Green Start Academy unveils new location and third host for 2021 event

For the first time ever, Green Start Academy (GSA) is moving to a new location for 2021, Pinehurst Resort, as it welcomes a new class of assistant superintendents.

The annual event, hosted by John Deere and Bayer will also feature a third industry host for 2021, Rain Bird. Attendees from the golf industry will join a three-day education session from Nov. 15 to 17.

“We are excited to continue the tradition of Green Start Academy, bringing assistant superintendents from all over North America together for three days of education, professional development, and networking,” said Manny Gan, global director of golf for John Deere. “One of the things that makes Green Start Academy special is the unique opportunity we have to connect attendees the top leaders in the golf industry. We are excited to further enhance this experience by bringing our participants to one of the best courses in the United States, Pinehurst.”

With the move, there will also be new changes to the agenda. While GSA will continue to feature educational sessions from top industry experts and breakout sessions with industry leaders, this year’s event will place more emphasis on mentorship and networking. Attendees can expect additional new events to be added to the 2021 agenda due to the new location.

Also new for 2021, Rain Bird, the global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, will join John Deere and Bayer for the first time.

“This industry is built on relationships, and Green Start Academy provides the perfect platform for attendees, as well as the mentors and hosts, to support the next generation of this industry,” said Rain Bird national sales manager, Jeffrey Lawson. “We are excited to join John Deere and Bayer for this year’s event and look forward to meeting the 2021 class in North Carolina.”

Green Start Academy was established in 2006 to help develop aspiring leaders and Bayer, a co-founder of GSA, sees a big opportunity in evolving the long-standing program.

“Bayer is honored to welcome Rain Bird to the Green Start Academy family, and we are equally excited about the program moving to Pinehurst,” said Will McMurdo, head of the U.S. Turf & Ornamentals business for Bayer. “While John Deere and Bayer have made great strides with GSA since the program’s inception over 15 years ago, we both agreed that bringing another partner to the table and changing the venue would be a great way to evolve and elevate the program.”

Green Start Academy is open to assistant superintendents from the U.S. and Canada and the application period will be open from July 1 through Aug. 1. Selected participants will be notified by Aug. 16. Those interested in the event can apply here.