by
Steve Randall
| Aug 17, 2018
GCSAA COO Bob Randquist, Dick Stuntz (Oak Golf, NGCOA President), Ethan Shamet (Falcon Ridge GC), Scott Johnson (Heart of America Chapter President, Shadow Glen GC), Mel Anderson, Darren Pearson (Eagle Bend), Jeff White (Indian Hills/GCSAA Board)
Friday, August 17, Mel Anderson, a retired 57-year member of the GCSAA was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame during an inauguration luncheon at the Jayhawk Club in Lawrence.
Mel is known as a pioneer in Zoysia grass development. While serving as the superintendent at the Alvamar Golf Club in the early 1970's, the facility became widely regarded as the first to ever have Zoysia grass fairways.
Mel's contribution to golf is more than just Zoysia, however. During today's ceremony, Dick Stuntz, president of the National Golf Course Owners Association and successor to Anderson as the superintendent at Alvamar, cited Anderson's willingness to teach others. Not just about golf course management, but golf course building and architecture.
In addition, Mel was present during the GCSAA headquarters dedication ceremony in 1991 and was a leader in having GCSAA's headquarters located in Lawrence, where the original offices were off of the 16th fairway at Alvamar Golf Club.
Anderson is known to have mentored many golf course superintendents and has provided a positive benefit and impact on the game.
Congratulations to Mel!