The Watson Fellowship Program recognizes future educators and researchers for their contributions to scientific advancement of the turfgrass industry

Lawrence, Kan. (Jan. 28, 2025) – Molly Biggs, Maureen Kahiu and William Errickson are the 2024 Dr. James Watson Fellows from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and each will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The Watson Fellowship is supported by The Toro Company and is administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.

The Watson Fellowship, started in 1998, is named in honor of the late James R. Watson, Ph.D., a pioneer and visionary in turfgrass research and vice president at The Toro Company. The fellowship recognizes students in postgraduate degree programs who have been identified as scientists that will go on to be leaders in turfgrass management.
“Turfgrass researchers are vital to the future and sustainability of the game and the golf course management industry,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We are grateful for The Toro Company’s continued generosity and support that funds imperative programs like the Watson Fellowship Program. Congratulations to Molly, Maureen and William for this recognition. We commend them each for their commitment to advancing the turfgrass management industry through research.”

Biggs is pursuing her master’s degree in horticulture turfgrass from Iowa State University and received her undergraduate degree in horticulture turfgrass management from Kansas State University. Her graduate research aims to investigate effective management techniques for bentgrass putting greens, particularly in regions with harsh winter climates, and identify precise management methods that improve the survival and recovery of bentgrass under winter stress, providing a resource for superintendents to enhance turf health and maintain quality greens. 

Kahiu is working toward a Ph.D. in turfgrass weed science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; she received her master’s degree in turfgrass pathology from Pennsylvania State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental horticulture and landscape technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Juja, Kenya. Her research has focused on organic matter (OM) content and mineralization as well as nutrient content of putting green rootzones. 

Errickson is obtaining a Ph.D. in plant biology from Rutgers University; he earned his master’s degree in soil science from the University of New Hampshire and received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Stockton University. The objectives of his current research are to evaluate physiological and growth traits that are affected by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in cool-season turfgrass during abiotic stress, to understand which mechanisms are responsible for improving bacteria-mediated stress tolerance and to develop effective methods for field inoculation of turfgrass with PGPR. The results will provide insights into the metabolic pathways regulated by the bacteria with the PGPR conferring improvements in drought stress tolerance and post-drought recovery in creeping bentgrass.

“At The Toro Company, we understand the vital role turfgrass research plays in advancing the science, sustainability and performance of the golf industry. The Watson Fellowship program exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and cultivating the next generation of leaders in turfgrass management,” said Marnie K. Wells, President, The Toro Company Foundation. “By supporting this important work, we not only enhance the quality of playing surfaces but also strengthen the business of golf by promoting practices that balance environmental stewardship with operational excellence.”

Watson was a visionary and leading authority on turfgrass. He was vice president for customer relations and chief agronomist for The Toro Company. Dr. Watson was passionate about educating and developing the next generation of turf scientists, which was a key reason for the establishment of this fellowship.

Dr. Watson’s leadership and contribution was recognized in many ways. He was the winner of the USGA Green Section Award in 1976 and the 1977 Agronomic Service Award by the American Society of Agronomy, Watson was named a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America in 1979. He also won the 1991 Harry Gill Memorial Award from the Sports Turf Managers Association; the Old Tom Morris Award, a special GCSAA honor, in 1995; and the Donald Rossi Award from the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA).

Over the course of five decades at Toro, Watson collaborated with the scientific community and customers, and conducted research on water conservation, the adaptability of turfgrasses, fertilization practices, snow mold prevention techniques for the winter protection of turfgrasses, and more. He authored more than 400 articles on turfgrass management.