It was five years ago that the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association took a leap of faith and decided to help fund a research assistant position at Oregon State University. Today, within that role, Brian McDonald is grateful for the chance to continue studying conditions that directly affect golf facility superintendents in the Northwest. “Brian’s research has helped us in dealing with Microdochium patch, which is a serious turf disease here in the Northwest,” said Chuck Wolsborn, president of the Oregon GCSA and superintendent and general manager at Gresham Golf Course, east of Portland. “It’s critical for me to have their backing so I can focus on projects that directly help them,” said McDonald (pictured). “I have tremendous respect and admiration for superintendents. They have a difficult job, and I want to find solutions that will make their jobs easier.”
Last month, several Topgolf venues hosted Junior PLAY events and gave young golfers the chance to learn from and play with the pros thanks to a partnership with the PGA and LPGA Tours. During the events, Topgolf announced it will now offer free game play to any charitable organization whose purpose is aligned with youth leadership, mentorship and empowerment. Through the Topgolf for Good program, free game play is now available at any Topgolf location in the U.S. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Play sessions must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance and are subject to availability. Sessions can be requested at topgolf.com/giving.
Zachary Colön got a final bit of advice Sunday, April 2, from his favorite player, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. Colön was standing in line getting ready to putt in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals when Watson approached, shook his hand, and said, “Go get ’em.” Colön obliged. He holed the second putt of the competition, from 15 feet, on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club to force a playoff in the Boys 13-14 division, then won the playoff against Clinton Daly to win the national championship. “I don’t know how to describe it,” Colön said of the experience. “Unbelievable. Even better than what I imagined.” For a complete listing of DCP results go to http://www.drivechipandputt.com/finals/leaderboard.
