Throughout his career, Todd Draffen, director of agronomy at The Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, Florida, has diligently worked to help regulators and lawmakers understand the stewardship efforts of golf course superintendents.
For more than 20 years, Old Collier has been a regular stop on the annual Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Tour. Coordinated by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the tour gives those who write regulations controlling water, crop-protection chemicals, food safety and the agricultural workforce an opportunity to see production practices in person.
Recently, the Florida GCSA recognized Draffen’s efforts by honoring him with its Distinguished Service Award. The annual award recognizes a Florida GCSA member who has performed outstanding achievements as a golf course superintendent and who has given his time unselfishly in promoting golf course management and the association. Draffen (right) received his award at the association’s annual meeting in August at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
“Golf course superintendents are committed to environmental stewardship and Todd is a prime case in point,” Florida GCSA executive director Jennifer Bryan said. “Better still, he goes above and beyond each year, taking key decision-makers behind the curtains if you like, to let them see, hear and touch a golf course maintenance operation first-hand.”…