Courtesy of KemperSports
KemperSports recognized 17 teams and individuals at its annual Leadership Conference awards dinner, including Glen Murry, the golf course superintendent at The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tennessee, as Superintendent of the Year.
Murry led a handful of major projects throughout 2025, including fairways bunker renovations, tee conversions and a pond remediation — all finished on time, under budget and without disrupting play. Now entering his fourth year at The Governors Club, he was also promoted recently to regional agronomist for the company.
“Being a superintendent is an effort-based job,” Murry said. “If you show up every day with a drive and willingness to learn, people will teach you. If you don’t, you’re a lot less likely to move up and get better at it.
“Starting later than most people in the business, I was a sponge when I first started. And though I didn’t find raking bunkers to be the most fun job In the world, I made sure to do that job the best I could so that I could take on new responsibilities and progress, and I’d recommend newcomers to do the same.”
KemperSports also cited Murry’s mentorship, developing the next generation of superintendents as a factor in his winning the award.
“Inspiring the next generation and showing them how much fun this job can be is awesome,” Murry said. “Over the last couple years, I’ve had young guys working seasonal shifts for me that have ended up switching majors and going to school to pursue a degree in turf management, and that’s what it’s all about for me now.”
“While we are fortunate to manage many great properties, it is our people that make KemperSports special,” KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner said. “The teammates we honor this year are the very best of the best, every day showcasing their passion for delivering memorable experiences and building thriving communities.”
In addition to Murry, other award winners included:
- Team of the Year – Portland Parks Golf
- James R. Seeley General Manager of the Year – Derek White (Desert Willow Golf Resort)
- KemperGolf Course of the Year – Bennett Valley Golf Course
- KemperClub of the Year – Wilderness Ridge Club
- KemperDestination of the Year – Streamsong Resort
- KemperSports Venue of the Year – The Land at Saraland
- James S. Kemper Team Member of the Year – Jackie Egidio (Union County)
- Mady Lesnik Teammate of the Year – Josh Halloran (Home Office)
- Emil Esposito Golf Professional of the Year – Reid Derco (Cedar Point Club)
- Don Chelemedos Innovator of the Year – Grant Livingston (Lake of Isles)
- Salesperson of the Year – Kat Crapps (Presidio Golf Course)
- Hospitality Professional of the Year – Dustin Heilmann (The Glen Club)
- Retailer of the Year – Chambers Bay
- Green to a Tee – Goldeneye Club
- Safety National Winner – Streamsong Resort
- Safety National (Most Improved) – Iron Horse Golf Course
