Source: GCSAA | Angela Hartmann
Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 13, 2022) – J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., professor at the University of Florida and associate director of the West Florida Research and Education Center, has been named the recipient of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s 2023 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. He will be recognized during the Sunrise Celebration of the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show on Feb. 8 in Orlando.
The President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.
"Dr. Unruh has been instrumental in the development and expansion of golf course best management practices, which have truly been a game changer for the industry,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “His work has been invaluable to the game of golf and GCSAA members, and he personifies what the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship is all about.”
Unruh’s road to nearly three decades at the University of Florida began in an unlikely place, Dodge City, Kan. While growing up in Dodge City, he was involved in 4-H, and attending a training on mowing lawns by his county Extension agent was his first introduction to turfgrass. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticulture from Kansas State University, he received his doctorate in horticulture from Iowa State University in 1995. Two weeks later, he joined the faculty at the University of Florida.
In 2003, Unruh played a key role in the launch of the effort to build environmental best management practices (BMPs) for Florida golf courses.
To learn more about the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship, visit gcsaa.org/awards.