Michael T. Huck of San Juan Capistrano, a turfgrass and irrigation specialist, will be honored by the United States Golf Association as recipient of its 2019 Green Section Award, it was announced in Liberty Corner, N.J.
Huck, formerly of the Southern California Golf Association Members Club in Murrieta and Mission Viejo Country Club, has more than 40 years of experience in the golf industry, including 12 as a golf course superintendent using recycled irrigation water.
“Mike’s continued dedication to elevating the topic of water conservation in golf and advocating for education and dialogue has benefited courses across North America and the world,” said Dr. Kimberly Erusha, USGA Green Section managing director.
“His innovative approach, matched with his ability to communicate very complex science in a relatable way, has provided game-changing leadership that helps golf courses and communities.”
Huck, who earned the SCGA’s 2014 Lynn Smith Award, which honors outstanding contributors and service to amateur golf in Southern California, will be honored at the USGA’s Annual Meeting and Service Awards Dinner at the J.W. Marriott in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Currently a principal at Irrigation and Turfgrass Services, Huck is widely recognized as a visionary in water conservation and water use efficiency. He has authored nearly 50 articles and continues to share news and insights on water regulations, supply issues and the future of golf course irrigation to a worldwide audience.
“I have known Mike for over 30 years, during which time he has always had a genuine concern for the proper use of our precious water resources,” said Pamela Pavela, water use efficiency specialist for the Western Municipal Water District in Riverside. “However, it is Mike’s strong character and his commitment to valuing business relationships that make him a consummate professional so deserving of this award.”
The 61-year-old Huck also works with regulators, golf facilities and allied associations on developing best practices and policies that conserve water while ensuring sustainability.
In addition, Huck has served on several golf water task forces in Los Angeles, San Diego and the Coachella Valley in the wake of water restrictions imposed on golf courses during periods of extreme drought.
Huck collaborated with the SCGA to study the feasibility of creating on-site non-potable water sources that could be used on large landscape environments. He also taught an advanced water quality seminar through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for 12 years and coauthored a 2009 reference text on this subject.
Through the work of its Green Section, which was established in 1920, the USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on turfgrass management, as well as research, development and promotion of environmentally friendly practices and a more sustainable game.
