World-Class Training for Assistant Superintendents
Celebrating 20 Years of Developing Turf’s Future Leaders
Green Start Academy is a premier leadership and development program co-hosted by Envu, John Deere, and Rain Bird, designed exclusively for assistant superintendents who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
Since its founding in 2005, Green Start Academy has helped shape the future of the golf industry by providing rising professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. And in 2025, we’re proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this industry-leading program.
A Legacy of Leadership
For 20 years, the goal of Green Start Academy has been clear:
To build a strong foundation for the careers of assistant superintendents while supporting the long-term success of golf courses and the broader turfgrass industry. Through a combination of networking, professional development courses, and interactive peer groups, participants leave Green Start Academy with not only new skills, but new relationships and confidence.
What to Expect from the Program
The Academy includes:
- Expert-led educational sessions featuring top superintendents and turf industry leaders
- Hands-on workshops focused on real-world challenges and solutions
- Mentorship opportunities with respected professionals from across the golf industry
- Networking events that connect participants with peers and industry innovators
The 20th Anniversary Experience
In 2025, we’ll honor two decades of excellence with:
- Special alumni panels featuring Green Start graduates who are now leading the industry
- Expanded programming to reflect today’s evolving challenges and opportunities
- Exclusive insights from co-hosting partners Envu, John Deere, and Rain Bird
Join the Next Generation of Turf Leaders
Green Start Academy is more than a program -- it's a career-defining experience. If you're an assistant superintendent with a passion for growth, leadership, and excellence, we invite you to be part of the 20th anniversary class.
A World-Class Setting for a World-Class Experience
Green Start Academy 2025 will take place at the renowned Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina -- home of the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, which hosted the 2024 U.S. Open. This iconic venue sets the perfect stage for learning, networking, and inspiration as you grow your career among the very best in the industry.
Green Start Academy Class of 2025
| Matt Hague Credit Valley Golf and Country Club |
Nathan Sogard Wicker Point Golf Club |
Colby Major The Kittansett Club |
| Ryan Stonaker Shadowmoss Golf Course |
Matthew Coburn The Toronto Golf Club |
Tizayi Tundu Sithole Country Club Of New Canaan |
| Christopher Reavis Gaylord Springs Golf Links |
Peter McAfee Omaha Country Club |
Edgar Magana Piping Rock Club |
| James Wilson Diamond Run Golf Club |
Brett Schiesser Pine Valley Golf Club |
Raymond Poskey Grapevine Golf Course |
| Gregory Loreti Oneida Golf and Country Club |
Daniel Venditti TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm |
Tae Kim Hermitage Country Club |
| Rem List Point Grey Golf & Country Club |
Carter Goodrich Columbia Country Club |
Jackson Wiebenga Cordova Bay Golf Course |
| Dylan Oderkirk St. Thomas Golf & Country Club |
Kyle Alexander Coons Boot Ranch |
Christopher Ward Prairie Dunes Country Club |
| Micah Adare UT Golf Club |
Brendan Rodegerdts Sahalee Country Club |
Mathew Zimmerman Bidermann Golf Course |
| Alex Foster Framingham Country Club |
Brian Rush Brookfield CC |
Adrienne Young TPC San Antonio |
| Chase Groelle Shoreacres |
Oliver Munsill EkwanokCountry Club |
Thomas Pope Sycamore Hills Golf Club |
| Robert Starcher The Federal Club |
Ryan Hiles Woodmont Country Club |
Daniel Ritter Pine Lake Country Club |
| Daniel Howie Beacon Hall Golf Club |
Angelo Cordero Prairie Bluff Golf Club |
Austin McNeil Trinity Forest |
| Noah Felderman Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club |
Mark Neathery Louisville Country Club |
Jordan Diede City of Fort Collins- Golf Division |
| Luke Kringler The Philadelphia Cricket Club |
Kevin Rogers Montclair Golf Club |
Matthew Fine Secession Golf Club |
| Terry Woods Forsyth Country Club |
Alex Almaraz-Edwards Duke University Golf Club |
Avery Unruh Prairie Dunes Country Club |
| John Yanatsis Sara Bay County Club |
Ryan Noonan The Misquamicut Club |
Simon Smallman Mill River Golf course |
| Colton Lesh Columbia Country Club |
Albert Vergara San Diego Country Club |
Michael Musgrove Roaring Fork Club |
| Christopher Daniels Windermere Golf Club |
Blake Mann Elmcrest Country Club |
Oliver Clanin Paradise Valley Country Club |
| Jared Ledet Sunkist Country Club |
Joseph Nace Sunnybrook Golf Club |
Ryan Cummings Anthem Country Club |
| Edgar Martinez Trump National Golf Course Los Angeles |
Matthew Casad North Course at Woodmont Country Club |
Nicco Miyuskovich Royal Melbourne Country Club |
Meet the Mentors
Brian Hampson Vice President of Science & Agronomy, Troon
Bubba Wright
Director of Agronomy, Big Cedar
Jon Urbanski
Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, Wilmington Country Club
John Jeffreys
Golf Course Superintendent, Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst
Greg Boring
Director of Grounds, Baltusrol
Stephen Britton
Director of Agronomy, Chevy Chase Club
Kevin Banks
Superintendent, Vineyard Golf
Brandon Richie
Director of Agronomy, Jupiter Hills
Are you an Alumni or past Mentor? If so, join our new LinkedIn Group.
2025 Program Timeline
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Application period: June 12 – August 1, 2025 |
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“The importance of networking and camaraderie is everything in this business, I was telling my group today that’s the key to moving up in my opinion.” |
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“I think the big things they can look forward to taking back is just the wealth of knowledge.” |
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“The Green Start Academy is a great platform for these young professionals to learn a little bit more about leadership. They’ve been to all the agronomic classes and talked aerification and top dressing. Here, we are talking about leadership and the future of the industry. The next generation of turf grass leaders are in this room.” |
