The course superintendent at TPC Deere Run has received a prestigious 2016 Environmental Leaders in Golf Award.

The competition is presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Golf Digest magazine, in conjunction with Syngenta and Rain Bird’s Golf Division.

The annual ELGA awards recognize golf courses across the nation leading the industry in sound environmental management practices. Beneficiaries are selected by an independent panel of experts and judged on criteria such as: water conservation, water quality management, energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste management, wildlife and habitat conservation, communication and outreach and leadership.

“As an extension of the PGA TOUR, our clubs share the same values and mission upheld by the TOUR, making their commitment to the environment a top priority,” said PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties Senior Vice President of TPC Operations John Hugghins. “By doing so, we’re helping ensure TPC Network golf courses are able to provide exceptional golfing experiences amidst rich ecosystems now, as well as for generations to come.”

Taking home the title for best National Public Course is Alex Stuedemann, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations at TPC Deere Run, host of the John Deere Classic.

“With a near 18-year career history in agronomy at various TPC properties, his efforts at TPC Deere Run have honed in on pollution prevention, putting practices such as water conservation and proactive native area management in place to ensure the area’s natural resources and rich historical significance are preserved.”