GCSAA awards J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., 2023 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship

J. Bryan Unruh (Photo: GCSAA)

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) named J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., professor at the University of Florida and associate director of the West Florida Research and Education Center, recipient of the 2023 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.

The GCSAA established the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship in 1991 to recognize an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf. The association will recognize Unruh during the Sunrise Celebration of the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show on Feb. 8 in Orlando.

“Dr. Unruh has been instrumental in the development and expansion of golf course best management practices, which have truly been a game changer for the industry,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “His work has been invaluable to the game of golf and GCSAA members, and he personifies what the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship is all about.”

In 2003, Unruh played a key role in the launch of the effort to build environmental best management practices (BMPs) for Florida golf courses. Florida BMPs were published in 2007, and Unruh became a leading force behind GCSAA’s initiative to have BMP manuals established nationwide. Earlier in 2022, Florida legislature signed a state bill recognizing the Florida BMP Certification program into law.

A 32-year GCSAA member, Unruh also works with the association on the third phase of its Golf Course Environmental Profile Survey Series, a project to develop a comprehensive environmental profile of golf courses in the U.S.