Penn State captures 2025 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl title

John Deere announced Penn State University’s Team No. 1 as the winner of the 2025 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego. The team received a traveling trophy and a $4,000 cash prize.

The event gave 76 student teams from 29 colleges and universities from across the United States an opportunity to demonstrate their industry knowledge and problem-solving skills. The winning team from Penn State demonstrated its resourcefulness through a series of tests simulating the high-pressure situations that superintendents face every day. Students gained monumental real-world experience and a combined total of $10,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the top teams.

"Watching the next generation of golf industry professionals put their skills to the test is an incredibly rewarding experience," said Manny Gan, global director of golf, John Deere. "Each year, Turf Bowl participants raise the bar, continually demonstrating the expertise needed to succeed in this field, and Penn State University’s Team No. 1 winning performance this year is a perfect example of that. Through our ongoing collaboration with GCSAA, we’re honored to empower future superintendents and golf professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed as they embark on successful careers in the golf industry."