Veteran Golf Course Superintendent Joins SOX Erosion Solutions

Nate Watkin, a veteran golf course superintendent, has been named Golf Industry Specialist for SOX Erosion Solutions™ (http://www.soxerosion.com). The South Florida-based company develops, manufactures and distributes a suite of innovative, patented, bio-engineered products that halt shoreline and hillside erosion.

The announcement was made by Ryan G. Leeds, Managing Partner of SOX Erosion Solutions.

“It is a distinct pleasure to welcome Nate to the SOX family,” said Leeds. “As an experienced and well-known golf course superintendent, he understands the challenges facing these facilities due to ongoing storm water management programs, typical retention and lake destabilization, and changing climate patterns. These and other issues contribute to significant shoreline erosion and subsequent hazardous conditions.”

SOX Erosion Solutions is an innovator in shoreline and hillside restoration with its patented systems – ShoreSOX™ and DredgeSOX™. Each involves filling an appropriately sized technical mesh containment system with organic sediment that is dredged from lake/river bottoms. In some cases mulch, compost mix, or aeration plugs are locally sourced and delivered to the site to serve as filler. Once filled, the mesh is secured and sculpted to the shoreline, using the SOX patented anchoring system to re-create the original and now living shoreline. Following installation, vegetation is planted. The mesh provides a stable environment that supports root development.

The entire process takes significantly less time than hardened options to install and is regarded as an affordable, environmentally safe alternative to rocks, bulkheads, and seawalls. In addition, the SOX mesh filters water runoff, reducing nutrient load and pollutants from seeping into the waterways. These systems reclaim valuable land and through the dredging process water, depth, and flow have been restored to enhance healthy habitats for wildlife.

“I have seen firsthand how the SOX systems enhance not only the aesthetics of a golf course but improve water quality, regenerate ecosystems and enhance the golfers’ experiences,” said Watkin. “I am grateful to join an innovative team that is committed to the golf industry.”

Prior to joining SOX Erosion Solutions, Watkin served as a golf course superintendent at Seagate Country Club (Delray Beach, FL) and Trump International Golf Club (West Palm Beach, FL), in addition to working at many other courses during his nearly two decades in the industry. In this capacity, he managed major renovations, implemented agronomic plans, and directed safety initiatives.

He is a long-standing Class A member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).