Hiers recognized for excellence in government relations by national golf association

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Certified Golf Course Superintendent Tim Hiers has been selected to receive the 2009 GCSAA Excellence in Government Relations (EGR) Award for his exceptional commitment to government relations in the area of advocacy.

Hiers (pronounced hi-urz) is a 30-year GCSAA member and has been the superintendent at The Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, Fla., for nine years. He delivers numerous presentations across the country and continually works to motivate others to actively advocate for the industry and the environment.

“Tim has done so much to elevate the profile of the golf course management industry,” GCSAA President David S. Downing II, CGCS, said. “He has done a tremendous job advocating for the industry and the game. He has taught government officials about key issues and has been a tireless contributor to GCSAA’s government relations.”

The award will be presented Feb. 5 during the Opening Session of the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference, held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans. EGR Award nominees were judged on how their efforts have served the interests of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry. Members of the GCSAA Government Relations Committee conducted the evaluation.

Hiers has served as the chairman of the GCSAA Methyl Bromide Task Group since 2006. The task group has worked to preserve golf course use of methyl bromide, supply the U.S. EPA with economic impact data related to the loss of methyl bromide, and assist with submission of annual critical use exemption applications to the agency. He also helped prepare GCSAA’s official response to the EPA’s methyl bromide Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), which would remove golf course use of methyl bromide from the label.

Hiers and his staff conduct a variety of tours each year to provide a better understanding of golf course operations, demonstrate environmental stewardship efforts of the industry, and be a catalyst for beneficial partnerships. Tour groups include elementary school classes and a stop on the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association’s five-day regulator tour for EPA officials.

The Old Collier Golf Club has been featured in the Sustainability Case Study Series, a collection of Florida-specific teaching cases produced through the Educational Alliance for Sustainable Florida, a project funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and implemented by the Council for Sustainable Florida.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.