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Category: Industry

Published: Saturday, 29 January 2011 06:57

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The Edwin Budding Award wll be presented to Vollie Carr by the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Fl. on Thursday Feb. 10^th at 5:30PM.

Vollie started at Ransomes in 1970 and worked his way up to Product Support Manager. In 1998 when Jacobsen took over; he became Tournament Support Manager. During that time he has worked hundreds of USGA and PGA Tour events; lending his knowledge and expertise. An unprecedented 30 Masters Tournaments.

 His nomination and support testimonials came from prestigious venues of Augusta National, Oakmont, Merion, and Tiburon.

 Some stories were also shared….

 '98 US Senior Open, Riviera CC

They mowed the greens at the time with EPlexes due to noise restrictions (famous celebrities living on the course). The primary electric motors were acting up and none could be found available. With a 4AM start time for mowing greens, that’s a problem. Vollie was told of the situation. The next morning, a semi trailer was at the gate; with new EPlexes ready to be unloaded.

 ’05 Buick Invitational, Torrey Pines

Normal rainfall is 9 inches/yr. They received 5 inches in 30 hours  just before the Tournament. Vollie brought in Jacobsen’s lightweight SLF 1880 fairway mowers and he and Blas Huezo set them up. PGA officials were so impressed with fairway conditions after the mowing they waived the “lift, clean & place” rule for the whole Tournament.

 Everyone who has hosted a major event at their Club knows that Job & reputation can be on the line dependent on the presentation of the event. You jump "into the fire" for that 1 or 2 weeks a year. Vollie did that numerous weeks during the year; for three decades. Each time a new venue; a new challenge.
The Game of Golf has grown the last 2 decades due to TV coverage; Vollie worked behind the scenes any way he could to make sure the presentation came out perfect.
One thing everyone would kill for is Vollie's Contact List on his cell phone...

 Nominees for this year’s award were:

Vollie Carr - Product and Tournament Support Director (retired)

Jim Lones - Instructor at Lake City Community College (retired) - Lake City, Florida

Paul Schiavone – Equipment Mgr., Australia

Mike Koopman – Equipment Manager at the Old Collier Golf Club, Naples, FL

Gina Putnam - Marketing and Communications Manager, Bernhard and Company

- Rugby, England

The Edwin Budding Award Committee Members are:

Chair: David Withers – Managing Director - Ransomes/Jacobsen
Carl Osterhaus – The Toro Company
Garry Carpenter – John Deere Golf and Turf
Stephen Bernhard – Bernhard and Company
Jim Letourneau – Foley United
Steve Spuhler – IGCEMA