ASGCA Past President and Donald Ross Award recipient Michael Hurdzan has been selected to receive the 2013 Old Tom Morris Award by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Hurdzan has gained critical acclaim for his golf course design with a focus on environmental stewardship and affordability.
The award will be presented during the 2013 GCSAA Education Conference in San Diego on Feb. 6.
GCSAA’s most prestigious honor, the Old Tom Morris Award is presented each year to an individual who “through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris.” Morris (1821-1908) was the greenkeeper and golf professional at the St. Andrews Links Trust Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland; a four-time winner of the British Open (1861, ’62, ’64 and ’67); and ranked as one of the top links designers of the 19th century. Previous winners include ASGCA members Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson; Bob Hope, Nancy Lopez, Nick Price and Peter Jacobsen, among others.
The multi-talented Hurdzan has achieved many milestones in his career, but points to Devil’s Paintbrush in Ontario, Canada (voted best new Canadian course in 1992), and Erin Hills in Wisconsin (2017 U.S. Open site) as his favorites. He has not only designed golf courses, but also began his career in golf as a golf course superintendent. He has authored books and publications, served on numerous committees, delivered dozen of presentations and has one of the top collections of golf memorabilia and artifacts.
“Mike is most deserving of this honor,” GCSAA President Sandy Queen, CGCS, said. “His contributions to the game have had a significant and lasting impact. He has given so much of his time for the benefit of the greater good. He is indeed a true gentleman.”
For more information on the GCSAA and the Morris Award, click here.