Georgia’s Alex Kicklighter among 20 to win Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Legacy Award scholarships (Jul 22)

July 22, 2015 – As a young boy, Alex Kicklighter struggled with leukemia. For a short time, Alex’s ill health even took his father, Hampton, away from his profession as a golf course superintendent.

Today, however, Alex’s leukemia is in remission and his father is back at work as the certified golf course superintendent at Dublin (Ga.) Country Club. For both, perseverance has paid off.

Alex is one of the 20 recipients of a 2015 Legacy Award scholarship from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Administered through its philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and funded by Syngenta, the Legacy Awards provide scholarships to the children and grandchildren of GCSAA members who have been active for five or more consecutive years. Legacy Award recipients each receive $1,500.

Alex will use his money to help defray the cost of his first year at the University of Georgia, where he will study engineering.

“I am proud to be a member of this association, where they think of the superintendent and the whole family as the children are moving into the adulthood,” said Hampton Kicklighter, who in 2014 received EIFG funding to jumpstart his attendance at the association’s annual Golf Industry Show. “GCSAA has been valuable to me over my 23-year career, and now it is a value to my son.

“Alex was ecstatic to receive the award,” Kicklighter continued. “He has worked hard to earn this and another scholarship from the Georgia GCSA.”

“The Legacy Awards have always been a way for Syngenta to give back to golf course superintendents, the backbone of the golf industry,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf marketing manager for Syngenta.

Award-winners list:

Lauren Colloredo, majoring in elementary education at Mississippi State University and child of William Colloredo, certified golf course superintendent at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club in Killen, Ala.

Marcy Eichner, majoring in international relations and environmental studies at Suffolk University and child of Mark J. Eichner, superintendent at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Charlestown, R.I.

Alexa Ferrie, majoring in psychology at the University of Minnesota and child of Brian J. Ferrie, superintendent at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Egg Harbor, Wis.

Ryan Franceschini, majoring in biology at St. John’s University and child of Frank Franceschini, superintendent at Middle Island Country Club in Middle Island, N.Y.

Natalie Michelle Gentile, majoring in history and secondary education at the University of Colorado at Boulder and child of Patrick Gentile, certified golf course superintendent at Patty Jewett Golf Course in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dylan Charles Goike, majoring in musical theatre performance at Central Michigan University and child of Steven Goike, superintendent at Alpena Golf Club in Alpena, Mich.

Abigail Goudey, majoring in business administration and Spanish at St. Michael’s College and child of Brian Goudey, superintendent at Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park, N.Y.

Abigail Gullicks, majoring in business finance at the University of St. Thomas and child of William Gullicks, superintendent at Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings, Minn.

Julie Hemphill, majoring in neuroscience and psychology,
pre-medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh and child of Jeffrey Hemphill, certified golf course superintendent at Nissequogue Golf Club in Saint James, N.Y.

Walker Edwin Aloysius Hoolehan, majoring in chemistry and applied biological sciences at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and child of Sean Hoolehan, certified golf course superintendent at Wildhorse Resort and Casino in Pendleton, Ore.

Hampton Alexander Kicklighter, majoring in engineering at the University of Georgia and child of Hampton Kicklighter, Jr., certified golf course superintendent at Dublin Country Club in Dublin, Ga.

Amy Elizabeth Kruzick, majoring in computer engineering at Texas A&M University and child of George Kruzick, a retired certified golf course superintendent from Fort Worth, Texas.

Brooks M. Leftwich, majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee and child of Michael C. Leftwich, retired superintendent from Nashville, Tenn.

Elizabeth Lopez, majoring in pre-medicine at Auburn University and grandchild of James Schwarzenberger, retired superintendent from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Kelsy Emma McIntyre, majoring in communications and media studies at Santa Monica College and child of Daniel E. McIntyre, retired certified golf course superintendent from Oakdale, Calif.

McKenna Millies, majoring in animal science, pre-veterinary, at Iowa State University and child of Jeff Millies, certified golf course superintendent at Edgewood Golf Course in Big Bend, Wis.

Sophie Ohrn, majoring in chemistry at Columbia University and grandchild of Paul O’Leary, retired certified golf course superintendent from Manchester, Vt.

Madison Reed, majoring in mathematics or chemistry at Hofstra University and child of Eric Reed, certified golf course superintendent at Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf, Pa.

Laura Sowatsky, majoring in clinical exercise science with Honors College distinction at Grand Valley State University and child of Steve Sowatsky, superintendent at Links at Lake Erie, Mich.

Jacob Yurigan, majoring in finance at the University of Florida and grandchild of Adam Yurigan (deceased).

About GCSAA and the EIFG

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 nearly 18,000 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. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers, we help increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about Syngenta visit www.syngenta.com.