Tim Hiers, CGCS, the 2018 USGA Green Section Award recipient, at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Fla., in January 2018. Photo courtesy of the USGA/Simon Dale
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the game of golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced its annual Service Award winners.
The 2018 recipient of the USGA Green Section Award is Tim Hiers, CGCS, who has been a golf course superintendent since 1976 and is currently the director of agronomy at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Fla. Hiers stands at the forefront of golf’s environmental opportunities and challenges while also driving advances in golf course management. An avid and articulate educator, he frequently hosts visitors ranging from school field trips to scientists to government officials.
“I learned to play golf on a cow pasture and I’ve been hooked on the game ever since,” says Hiers. “In this business, you can never learn enough. There’s always a challenge, and that’s what I love about being a superintendent. It’s a privilege to be recognized for just doing what you love every day.”
Presented annually since 1961, the USGA Green Section Award recognizes an individual’s distinguished service to the game of golf through his or her work with turfgrass, including research, maintenance and other areas that positively impact the landscape upon which golf is played.
Hiers and fellow Service Award winners will be recognized on Saturday, Feb. 3 during a gala dinner at the USGA annual meeting in Miami Beach, Fla. Other honorees include Gilbert “Gib” Palmer, recipient of the Joe Dey Award; Lane Demas, Ph.D., recipient of the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award; and 23 recipients of the Isaac B. Grainger Award, which recognizes volunteers who have provided 25 years of service to the USGA.
“These extraordinary individuals are committed to leading with impact in their communities,” says Mike Davis, USGA CEO. “The USGA is proud to recognize them for their achievements and contributions to the game.”