USGA Restores Championship Agronomist Job, Other Changes

Guy Cipriano reports on the revamped USGA Green Section that is now broken up into four regions and ends the role of various green section agronomists serving as the championship agronomist when one of the USGA's 13 events arrives.

They've also created a new "Course Consulting" director's role.

The USGA also promoted Darin Bevard and Chris Hartwiger to new positions. Bevard, a Mid-Atlantic Region agronomist since 1996, will serve as the director of championship agronomy, a newly created position within the Green Section. Bevard will be the lead agronomist for multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open. Hartwiger, a Southeast Region agronomist since 1995, will serve as the director of the Course Consulting Services. Hartwiger will work with Green Section agronomists on the development and dissemination of science-based and practical sustainable management practices to help golf courses.

“By having Chris dedicated to the Course Consulting Service, he will be able to focus on our efforts on the business operation of it as well as increasing the value of it,” Erusha said.