Fifty-four assistant superintendents have been selected to attend the Green Start Academy, a two-day educational and networking event sponsored by John Deere Golf and Bayer Environmental Science. This exclusive program offers an opportunity for assistants to enhance their careers by learning best practices, meeting industry experts and networking with peers.
From October 1-3, the winners will come from 24 states and Canada to the Bayer Development and Training Center in Clayton, N.C., and John Deere’s Turf Care factory in Fuquay Varina, N.C.
“There were some exceptional candidates who applied for this year’s Green Start Academy,” says Gregg Breningmeyer, director of marketing and sales for John Deere Golf.
Attendees were nominated by their superintendent before submitting an essay on why they should be chosen. Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts including: Shawn Emerson of Desert Mountain Golf Club, Bob Farren of Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Ken Mangum of Atlanta Athletic Club, Dean Miller of PGA West and La Quinta Resorts and and Bruce Williams of Los Angeles Country Club.
Providing their expertise and advice, the panelists will lead roundtable discussions with attendees who will also attend sessions on equipment, irrigation and chemical management.
Neil Cleveland, managing director, Bayer Environmental Science, Green Professional Products explains that attendees will take home more than product and process information: “These assistants will learn how to take their careers to the next level,” he says. “But their golf courses and the entire industry will also benefit from their improved knowledge. We’re proud to help foster the next generation of superintendents and look forward to many more years of the Green Start Academy.”
