Purdue captures another GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl title

John Deere announced Purdue University as the winner of the 2024 GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix. As the crowned winner, Purdue received a traveling trophy and a $4,000 first-place cash prize.

The winning Purdue team, which included Broden Piel, Jacob Winger, Hayden Flick, Eli Ziliak and advisor Dr., Cale Bigelow, against 63 student teams representing 28 colleges and universities. This marked the third time in the last four years a team from Purdue has captured the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl title.

The winning team was crowned for their impressive industry knowledge and problem-solving skills. This was demonstrated through a variety of tests designed to showcase participants performance in high-pressure situations that closely mirror those faced by superintendents every day. This year, a total of $10,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the top teams in the competition.

"Experiencing the enthusiasm first-hand of the next generation of golf industry professionals as they put their knowledge and skills to the test is a privilege beyond measure,” said Manny Gan, global director of golf, John Deere. “Each year, Turf Bowl student participants demonstrate the expertise needed to succeed in the golf industry, and the performance of the Purdue University team is no exception. Through our partnership with GCSAA, we are able to empower the next generation of superintendents and golf professionals, and we are looking forward to seeing them reach new heights in their careers.”