Tom Cook, Oregon State University professor for 31 years until his retirement in 2008 has been inducted into the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association, Hall of Fame, during the Association's annual meeting last week at Salishan Spa and Golf Resort. Mr. Cook becomes the 16th member of the OGCSA Hall of Fame. He came to Oregon State University in 1977 after completing his B.S. degree from Washington State University and M.S degree from University of Rhode Island.
"This is a real honor and something I will cherish forever," said Cook. "I have been very close to the OGCSA over my years at Oregon State, teaching so many students who have now gone on to become such valuable members of this great Association."
During Mr. Cook's time teaching turfgrass management at Oregon State he has taught hundreds of students who have gone on to become successful golf course superintendents worldwide, as well as many students who are now industry leaders in the game of golf. Mr. Cook's contributions did not end with golf, as part of his career at OSU included extension, where he helped numerous homeowners with their lawn issues, visited hundreds of sports field to make them more safe and playable and as mentioned was always available to the golf community to lend his expertise on numerous turfgrass issues.
"One of Tom's many great strengths was his knowledge of how to grow Poa Annua," said Bob Senseman, golf course superintendent at Oswego Lake Country Club and OGCSA board member. "Poa Annua being the primary putting green surface on the entire west coast, it was so nice to have Tom to consult with as everyone who has ever been involved with golf, knows the importance of well conditioned putting surfaces."
Some of Mr. Cook's previous awards, include, "Who's Who Among Teachers", "R.M. Wade Award For Excellence in Teaching", and in 2006, the Distinguished Service Award from Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
