As was the case for almost every organization, 2020 was a challenging year for the USGA Green Section. We had to constantly adjust and adapt to all that came with the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it had on our customers, our staff, and the golf industry as a whole. While 2020 is certainly not a year that any of us are looking to repeat, it did provide the Green Section with an opportunity to reflect on our products and services and think about ways we could improve their content and delivery. As part of our continued efforts to serve you better and meet the needs of our valued team members, we’re pleased to announce the relocation of two USGA agronomists. Both are very familiar with course maintenance in their new regions and they are quick studies, so they’ll be excited to learn about the specific goals and problems to solve at each course they visit. While you may see a new face during your Course Consulting Service visit, you can expect the same great service and unbiased agronomic recommendations that the Green Section has always delivered.
John Daniels relocates to the Northeast Region
John is relocating from the Central Region and will be serving golf courses in the Northeast from his new base of operations in Rhode Island starting immediately. John brings a unique skillset to the region with a master’s degree in plant pathology from Purdue University and the experience gained from hundreds of consulting visits. In the Central Region, John worked with courses in a wide range of climates and growing environments and he has extensive experience with both cool- and warm-season grasses. He also has an excellent familiarity with the challenges golf courses in the Northeast face, having served as an assistant superintendent at Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston, N.Y., and having traveled extensively throughout the region during his time with the USGA. Feel free to reach out to John at jdaniels@usga.org to say hello or to inquire about how he may be of assistance to your course.
Paul Jacobs relocates to the Central Region
While John is heading east, USGA agronomist Paul Jacobs will be moving west to his new responsibilities in the Central Region. Paul brings outstanding experience and background to golf courses in the Central Region. He has a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science from Michigan State University and is working on a master’s degree from Penn State. Prior to joining the USGA in 2016, Paul worked at courses around the country – including as an assistant superintendent at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles. Along with the knowledge gained from hundreds of Course Consulting Service visits, Paul has extensive experience in water management, water quality and golf maintenance operations. He is also very familiar with the many grass types used on courses in the Central Region. Even more impressive, Paul is a bomber of the ball and has a 120-mph swing speed! Feel free to reach out to Paul at pjacobs@usga.org to say hello or to inquire about how he may be of assistance to your course.