Green Start Academy heads to Pinehurst

Green Start Academy is heading to Pinehurst Resort for its 2021 edition as it welcomes a new class of assistant superintendents.

The annual event, hosted by John Deere, Bayer and, new this year, Rain Bird, will welcome the best and brightest of the golf industry for a three-day education session November 15-17 at one of the more notable golf locations in the United States. Attendees will be able to apply July 1 through August 1. Selected participants will be notified by August 16.

“We are excited to continue the tradition of Green Start Academy, bringing together assistant superintendents from all over North America for three days of education, professional development and networking,” John Deere global director of golf Manny Gan said. “One of the things that makes Green Start Academy special is the unique opportunity we have to connect attendees the top leaders in the golf industry. We are excited to further enhance this experience by bringing our participants to one of the best courses in the United States, Pinehurst.”

With the move, attendees can also expect some changes to the agenda. While GSA will continue to feature educational sessions from top industry experts and breakout sessions with industry leaders, the 2021 event will place even more emphasis on mentorship and networking. Additionally, due to the new location, attendees can expect new events to be added to the 2021 agenda.

Also new for 2021, GSA will welcome a third host to the mix: Rain Bird. The global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services will join John Deere and Bayer for the first time, adding another layer of industry expertise to the event.

“This industry is built on relationships, and Green Start Academy provides the perfect platform for attendees — as well as the mentors and hosts — to support the next generation of this industry,” Rain Bird national sales manager Jeffrey Lawson said. “We are excited to join John Deere and Bayer for this year’s event and look forward to meeting the 2021 class in North Carolina.”

“Bayer is honored to welcome Rain Bird to the Green Start Academy family and we are equally excited about the program moving to Pinehurst,” said Will McMurdo, head of the U.S. Turf & Ornamentals business for Bayer. “While John Deere and Bayer have made great strides with GSA since the program’s inception 15 years ago, we both agreed that bringing another partner to the table and changing the venue would be a great way to evolve and elevate the program. And we can’t think of a better partner than Rain Bird or a better venue than Pinehurst as we continue this time-honored tradition of helping develop the next generation of superintendents in this game we all love.”

Established in 2006, Green Start Academy helps develop aspiring leaders by bringing together top assistants for a career-changing experience. The program is open to assistant superintendents from the U.S. and Canada who are looking to advance their careers and build connections within the golf industry.