GCSAA members selected through Farmers Insurance Open’s Growing Golf initiative to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the game of golf

Lawrence, Kan. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Justin Bailey, assistant golf course superintendent in training at the Whitford Country Club in Philadelphia, Pa., and Vlahdemir Cruz, golf course superintendent at Laguna Lake Golf Course in San Luis Obispo, Calif., have been selected to participate as volunteers on the agronomy team for the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open (FIO), Jan. 18-25, 2025, on the historic Torrey Pines North and South Courses.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA) has partnered with the Century Club of San Diego, Farmers Insurance and the City of San Diego as part of the Farmers Insurance Open’s Growing Golf initiative to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the game of golf. Applications were reviewed by GCSAA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council and the GCSAA’s Women’s Task Group for clarity and thoroughness.

Cruz, a seven-year GCSAA member, said, “Volunteering for the 2025 agronomy team aligns perfectly with my passion for golf course management and my eagerness to learn from experienced professionals. My commitment to this field drives me to continuously learn and improve, and I am excited about the potential to make a positive impact in this industry.”

As participants, Bailey and Cruz will receive an all-expenses paid trip to San Diego through this partnership to gain insight and experience in the operations of a major PGA Tour event, which includes networking with industry professionals from across the country. Volunteers will assist in the setup of the course for competition by performing various duties such as data collection, divot repair, bunker preparation and more duties as needed.

“Volunteering for the 2025 agronomy team will be a great way to network with people I may not cross paths with due to our locations,” Bailey, a one-year GCSAA member said. “It will also be a great learning experience to see how tournament courses prepare for such an intense week and weekend of golf, and I will be able to take away pointers to use at my course and in the future.”