Gary Ingram, certified golf course superintendent at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, will receive the 2014 Environmental Leaders in Golf Award presented jointly by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and Golf Digest.
Ingram is one of 16 superintendents recognized at the national and regional levels for a proven commitment to environmental stewardship. The winners will be recognized Feb. 25 at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.
“It’s nice to know that so many appreciate the work that you do,” said Ingram, a native of Berkeley. “I feel lucky. I am blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference and help others in this community enjoy this golf facility.
“Awards like this help confirm that the golf industry is passionate about doing what is right, and it is an honor to be recognized for environmental leadership. We are walking the walk. It’s not only good for business, but it’s about sustainability and the benefits for our community.”
Ingram, director of agronomy for Metropolitan Golf Links since the course opened 12 years ago and a 34-year member of GCSAA, is president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California.
In addition, he heads the non-profit Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative that teaches environmental science to inner-city Oakland high school students and introduces them to the game of golf through free study tours.
The winner in the national private category is Mike Crawford, CGCS at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., while the national resort category winner is Rocky Ebelhar, assistant superintendent at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La.
