President's Award
Longtime golf course superintendent Mike Burkholder of Star Tannery, Va., was named winner of the prestigious President’s Award for Lifetime Service for 2008 by the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association. The award is given “in recognition of a career of distinguished and meritorious service and commitment to advancing the profession of golf course superintendent in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and in grateful appreciation for over twenty years of contributions that led to the advancement of association affairs since its inception.”
Burkholder logged some 63 years in the profession, mostly in northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. He grew up in the Fairfax County schools and entered the profession in 1941 at Fairfax Country Club as a part-timer in high school. That part-time job turned into a 20-year commitment to the club, and as his career advanced, he credited mentors Bill Glover and John Connolly for his “self taught” education. He also began a relationship with both the Middle Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents and the GCSAA, both of which spanned over 50 years.
In 1961, he did a brief stint in Maryland at Manor Country Club, and the following year he went to Westwood Country Club, where he worked until 1964. From there it was five years at Reston, before moving over to Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket in 1969. He stayed there for eleven years, when Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg sought his fine service. He distinguished himself there for nine years through 1989. His last club was the Shenvalee in New Market, where he retired in 2003.
Burkholder was a leader in association affairs, including helping found the Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association twenty-six years ago and serving as its President. He was recognized by the SVTA for outstanding leadership in1983-85, and in 2003 he received the SVTA’s Lewis A. Lamp, Jr. Achievement Award, in recognition of dedication and service. He also received the Virginia Turfgrass Council Award for dedication to the improvement to the turf industry, and the VTC and VGCSA honored him as a life member.
“I began this profession part-time while attending high school in Fairfax, Virginia," Burkholder says. "At the time, this was just a job. However, over the years, this profession became my passion. Being able to work with nature and the outdoors, while enjoying the wonderful creation we have been given, which has given me a great appreciation of nature and wildlife. In support of this passion, I helped organize the Shenandoah Valley Turf Association with the hopes of instilling that same appreciation into others.”
“I must have done something right over the past 60 years to be recognized for the Past President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. I am honored to receive these awards and appreciate the acknowledgement from my peers and friendships I have developed over the years,” Burkholder says.
VGCSA President Eric Spurlock comments, “We are extremely proud to honor one of the great servants to golf and our profession in presenting this award to Mike Burkholder. Mike truly represents what is great and special about our profession, with his commitment and tremendous loyalty in an incredible career spanning over sixty years.”
Mike married Virginia Moore in April, 1946, and they have two daughters, Paula and Charlotte, as well as two grandchildren, Michael and Ashley. Home is Star Tannery, Virginia.
Distinguished Service Award
Veteran golf course superintendent Bob Ruff, CGCS of Williamsburg, Va., was named winner of the association's Distinguished Service Award for 2008. The award is given “In recognition of distinguished and meritorious service as a member of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association during the past year, and in grateful appreciation for unselfishly promoting the profession of golf course management, which led to the advancement of the association.”
Born and raised in Roanoke, Ruff got his start in the business working summers during high school for Buddy Crouch at Hidden Valley Country Club. He was a student at Ferrum College 1969-71, when Uncle Sam called for Vietnam service, whereupon he enlisted in the Navy to become a pilot. The end of the war allowed Ruff to return to school, transferring to Virginia Tech, earning a BS in Agronomy in 1973. During this time period, Ruff worked summers at Roanoke Country Club.
Upon receiving his degree, Roanoke CC elevated Ruff to Assistant Superintendent, and he remained there through 1975 under the tutelage of George Short. Then he got his break to be in charge, moving over the Chatmoss Country Club as Superintendent. He stayed there through 1978, when Wintergreen Resort came calling, hiring him for the longest tenure of his career, some 21 years. While at Wintergreen, Ruff helped build a name for the resort, attracting the State Amateur, USGA qualifying rounds and other major events.
Ruff was aware of the spectacular Tom Fazio project, Two Rivers Country Club near Williamsburg in the late 1990s. This high profile project presented a great opportunity for Ruff, and he accepted the position of Superintendent in 1999. Two Rivers became one of the most successful golf developments in the state, and Ruff’s care of the immaculate course has kept members and guests happy to this day. Just a year ago, Ruff was promoted to his current position of Director of Maintenance: Golf, Grounds and Clubhouse.
In 1981 Ruff earned his certification from GCSAA, and in 1983 he served as President of the Virginia Turfgrass Association (VTA) based in southwest Virginia. He was elected President of the Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) in 1984-85, later earning the VTC’s Presidents Award in 1986. That same year, he served as President of the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation. Over the years, he served on many committees for GCSAA.
Ruff credits his father, Robert Ruff, and Bill Keehne as the influences in his decision to get involved in the turf business. Buddy Crouch and George Short played a major role in his development and in understanding the role of the golf course superintendent.
“In some small way, I hope I have helped instilled my passion for the golf maintenance profession over my 34 years to the greatest bunch of assistants, peers, cohorts and friends," Ruff says. "Virginia has been a great place to work and my colleagues have offered the support and caring required to survive in this sometimes difficult profession.”
Honored with the award, Ruff says, “To the VSGCSA, my thanks for this honor, when so many others are rightfully due as well.”
VGCSA President Eric Spurlock comments, “I have been amazed and impressed by Bob’s continual efforts to support his fellow superintendents and mentor the up-and-coming superintendents of tomorrow. His contributions to the profession are truly immeasurable.”
Bob has been married for 34 years to his high school sweetheart, Susan, who kept encouraging when times were difficult on the job. They reside in Williamsburg and have two daughters, Emily and Katie -- one Wahoo and one Hokie.
Scholarship
Virginia Tech Senior Derik Cataldi of Gordonsville, Va., is the recipient of the association's 2008 Turfgrass Scholarship. The award is given annually to the top student in turf, who also upholds the high ideals of character representative of the profession of golf course superintendent.
Cataldi is a candidate for graduation in May, 2009, with a bachelor's degree in CSES-Turf. His 3.51 GPA is tops in the program. This past summer, Cataldi interned under Brian Vincel at Spring Creek Golf Club, which was named “Best New Daily Fee Course” in the nation by Golf Digest in 2007. Prior to that, Cataldi worked with John Childress at Shenandoah Crossing Golf Club, near his home. Cataldi will decide this semester whether to pursue his Masters degree under the tutelage of Dr. Erik Ervin.
“We are excited to honor such an outstanding young man,” says VGCSA President Eric Spurlock. “The future of the golf course maintenance profession remains bright, with candidates like Derik still pursuing our career path.”