ORLANDO, Fla. … July 2, 2009,Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, today announced that Mark Salisbury, Golf Course Superintendent at Starr Pass Country Club in Tucson, Ariz., recently completed the Irrigation Association® certification program and is now recognized as a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA).
The CGIA program was created in a partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) with the goal of improving water resource knowledge and promoting efficient irrigation practices. Having achieved CGIA status, Salisbury is heavily involved in the analysis and maintenance of turf irrigation water use specific to the unique conditions found at the 27-hole Starr Pass Country Club.
In order to achieve this prestigious certification, Salisbury completed over three years of irrigation related field experience, and passed a rigorous written examination covering general irrigation subjects and specialty areas. As a CGIA, Salisbury has made a commitment to professionalism in the industry and has agreed to follow a specific Code of Ethics established by the Irrigation Association®.
Through his analytical work onsite, Salisbury initiated maintenance recommendations and performed water audits, which led to the creation of efficient and consistent watering schedules for greens/tees, fairways, and roughs. His efforts were an integral part of helping Starr Pass become a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2008.
Starr Pass Country Club, a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf facility, is located only minutes from downtown Tucson, at the foot of the JW Marriott Resort. Tucked into the Tucson Mountains, the course allows golfers to escape the city and experience championship golf in the beautiful, Sonoran Desert terrain, featuring canyons, ravines, and desert washes.
About the Irrigation Association®
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users. Originally founded in 1949, IA includes over 2,000 corporate and individual members and is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation. The association’s rigorous certification program promotes individual experience and excellence, and is an official partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program. For more information, visit www.irrigation.org.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 57 golf courses at 41 locations in 11 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.
