Celebrating Excellence in Golf Course Management: The 2024 NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award

Parkland Products and the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents Association (NZGCSA) are thrilled to honour golf course superintendents across New Zealand with the 2024 NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award. This award, one of the most prestigious acknowledgements within the golf industry, recognises outstanding achievement in golf course management, honouring those who go above and beyond in creating superior playing surfaces while fostering positive relationships with their teams and stakeholders.

Chris Todd, Managing Director of Parkland Products, emphasises the importance of this award, stating, “It is the highest recognition of course management expertise in the golf industry, which makes it a natural fit for Parkland. We pride ourselves on sourcing the best products worldwide and constantly strive to improve the way we help our customers meet their turf challenges.” This dedication to excellence aligns with Parkland’s core mission and is reflected in the criteria and prestige of this award.

Judging Process: An Independent Evaluation of Excellence

Applications for the 2024 award have now closed, and judging is currently underway. Independent assessors appointed by the NZGCSA will review each application, ensuring an objective selection process. The first stage of judging involves reviewing initial applications and shortlisting candidates who will advance to the second round. In this stage, judges will conduct on-site visits and assess the finalists based on detailed dossiers provided by the candidates.

Importantly, Parkland Products, as the award’s sponsor, has no involvement in the judging process. This impartial approach ensures that only the most deserving golf course superintendents are recognised.

The 2024 Prize: Supporting Education and Professional Growth

This award isn’t just a recognition of past achievements; it’s also an investment in the future. The 2024 Parkland Excellence Award winner will receive a $6,000 cash prize designated for educational pursuits outlined in their application.

Last year’s recipient, Rick Machray, was recognized for his impactful work at Arrowtown Golf Club, showcasing project leadership, course enhancement, and environmental stewardship.

These grants empower winners to further their education and skills, benefiting their own careers and contributing to the advancement of golf course management in New Zealand. Some possible educational applications for this grant include attending regional, national, or international turf management conferences, enrolling in diploma programmes, completing internships, participating in study tours, or gaining work experience at prestigious events like the New Zealand Open.

Looking Ahead: The Award Ceremony and Recognition

The 2024 NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award will be presented in person, with the time and venue for the award ceremony to be announced soon. This event promises to be a significant milestone, both for the winners and for the New Zealand golf industry as a whole.

The winner will also contribute an article to the NZ Turf Management Journal, allowing them to share insights from their professional journey, experiences, and the expertise that earned them this honour. The recipient’s conduct will reflect on the prestige of the award and elevate the reputation of both NZGCSA and Parkland Products.

As Parkland Products and NZGCSA await the final announcement, we look forward to honouring another superintendent whose contributions to the golf industry in New Zealand make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for updates on the award presentation, and join us in celebrating the very best in golf course management.

For more information, visit the official NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award page.

NZGCSA Excellence Award Past Recipients:

The Parkland Excellence Award has celebrated some of the finest talent in the industry, highlighting the consistent quality of New Zealand’s golf courses. Past winners include notable industry leaders such as:

2022 Rick Machray – Arrowtown Golf Club
2018 John Spraggs – Royal Wellington Golf Club
2016 Andy Wood – Kauri Cliffs
2013 Blair Dibley – Millbrook Resort
2012 Rob Dunkley – Ngaruawahia Golf Club
2010 Brendan Allen – Royal Auckland Golf Club
2007 Leo Barber – Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
2005 Grant Bunting – Wanaka Golf Club
2002 Andrew Ellis – Waihi Golf Club
2000 Paul Stanaway – Mangawhai Golf Club
1998 Brett Burgess (Deceased) – Western Bay Golf Club
1996 Karl Johnson – Lincoln Golf Club
1994 John Farron – Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
1992 Peter Gray – Lincoln Golf Club