Major Dan Rooney and Michael Hurdzan, Ph.D., two of the most highly respected members of the golf industry, will share their experiences with attendees of the GCSAA Education Conference, set for 4-8 February in San Diego.
The GCSAA Education Conference, held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (6-7 February), is the largest educational conference in the turfgrass management industry. Covering all ranges of golf course management, including agronomics, environmental management, communication and business management information, the conference includes more than 100 seminars, as well as numerous education sessions.
“Dan Rooney and Mike Hurdzan are two of the most impressive and caring individuals we have in the game today,” GCSAA President Sandy Queen, CGCS, said. “It has been my good fortune to have heard both of them speak, and I left each time inspired, humbled and moved. I am excited for GCSAA members to have the opportunity to hear and see them.”
Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot and member of the PGA of America, is the founder and president of the Folds of Honor Foundation and Patriot Golf Day.
It was his vision to create a means by which families that have lost loved ones in combat could receive education scholarships and other assistance. Rooney has been honoured with the White House’s Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Air National Guard’s Distinguished Service Medal, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the PGA of America’s Inaugural Patriot Award.
He has also been recognized as one of People Magazine‘s 2008 Heroes of the Year and one of ABC World News Tonight’s Persons of the Year for 2008.
Rooney, who played golf collegiately at the University of Kansas, has extensive experience in the golf industry. He is a part-owner of Grand Haven (Mich.) Golf Club and majority owner of The Patriot in Owasso, Okla.
The Patriot is the home of the Folds of Honor Foundation, and a percentage of its profits are directed to the foundation.
Watch more on Rooney, who will speak on Tuesday, 5 February at 5:30 p.m. at the GCSAA Opening Night Celebration, presented in partnership with Syngenta.
Hurdzan, who was selected this past fall to receive GCSAA’s highest honour, the 2013 Old Tom Morris Award, is respected worldwide for his course design talents. A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, he has more than 400 projects to his credit.
The multi-talented Hurdzan has achieved many milestones in his career. Among his many honours and citations, Hurdzan was named among the five most powerful architects by Golf Digest and Architect of the Year by Golfworld; he has received the Donald Ross Award (ASGCA), the Donald Rossi Award (GCBAA), and the Distinguished Alumni Award (OhioStateUniversity); and is a member of the Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame.
Though he is better known for designing golf courses, Hurdzan began his career in golf as a golf course superintendent. He has authored books and publications, served on numerous committees, delivered dozens of presentations, and owns one of the top collections of golf memorabilia and artefacts.
Watch more on Hurdzan, who will speak Wednesday, 6 February, at 8 a.m., at the GCSAA Opening Session, also presented in partnership with Syngenta.
“I have always said, there is no better professional development opportunity than the GCSAA Education Conference, the Golf Industry Show and our golf championship,” Queen said. “The education, the networking, the ability to see the latest products and the sharing of information is unparalleled.San Diegohas always been a highly rated venue, and combined with the condensed schedule, we believe the event will be better than ever.”
GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org