants, only 50 winners will be selected to attend the well sought-after event.
A panel of industry experts, comprised of Ken Mangum, director of golf course and grounds, Atlanta Athletic Club, Bob Farren, grounds and golf course manager, Pinehurst Resort, Shawn Emerson, director of agronomy, Desert Mountain Golf Club, Randy Allen, senior director of golf and grounds maintenance, Burroughs & Chapin and Tom Alex, director of golf course maintenance, Grand Cypress Resort, will judge the essays, and the selected winners will attend Green Start Academy Sept. 29 through Oct.1, 2010. The Academy will be held in Clayton, N.C., at the Bayer Development and Training Center, and John Deere’s Turf Care factory in Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
The application phase will be open through July 31,2010, and winners will be notified by August 15, 2010.
