Strategic Planning Session Identifies Water Issues As Priority

Ortiz-Patino joins Norman on Environmental Institute for Golf Advisory Council; Lyman selected for staff leadership position

(September 10, 2003) - Jaime Ortiz-Patino, recognized around the world for his contributions to the game of golf and passion for nature, has agreed to serve on The Environmental Institute for Golf (The Institute) advisory council.

The Institute is the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and was formerly known as The GCSAA Foundation. It is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute's advisory council will provide guidance to its board of trustees, primarily in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. Greg Norman, who is also a trustee, chairs the advisory council. The goal is to have at least 10 members of the advisory council by the end of the year.

As owner, president and golf course superintendent at Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain (site of the 1997 Ryder Cup), Ortiz-Patino was presented GCSAA's Old Tom Morris Award in 1999 in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the game. He has been a long time supporter of the golf course superintendent profession and GCSAA.

"Jaime's contributions to the game are unrivalled," Norman said. "His vision will serve us well as we examine golf's relationship with the environment. It is a subject for which he has great dedication and interest."

Ortiz-Patino was one of nearly 50 individuals from the environmental and golf communities that met July 29-31 at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., to identify and discuss areas of focus that should be addressed by The Institute. The session centered on the following subjects:

* Identification of the broad issues that intersect the environment with golf
* Determination of how to best frame and address environmental issues surrounding golf
* Development of an initial set of creative ideas for action
* Development of a method of communication and interaction with attendees, as well as broader groups of stakeholders
* Definition of the collaborative process and prioritize next logical steps for The Institute


Participants ranked water issues as the highest priority -- from water quality to proper use of water resources -- for The Institute to address. The other areas that the group identified for the Institute to study included integrated plant management; wildlife and habitat management; siting, design and construction; and energy and waste management.

"There was enormous diversity among the group, but we share the same passions toward the game of golf, family and a love of nature," said golf course architect Michael J. Hurdzan, Ph.D., an Institute Trustee who also represented the American Society of Golf Course Architects. "It was a productive session and provided direction for the future. It's important for us to work together to address the issues and continue to develop practices that will help us change our behaviors and ultimately enhance the way we site, design, develop, own, manage and play golf courses."

Click here (http://www.gcsaa.org/about/foundation/psoutcomes.asp) for a full report on the EIFG planning session outcomes.

In a related development, Gregory T. Lyman, turfgrass environmental education specialist at Michigan State University, has been named GCSAA's director of environmental programs. He will begin his duties fulltime Oct. 20, providing leadership to the association's development and execution of environmental programs and services. Those will be initiated and funded largely through The Institute.

Lyman has gained widespread recognition for the creation of programs that resulted in the development of best management practices for Michigan's "green industry." The Michigan State Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, developed and launched by Lyman, was presented GCSAA's President's Award for Environmental Leadership in 2001. Lyman earned a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture from Michigan State in 1983 and an M.S. in Horticulture from Penn State in 1992.

"I've seen Greg's work first hand," GCSAA President Jon D. Maddern, certified golf course superintendent said. "He's a perfect fit for the position. He has an excellent record of building consensus and fostering the collaborative spirit of stakeholders. I know he is excited to join the GCSAA team and we are excited to have him as well."

In January 2003, The Institute evolved from The GCSAA Foundation, originally established in 1955, with a new name, mission and focus. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving information collection, research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, click here (http://www.gcsaa.org/about/foundation/foundation.asp).

Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading 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 more than 22,000 individual members in more than 65 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 www.GCSAA.org, www.GolfSuper.com or www.GCSA2.com.

Media Contact:
Jeff Bollig
GCSAA Director of Communications
800-472-7878 (ext. 430)
jbollig@gcsaa.org