Dear Members of the WWGCSA/IEGCSA/OGCSA and NTA:

We have truly terrible news to share with everyone . . . the loss of our good friend, Paul Backman, early Tuesday morning. [Read the obituary from The Olympian.]

As you know, Paul was the Executive Director of the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Northwest Turfgrass Association for the last 12 years. He was a great friend to all our associations and spearheaded the growth of the WWGCSA and NTA. Paul was a leader in coordinating efforts with other golf associations such as the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, Washington State Golf Association, Club Managers Association and Professional Golf Associations to develop a golf lobbyist position in Olympia and compiling information for the Economic Impact Study for Golf in Washington. His passion for the game of golf and our industry will be truly missed.

Sadly, Paul leaves behind his lovely wife Julie and his young daughter Olivia. Please join the boards of the WWGCSA and the NTA in keeping them and Paul’s family in your Prayers.

For the immediate future, we would ask that respective association business be conducted through the boards of the NTA and WWGCSA.

Tony Bubenas WWGCSA President Lake Spanaway Golf Course 14905 Bresemann Blvd., S. Spanaway WA, 98387 253.539.9758

Chris Goodman NTA President Meadow Park Golf Course 7108 Lakewood Dr. Tacoma, WA 98388 253.473.3033

Sincerely,
Chris Goodman

T.U.R.F. Contributes Over $900,000 to Research and Education

The NTA’s Turfgrass Universities Research Universities Fund has contributed over $900,000 to turfgrass research and education in the Pacific Northwest since 1997 (click here for a the funding history [pdf]). This support would not have been possible without the generosity of numerous individuals, clubs, and allied associations. The NTA extends a thank you to all T.U.R.F. contributors. We look forward to continuing to support research and education throughout the Northwest!

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