Editor's Note: This item was taken from the Dec. 2, 2011 edition of The Green Section Record
Who would have guessed that a kid that grew up on an apple orchard in Trumansburg, NY and worked as the greenkeeper of the Taughannock Golf & Country Club (now Trumansburg Golf Course) would end up as one of golf's preeminent leaders. James T. Snow, National Director of the USGA Green Section since 1990, has announced his retirement effective at the end of this year.
Jim began his career with the USGA Green Section in 1976. He served as an agronomist in the Northeast Region from 1977 to 1982, and then as director of the Northeast Region from 1982 to 1990. In 1990 he assumed his current role as national director. During his tenure, his numerous responsibilities included overseeing the Turf Advisory Service and a staff of 18 agronomists, the Construction Education Program, the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program, and the Green Section Education Program. A prolific writer, he also skillfully guided the Green Section Record magazine as its editor.
One of Jim's strength is fostering partnerships. In 1991, he vigorously supported the creation of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Under his direction, the USGA contributed more than $1.5 million since the program's creation to assist its growth in becoming an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and the natural heritage of the game of golf. He also secured a $1 million grant from the USGA to help fund and support the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) at Michigan State University, the largest turfgrass database in the world. He has been a longtime advocate of turfgrass research issues concerning golf turf. Thanks to Jim's leadership, since 1983 the USGA has provided more than $31 million to fund turf and environmental research across the country, effectively impacting golf courses around the world.
From seasonal golf course worker, to greenkeeper, to agronomist, to National Director of the USGA Green Section, Jim has never wavered in his love for the game of golf and the environment in which it is played. Kimberly Erusha, PhD, has been named to succeed Jim as managing director of the Green Section.