A trip to Pinehurst for the 20th Green Start Academy

By Will Coughlin| December 8, 2025 0 Comments

Photo: Golfdom Staff — The 2025 Green Start Academy mentors and mentees (Photo: *Golfdom* Staff)

Last week was a week of many firsts in my young career. My first trip as a solo journalist, my first time in beautiful Pinehurst, N.C., and my first Green Start Academy.

Since I am still a novice in the golf maintenance industry. Any opportunity to immerse myself in learning and networking with young turf heads is extremely valuable and insightful.

Green Start mentor and former attendee, Kevin Banks, superintendent at Vineyard GC in Martha’s Vineyard, said during his presentation, “This event is such a great opportunity to stand out amongst your peers.” And he was right.

The three days in Pinehurst were packed with information and networking for the aspiring assistant superintendents. Night one was filled with attendees getting to know one another and all of the mentors, as well as a great meal and drinks from the folks at Pinehurst (a common theme throughout the trip).

From Left to Right: Mentor Kevin Banks (Vineyard GC), Oliver Munsill (Ekwanok CC), Thomas Pope (Sycamore Hills GC), Robert Starcher (The Federal Club), Ryan Hiles (Woodmont CC), Daniel Ritter (Pine Lake CC), Noah Felderman (Heritage Eagle Bend GC) (Photo: Golfdom staff) — From Left to Right: Mentor Kevin Banks (**Vineyard GC**), Oliver Munsill (**Ekwanok CC**), Thomas Pope (**Sycamore Hills GC**), Robert Starcher (**The Federal Club**), Ryan Hiles (**Woodmont CC**), Daniel Ritter (**Pine Lake CC**), Noah Felderman (**Heritage Eagle Bend GC**) (Photo: *Golfdom* staff)

The next day was jam-packed, and it kicked off with breakfast at the historic Carolina Hotel before diving right into panel discussions and information sessions all morning.

Discussion points ranged widely; anything from managing budgets team building to leadership, cultivating business relationships and getting the most out of a GCSAA membership. All of the mentors got their chance to speak with all of the attendees and give some of their knowledge to those outside of their mentorship small groups.

After lunch, we were off for some sightseeing. We got tours of the USGA Headquarters and the World Golf Hall of Fame. I made sure to stop by Golfdom founder Herb Graffis’ locker in the Hall of Fame before we were sent off to The Cradle, Pinehurst’s Gil Hanse-designed par-3 track.

The afternoon allowed attendees to unwind and build relationships with their mentors as well as their fellow mentees — relationships that are crucial for their development into superintendents and industry leaders.

John Jeffreys (Pinehurst No. 2) and mentees at The Cradle. (Photo: Golfdom staff) — John Jeffreys (Pinehurst No. 2) and mentees at The Cradle. (Photo: *Golfdom* staff)

In the evening, we headed into the main Pinehurst clubhouse for another spectacular dinner. I was lucky enough to dine with Green Start’s partner representatives (John Deere, Rain Bird and Envu) and got to find out why sponsoring Green Start is important to them.

“These emerging leaders play such an important role in the long-term success of golf courses, and investing in their growth and education ultimately strengthens the entire golf community,” said Chris Granger, national sales manager at Rain Bird.

J. Nolfo, campaign activation manager with Envu, said, “Envu has been involved with Green Start since the beginning … It is a way to help support the future of the industry and to make sure the next crop of superintendents can support their courses as well as the industry.”

Getting to learn why these partners support an event like Green Start really showed me its value for the industry and the attendees in addition to why it has been a major success for the past 20 years.

Another standout speaker was career coach and author Carol Rau with her expertise of the hiring process and career progression. She spilled tons of her knowledge onto attendees to prepare them for furthering their careers.

Carol Rau speaks to the mentees at Green Start Academy (Photo: Golfdom staff) — Carol Rau speaks to the mentees at Green Start Academy (Photo: *Golfdom* staff)

Green Start Academy was an incredible three days of learning and networking at a fantastic venue in Pinehurst. Pinehurst was a perfect canvas for showing what good turf leadership looks like. Bob Farren, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance and John Jeffreys, superintendent, No. 2 course, were incredible hosts, and with only one year under my belt in the industry, were great resources to meet in person.

“One of the things that was important specifically to Bob Farren and the Pinehurst team was that they had an opportunity to show their dedication to the industry, and a big part of that is hosting Green Start here … Hosting these 50 to 60 people that we bring here every year allows them to see what great work Pinehurst does on the maintenance side,” Kim Ehasz, John Deere’s global manager for golf market development and strategy, said on hosting Green Start at Pinehurst.

Green Start Academy and Pinehurst showed how upcoming industry leaders can further advance their personal and professional careers and lead the next generation of industry stewardship. Attendee Nathan Sogard, assistant superintendent from Wicker Point Golf Club in Alexander City, Ala., said it best: “I just wish it lasted longer.”

Me too, Nathan. I am already counting down the days until Green Start 2026.