In 2020, the United States Golf Association named Pinehurst Resort as its first “anchor site” for the U.S. Open. That same year, Pinehurst unofficially became the anchor site for one of the industry’s most beloved events, Green Start Academy.
Bob Farren, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance at Pinehurst, told the 50 assistant superintendents in a welcome reception at the resort’s maintenance shop that the event is a passion of his. He also encouraged attendees to be present in the moment during the week.
“I insist that you’re intentional with your time,” he said. “Thousands of people come (to Pinehurst) as a bucket list item. Treat this as a stepping stone. Be intentional about meeting people and what that might mean to you in the future.”
In addition to presentations on diversity and inclusion in the industry, Bubba Wright, former superintendent at Pebble Beach and current director of agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge, gave assistants an inside look at what it’s like to host a professional tournament.
“Having an impact on the next generation’s lives and careers certainly means a lot to me,” he said. “I went through this program 12 years ago, so to come back and be able to give back and see how far the program has come after what it did for me personally is huge.”
Wright led a group of assistants as one of six mentors — all of which were former Green Start attendees.
The 2025 iteration of Green Start Academy will be the event’s 20th anniversary. Applications will open for interested superintendents in the spring of 2025.
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<p>The post Green Start Academy returns to Pinehurst for fourth straight year first appeared on Golfdom.</p>
