Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 29, 2020) – Matthew A. Crowther, the certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Cape Cod Country Club in East Falmouth, Mass., has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Crowther, a 30-year GCSAA member who is in his second year at Cape Cod Country Club, will be recognized during the annual Golf Industry Show, which will be held virtually Feb. 2-4, 2021.
The GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.
Crowther was nominated for his work at Mink Meadows Golf Club in Vineyard Haven, Mass., where he was superintendent from 1995 to 2019 and more recently at Cape Cod Country Club. His course management focuses on using as few inputs as possible to keep the surrounding environment in mind, while also creating a healthy, quality playing surface.
Crowther’s approach has reduced chemical inputs dramatically. Mink Meadows features 45 acres of irrigated turf, but only 3 ½ acres are conventionally maintained with fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, he established low-maintenance native areas at the course, which has benefited wildlife and reduced cost and energy consumption to maintain those areas.
“I feel as though all superintendents are environmentalists at heart,” Crowther said. “We care deeply for our courses and the surrounding ecosystems. Some maybe like to think outside the box or take it a step further environmentally, such as I did, but it doesn’t dimmish the average day-to-day maintenance on most courses.”
“Matthew is widely recognized as one of the true shining stars in our industry, a genuine environmental steward whose work at both Mink Meadows Golf Club and now at Cape Cod Country Club are worthy of praise,” said GCSAA President John R. Fulling, CGCS. “His accomplishments deserve to be held up as examples of the golf industry doing the right thing when it comes to the environment, and we’re pleased that we can honor him through the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. It certainly is well-deserved.”
Crowther, who became certified in 1999, has been active in his local and regional associations, serving as president for the GCSA of Cape Cod and the New England Regional Turf Foundation during his career.
“I never set out for recognition and did what I did voluntarily,” Crowther said. “I was not under any restrictions. I often questioned my sanity for doing it, but I took great pride in the work and longevity. I feel honored and am deeply humbled to receive this award.”
A list of previous President’s Award winners is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/about-gcsaa/awards/president-s-award-for-environmental-stewardship
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell) ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org