GCSANC names annual award winners

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California (GCSANC) named its annual award winners for contributions to the golf industry during the 2015 GCSANC Annual Meeting on Jan. 14 at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, Calif.

Kevin Breen, CGCS, of La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., was named the organization’s Superintendent of the Year. The George Santana Distinguished Service is awarded to a member for his or her long-standing commitment to the GCSANC, and the 2015 award went to former president Gary K. Carls, CGCS. Carls currently acts as president of the Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative.

The GCSANC recognized two courses for turfgrass excellence. Superintendent Thomas Doyle and Director of Agronomy Michael Garvale, CGCS, Callippe Preserve GC, a municipal facility in the City of Pleasanton, Calif., won the public category. Turfgrass Excellence in the Private Category was awarded to Sean Tully, superintendent, and David Sexton, CGCS, director of ground maintenance at Meadow Club in Fairfax, Calif.

Coby Byers, a Northern California territory manager for Turf Star, Inc., was presented the Bert Graves Affiliate Merit award. The Prunedale, Calif., resident earned the award that is given to an individual who has contributed in extraordinary ways to the GCSANC and its members.

The non-annual President’s Award is given at the discretion of the GCSANC president to individuals who demonstrate excellence in a designated area and serve as role models for other within the golf industry. The 2015 President Award winner is Barbara Mikel, a former GCSANC manager who retired in 2014 after 24 years with the association.