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Golf Association of Michigan awards Crystal Downs CC superintendent

By |  March 30, 2023 2 Comments

The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) recently awarded Michael Morris, CGCS, director of building and grounds at Crystal Downs CC in Frankfort, Mich., its Superintendent Award of Merit.

Michael Morris, CGCS (Photo: Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association)

Michael Morris, CGCS (Photo: Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association)

According to the GAM, the award honors a superintendent who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, good character and high standards of conduct through pursuits associated with golf course grounds maintenance and care.

“It’s a responsibility. I try to provide the best experience members could have and I have been proud to try and do that for this many years,” said Morris. “I’ve been blessed to work with tremendous thinkers and leaders at Crystal Downs, that have afforded me the opportunity to learn and collaborate with great leaders from around the country.”

The Board of Directors of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), a group that Morris helped create as a combination of what is now four chapters of the association, supported Morris’ nomination. MiGCSA executive director Adam Ikamas, CGCS said Morris has mentored multiple interns who have become leaders in the golf course maintenance industry and has participated in numerous research projects with Michigan State University and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation.

“His multi-year study with Dr. Thom Nikoali (MSU) on green speed changed the way greens are managed,” Ikamas said. “He’s a soft-spoken leader who is always looking to find a better way.”

Morris said the biggest challenge in his 30 years in the industry has been working the balance of expectation and performance of the classic era course that does not have modified greens or modern drainage.

“The moving heights are completely different from those that existed when this course was designed, and we have slowed and intentionally tried to bring the course into modern standards,” he said. “There have been agronomic, design and maintenance challenges, but it has been a really fun ride on a great course with great people.”

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2 Comments on "Golf Association of Michigan awards Crystal Downs CC superintendent"

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  1. Ken Rost says:

    Well deserved Mike! You define professionalism and we all can learn from you.

  2. James Tollefson, CGCS says:

    You have “let your light shine” in a manner that glorifies our Father. The bar has been set high and your work ethic and professionalism goes beyond that. Thank you Mike for being a friend to many and an encouragement to others.

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