Courtesy of John Deere
John Deere announced Penn State University as the winner of the 2023 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Penn State received a traveling trophy, a $4,000 first-place cash prize and the opportunity to complete a paid employment assignment at the Desert Mountain Golf Club and Community in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Team members included Zack Newsome, Hunter Shaw, William Hilderhoff and Nate Moore. Dr. Ben McGraw served as the team’s academic advisor. The team was one of four Penn State groups to finish in the top 10. Penn State’s most recent GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl win was in 2019.
As a part of the 2023 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl, the winning Penn State quartet competed against 62 student teams representing 27 colleges and universities. The competition judged teams on overall industry knowledge and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations, demonstrating what superintendents can face daily. A total of $10,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the top teams in the competition.
“I always love seeing firsthand the passion for the industry that these students have and this year’s competition was no different,” said Manny Gan, global director of golf, John Deere. “The students from Penn State University had the tenacity and expertise needed to succeed and I have no doubt that they will thrive within the golf industry. Through our partnership with GCSAA, we are lucky enough to see the next generation of superintendents and golf professionals grow and are looking forward to seeing where their careers take them.”
2023 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Top 10 teams
Penn State #11
Purdue #51
Penn State #12
Kansas State #49
Michigan State #33
Maryland #56
Ohio State #47
Penn State #13
Iowa State #2
Penn State #14
