Oregon State University Growing Premier Turf Program

Educating golf industry leaders

Oregon State University is the home of a turf program that has produced superintendants of major golf courses all over the West Coast and nationally. For the last 30 years, more than 80% of OSU’s turf program graduates have gone into the golf business. OSU alumni have led famous golf courses and clubs including Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, and Pronghorn among others.

Building on the legacy of Tom Cook

OSU is taking on a special effort to create an endowed fund to build on the turf management program. These resources will be used to attract a top expert in the field, and fund research, education, and outreach activities, continuing the work of Tom Cook, who is set to retire in fall 2008.  Under Cook’s direction, the OSU turf program earned national recognition for its development of grass mixes that require less water and chemicals, and innovative approaches to environmental stewardship of golf courses without compromising functionality, rigor, and form. 

Strong support

Oregon Golf Course Superintendants Association and its foundation started the fundraising drive, which now includes support from: Oregon Seed Trade Association, Northwest Turf Grass Association, Oregon Turf and Tree Farms, as well as other individual supporters. Recently the effort received a significant contribution in support of the program, which helped the endowment exceed seven figures. 

Help build the future of golf

The golf industry is dependent on top research and well-educated innovative turf managers who know how to balance the many demands faced by today’s golf courses and clubs. OSU’s turf program is seeking additional gifts to the fund to provide key leadership in this field. The fund will support the recruitment of a world-class faculty member and provide resources for research, education, and outreach activities. This is a tremendous opportunity to build a premier program that has an incredible impact on the golf industry.

For more information, please contact:

Jack Holpuch
Associate Director of Development
OSU College of Agricultural Sciences
Oregon State University Foundation

541.737.9636

jack.holpuch@oregonstate.edu.