We are pleased to announce that John Rowland, Ph.D., has been named as an agronomist in the USGA Green Section’s Southeast Region. Dr. Rowland will focus on supporting golf course superintendents in Florida and serving the golf course industry throughout the Southeast. John’s commitment to research, his practical experience and desire to help others will be of great value to courses in the region.

Originally from Asbury Park, New Jersey, John received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in turfgrass science from the University of Florida. He then earned his doctorate in soil and water science, with a focus on turfgrass, also from the University of Florida. His graduate work focused on cultural practices used to control organic matter, grow-in fertility requirements, and drought tolerance of warm-season turf. John has worked extensively, as a scientist and practitioner, with bermudagrass, seashore paspalum and zoysiagrass putting greens.

He has over 20 years of experience in the turfgrass industry and most recently was a golf course superintendent in South Florida where he also served on the board for the superintendent’s association. John also worked for Envu (Bayer Environmental Science) where he focused on research and development of the nematicide Indemnify.

In his free time, John practices mixed martial arts and enjoys playing golf, tennis and basketball. He also likes to spend time outdoors visiting parks, hiking and biking.