Westchester County CC to Host UMass Turf Program Fundraiser

Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y., is to host the 3rd annual Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Education Fundraiser, sponsored by the Alumni Turf Group and the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. The event will take place on October 23, 2006. Joseph Alonzi, Certified Golf Course Superintendent, will serve as the host superintendent.

This year’s tournament honoree is Edward C. “Ted” Horton, CGCS. Horton learned his craft under the wing of last year’s honoree, Sherwood Moore, CGCS at Winged Foot, then took over as superintendent. After 14 years, he moved to Westchester where he oversaw a complete renovation of the facility. In 1993, as superintendent for Pebble Beach Inc., Horton entered the national spotlight again, this time as an environmental steward winning several awards and forming the historic Golf and the Environment Summit, a landmark meeting between golf and environmental groups.

“It is an absolute thrill to be able to honor Mr. Horton,” said Steve Curry, President of the Alumni Turf Group.

“To put this into further perspective, it is remarkable that a venue such as Westchester Country Club and a group such as the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association are hosting this year’s Joseph Troll Fundraiser. This gives clarity to the magnitude of Ted’s success and the importance of this event.”

Of the award, Curry added, “This will continue a great annual tradition of honoring inspirational and accomplished alumni of the turf programs at the University of Massachusetts. In this case, it is especially poignant that he is the next honoree after his mentor, Mr. Moore.”

The fundraiser was initiated in 2004 as a means to raise money for the new Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Research Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The Alumni Turf Group has continued the fundraising efforts to support the turf program at the university. Last year, the event was held at Cape Cod National Golf Club and raised over $45,000.

Formed in 2005, the Alumni Turf Group (ATG) is comprised of turf professionals who are graduates of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. Through fundraising, ATG hopes to further research and education, promote UMass alumni in the turf management profession, and instill pride and commitment in the turf programs at the University of Massachusetts.

Additional information for the event, entry forms and ATG information are available at www.alumniturfgroup.com.