From the Shore Inbox — The Shore editors will keep you in the loop about the latest news, events and recommendations in the Lake Michigan area. Today's news to know comes from the Golf Club at Harbor Shores.
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is pleased to announce that the course will be recognized by the Golf Course Superintendent Association of American (GCSAA)/Golf Digest's Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. The award is being presented in partnership with Syngenta and Rain Bird - Golf Division. Harbor Shores is a Chapter award winner. The award is being presented on February 9, 2011 at the 2011 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores General Manager and Director of Golf Ross Smith said, "Special congratulations to team members Brad Fry and Rusty Williard as well as Evergreen Development's Bob McFeeter for all of their hard work to earn this recognition. The award will be presented to Brad Fry, the golf course superintendent, representing the team from The Golf Club at Harbor Shores."
Winners of the ELGA program will be featured on GolfDigest.com and in an upcoming issue of GCSAA's Golf Course Management magazine. Presenting partners Syngenta and Rain Bird Corp. - Golf Division will make donations to The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, in the names of all national and chapter winners.
The Environmental Leaders in Golf Award recognizes golf course superintendents and their courses for overall course management excellence in the areas of resource conservation, water quality management, integrated pest management, wildlife/habitat management and education/outreach. In addition, these categories are judged on sustainability, criticality, originality and technology implementation/use. An independent panel of judges representing national environmental groups, turfgrass experts, university research and members of the golf community conducted the award selection.
"The 2010 ELGA winners highlight superior environmental stewardship on the golf course, as well as the environmental leadership of GCSAA members," FGCSAA President James R. Fitzroy said. "Golf courses can be compatible with the environment, and in many cases enhance it, as our winners demonstrate."
Harbor Shores Managing Director Mark Hesemann said, "Since its inception, the goal of Harbor Shores was to continue the economic, environmental and social/cultural transformation that is already under way in the community. A true environmental transformation took place as the course was constructed, what was once barren, underutilized land is now an award-winning course that continues its dedication to being environmentally conscience. This is a significant honor for The Golf Club at Harbor Shores to be recognized by a group of their peers."
"Recognition like this helps gain exposure for the course as well as the overall Harbor Shores development. It helps efforts to further the overall development plan as well as helps drive interest in the course," added Hesemann.
Background Information
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course located along the breathtaking shores of Lake Michigan. This championship golf course, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, challenges players of every skill level while providing spectacular views of the Paw Paw River, hard wood forests, abundant wetlands and the beaches of Benton Harbor. It is the anchor of the Harbor Shores development.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at gcsaa.org.
Golf Digest is part of Condé Nast and is the largest golf publication in the world. Condé Nast, a division of Advance Publications, operates in 25 countries. In the United States, Condé Nast publishes 18 consumer magazines, two trade publications and 27 websites that garner international acclaim and unparalleled consumer engagement.
