November 4, 2015 – Berry Collett, CGCS director of golf course maintenance at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, is the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association Superintendent of the Year. The announcement comes as Collett is about to host the McGladrey Classic for the PGA Tour at Sea Island Nov. 16-22.
“This award recognizes Berry’s expertise both as an agronomist and as a leader,” said Georgia GCSA president Mike Brown from The Standard Club in Johns Creek. “The caliber of his work brings credit to his profession on a national stage each year with the McGladrey Classic. Over the course of his career, Berry has also mentored many young men towards successful careers as superintendents. We are proud to honor him.”
At Sea Island, Collett oversees four championship courses. In addition to multiple PGA Tour events, he has also hosted numerous state, college and amateur tournaments.
He grew up in Southern Pines, N.C., alongside Whispering Pines Country Club. His introduction to the game came earning $1 for every bag of balls he collected from the range for the club professional. He progressed to working on the golf course maintenance team during high school and then went to North Carolina State University for his turfgrass degree.
After graduating he worked at the Country Club of North Carolina and Pinehurst’s then-new No. 6. course. His first assistant superintendent role was at Rivermont Golf and Country Club in Atlanta. Then he became superintendent at Belle Meade Country Club in Thomson, Ga., before being hired by Ron Hill at Amelia Island Plantation in north Florida. He then went to King and Prince Golf Club on St. Simons Island before joining Sea Island 15 years ago.
He was nominated for the award by former employee Chuck Moore, who is now superintendent at The King and Prince Golf Club. “I think at one time or another just about every superintendent in this area has worked for Berry,” Moore said. “The best thing about Berry is he is always there to help with advice if called upon.”
Collett’s award will be formally announced during the Georgia’s GCSA’s annual awards banquet at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
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