Meet The Agronomists

jbooth@usga.org | 804-814-3078 | Based in Pinehurst, NC

Dr. Jordan Booth joined the Green Section in 2021 as an agronomist in the East Region. In his current role, he oversees the USGA Course Consulting Services and conducts consulting visits in the Southeast.

dbevard@usga.org | 610-246-9263 | Based in Kennett Square, PA

Darin Bevard is the Senior Director of Championship Agronomy for the USGA Green Section. He oversees agronomic preparations for USGA championships with an emphasis on open championships.

chartwiger@usga.org | 678-591-7410 | Based in Pinehurst, NC
 

Chris Hartwiger is the Director of Agronomy. He oversees various agronomic research efforts within the Green Section and visits golf courses in Alabama and North Carolina in support of the Course Consulting Service.

cthompson@usga.org | 908-396-1562 | Based in Pinehurst, NC

Dr. Cole Thompson oversees the USGA’s turfgrass and environmental research initiatives to improve sustainability and advance turfgrass science principles that enhance management practices for golf courses.

mserena@usga.org | 610-515-1662 | Based in Southern California

Dr. Matteo Serena engages with golf courses, public and industry scientists, allied golf associations, and other stakeholders to advance water conservation on golf courses throughout the USA.

dobrien@usga.org | 479-861-1796 | Based in Pinehurst, NC
 

Dr. Daniel O’Brien joined the USGA in 2024 as Green Section Research Manager. In this role, Daniel provides support for Green Section research activities.

edowling@usga.org | 224-656-9773 | Based in Longmeadow, MA
 

Elliott is the Regional Director of the East Region for the USGA Green Section’s Course Consulting Service. He helps golf facilities maintain better playing conditions through USGA Course Consulting Service visits, educational outreach, and research throughout the region.

bgietka@usga.org | 410-218-0131 | Based in Hagerstown, MD
 

Brian joined the Green Section in 2023 as an Agronomist in the East Region. He conducts Course Consulting Service visits, provides educational outreach, and helps with championship agronomy in the mid-Atlantic area.

cneff@usga.org | 843-247-5488 | Based in Bluffton, SC

Chris joined the Green Section in 2023 as an Agronomist in the East Region. He helps golf course superintendents and their teams maintain top notch playing conditions through Course Consulting Service visits and outreach in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.

mleininger@usga.org |  Based in Orlando, FL

Mitch joined the Green Section in 2025 as an Agronomist in the East Region. He helps golf course superintendents and their teams maintain top playing conditions through Course Consulting Service visits and outreach in Florida and the Southeast. 

znicoludis@usga.org | 412-215-6488 | Based in Columbus, OH

Zach joined the Green Section in the spring of 2016 as an Agronomist in the Central Region. He conducts visits in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky and provides educational outreach throughout the Central Region.

tgould@usga.org | 515-802-9323 | Based in Geneva, IL

Tom joined the Green Section in the fall of 2024 as an Agronomist focusing on Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Canada. Tom conducts Course Consulting Service visits and provides educational outreach to golf courses throughout the region.

bwhitlark@usga.org | 480-215-1958 | Based in Gilbert, AZ

Brian joined the Green Section staff in 2008 as a Senior Consulting Agronomist in the West Region. He makes Course Consulting Service visits in Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.

rniewola@usga.org | 757-897-0325 | Based in Portland, OR

Ross Niewola is an Agronomist in the West Region for the USGA Green Section's Course Consulting Service. Ross joined the Green Section in the winter of 2024 and is based in Portland, OR.