Green Start Academy (GSA) is celebrating two decades of excellence as the premier leadership and development program co-hosted by Rain Bird, John Deere, and Envu. Participants will be notified of their acceptance in early September for the 2025 program taking place December 2-4.

Entering its fifth year at the Pinehurst Resort, the GSA program is designed to enhance and sharpen the skills of assistant superintendents, equipping them with essential knowledge to advance their careers. Rain Bird’s Golf Division, along with its industry partners, will educate rising professionals on the importance of irrigation and how it impacts the quality of the game. Irrigation in golf is extremely important, as multiple measures must be taken to provide precise watering that allows for a healthy golf turf in which professionals can thrive.

“This is one of my favorite weeks of the year,” says Tony Whelan, national sales manager at Rain Bird. “Spending time with the mentors, our friends at John Deere and Envu at Pinehurst, the home of American golf, what could be better? Developing a program that helps prepare assistant superintendents from across the U.S. and Canada for their next role and seeing them build a network of peers and mentors, I know the golf course community’s future is bright and in good hands with the graduates of this program.”

As part of the 20th anniversary experience, GSA participants will immerse themselves in special alumni panels featuring Green Start graduates who are now leading the industry, expanded programming to reflect today’s evolving challenges and opportunities, and receive exclusive insights from Rain Bird, John Deere, and Envu.

“The success of Green Start Academy alumni continues to speak for itself, and we’re proud to carry on this tradition with a new class of assistant superintendents,” says Kim Ehasz, market development and strategy global manager at John Deere. “We’re excited to welcome the 2025 class and play a role in shaping their journeys through the outstanding educational and networking opportunities this program offers.”

The GSA program offers a distinct platform designed to guide participants toward both personal and professional growth by equipping them with the essential tools and training for success. It also fosters meaningful connections and helps strengthen bonds among industry leaders.

“Envu is proud to support the Green Start Academy as it celebrates 20 years of advancing excellence in the golf course maintenance profession,” says Mark Schneid, head of North America commercial operations at Envu. “This program plays a vital role in helping to develop the next generation of talented superintendents by providing them with the knowledge, mentorship, and network they need to grow. We believe in investing in the future of our industry, and Green Start Academy continues to be a cornerstone in shaping that future."

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