As the nation turns its attention to Augusta National hoping to catch the world’s greatest golfers perform on one of the game’s grandest stages, it is tough to not be Penn State proud. As spectators and fans across the nation watch Tiger, Mickelson and fellow golfing legends compete for the green jacket in the upcoming days, they will no doubt be captivated by the beauty of the August National Golf Club.

A fitting testament to Penn State. The perfectly manicured greens and the famed fairways of Augusta stand as a sparkling tribute to Penn State’s Turf Management program whose alumni are responsible for maintaining these Georgia golf courses.

Numerous Penn State turf management graduates,

William (Marsh) Benson, director of grounds;

William (Brad) Owen, superintendent for the championship course;

Joseph Duich, professor emeritus of turfgrass science, who developed several turfgrass varieties used on many of the world’s top courses and who long has been a consultant to the club;

David Clark, a member of the grounds crew.

are behind one of the greatest spectacle in golf ensuring the tradition unlike any other remains successful year after year.

According to Rivals member Cruising Route 66, they are only a few of the numerous Turf Management alum making their mark nationwide. The following is a list he compiled of several other superintendents that once matriculated at Penn State:

Paul Latshaw (retired) Congressional

Paul Latshaw (son) Muirfield Village

Eric Greytok, Winged Foot

Jeff Corcoran, Oak Hill

Matt Shaffer, Merion

Michael Sauls, Butler National

Mike Burke, Cherry Hills (Denver)

Jeffrey Markow, Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, CA

James Nicol, Hazeltine

Michael Baver, Inverness (Chicago)

Travis Blamires, Troon (Scottsdale)

David Swift, Whistling Straits

Penn State is known worldwide for its turfgrass science programs. In addition to golf turf management, Penn State alum are responsible for several NFL and MLB venues. So the next time you tune in to coverage of the Augusta National and marvel at its fame courses, know it all began right here in Happy Valley.

Just another reason to be Penn State proud.