Auburn University wins the 2018 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl

2018 GCSAA Turf Bowl winner, Auburn University

Auburn University is the winner of the 2018 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl. John Deere Golf  awarded Auburn the traveling trophy and the $4,000 first-place prize during the closing ceremony of the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio on Feb. 8.

Auburn competed against student teams from 28 colleges and universities from across the nation during the 2018 Turf Bowl. Student teams were graded on overall industry knowledge and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations, similar to what superintendents frequently experience on the job. In 2018, a total of $10,000 in cash prizes were awarded to the top ten teams.

“As a leader in the golf industry, we understand the critical importance of supporting the next generation of golf course superintendents,” said Dave Plaster, sales manager for John Deere Golf. “Collegiate turf programs play an important role in furthering the industry, and we are excited to be a part of their education through our support of the GCSAA Turf Bowl.”

The 2018 Collegiate Spirit Award winner, Michigan State University

“The job of a superintendent requires a special set of skills and a unique dedication to the game of golf, which was fully displayed with this year’s top teams, including the winning team from Auburn University,” Plaster added.

In addition to sponsoring the Turf Bowl, John Deere helped prepare students for the competition through the Tweet Rally. This year students were asked three questions during the weeks leading up to the Turf Bowl. Students were asked to respond with the right answer using a special hashtag, which was tallied to determine the winner of the 2018 Collegiate Spirit Award. This year Michigan State University was named the winner during the closing celebration, and received $1,000.00 for the school’s turf club.

Photos: John Deere Golf