Kenna named 2021 Col. Morley DSA winner

“It’s nice to know the people you were working for all those years are appreciative of the work,” said Mike Kenna (center) on winning the 2021 Col. Morley DSA Award. (Photo courtesy of Mike Kenna)

Michael Kenna, Ph.D., retired director of USGA Green Section Research and Golfdom’s research editor, has been selected to receive the 2021 Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award from GCSAA. He’ll be recognized at the 2021 Golf Industry Show on Feb. 2.

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is given to an individual who has made an outstanding, substantive and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession. The award was renamed in 2009 in honor of Col. John Morley, GCSAA’s founder and first president.

“Mike’s years of dedication and extensive contributions to the industry help continue the vision of Col. John Morley,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “His leadership and insight in research efforts are second to none and of great value to superintendents and to the game of golf.”

A 25-year GCSAA member, Kenna oversaw environmental and turfgrass research activities at the USGA from 1990 to 2019. This included soliciting and evaluating research proposals, grant-making and working with private and governmental organizations to develop cooperative funding opportunities for turfgrass scientists. He managed more than 600 research projects funded with $40 million from the USGA.

“I’ve always looked at the golf course superintendents as the primary recipients of the programs and the research. Without them, we can’t make the improvements that we’re striving for,” Kenna told Golfdom. “They’re the conduits, the ones who implement the research results. To be honored by them … it’s an honor to feel that we made an impact.”