AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award

In these times of heightened environmental awareness and regulation, the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award takes on great significance. With golf courses now under increasing public and legislative scrutiny, environmental management and responsibility has become a primary concern for the modern day superintendent.

The man who this award is named after was a champion of the environment, and the legacy Claude Crockford left at Royal Melbourne Golf Club continues in this award which recognises excellence in golf course environmental management.

This award has become one of the most sought after at the annual presentation ceremony and always attracts a highly competitive field of nominees. Winning the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award provides a huge fillip for the superintendent and his or her crew, and is something that the entire club can take pride in.

Selection Criteria
Nominees for the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award must be current AGCSA superintendent members. Nominations will be accepted from AGCSA members, club representatives, industry consultants and allied industry bodies. All valid nominations will be judged individually by members of the AGCSA award subcommittee, consisting of independent industry experts. The subcommittee will then convene to bestow the award.

Requirements
In no less than 1000 words please detail and send a dossier or portfolio demonstrating how the nominee has displayed a commitment to sustainable land management and the environment. Please make sure the following key judging points are covered:

Description of the current environmental management plan or system in place.
Demonstrate the commitment to the protection of the existing natural environment, environmental best practice and environmental stewardship.
Description of the overall objective for environmental change.
Description of the current course environment.
Demonstrate the commitment to land management and sustainability.
Demonstrate the process being undertaken to protect native flora and fauna and the protection of environmentally-sensitive areas.

Nominations
The AGCSA accepts nominations for the Claude Crockford Award all year round. Click here to download a Claude Crockford Award nomination form which can either be posted or faxed back to the AGCSA.

2011 AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award

Winner: Troy MacLaren, Kabi Organic Golf Course, QLD
You would be hard pressed to find a more fitting winner of the AGCSA’s prestigious Claude Crockford Environmental Award than Troy MacLaren. Since starting as superintendent of Kabi Organic Golf Course near Noosa back in 2001, MacLaren has helped to develop this one-of-a-kind facility which is literally at the cutting edge of environmental sustainability. Abiding completely by organic principles, every facet of MacLaren’s course maintenance operations is unique and over the past decade he has helped to promote the cause of organics and the role it can play in turf management.
Click here to read more.

Past Recipients

2010: Jodie Grainger (Yering Meadows, VIC)
2009: Andrew Smith (Yamba Golf & Country Club, NSW)
2008: Kenton Boyd (Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club, NSW)
2007: Stuart Moore (Southport Golf Club, QLD)
2006: Peter Donkers (Long Reef Golf Club, NSW)
2005: Scott McKay (North Lakes Golf Club, QLD) and Ben Marshall (Club Pelican, QLD)
2004: David Warwick (Avondale Golf Club, NSW)
2003: Spiros Skaftouros (Growling Frog Golf Club, VIC) and Darren Watson (Horizons Golf Club, NSW)
2002: Jeff Austen (El Caballo, WA)
2001: Andrew Baker (Sanctuary Cove Golf Resort, QLD)
2000: Ben Tilley (Beerwah Golf Club, QLD)
1999: Mick Russell (Werribee Park Golf Club, VIC)
1998: Kevin Wellard (Nelson Bay Golf Club, NSW)
1997: Jon Penberthy (Gainsborough Greens Golf Club, QLD)
1996: Rodney Fenton (Queenscliff Golf Club, VIC)