The International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) introduced “The Edwin Budding Award” to honor technicians in the golf sector who have made a major contribution to our industry.  After contacting all the Manufacturers and asking many industry leaders for names of these types of people, only one came to mind.

Edwin Budding was a pioneer who invented the reel mower in 1832, as well as the adjustable spanner/crescent wrench. Edwin was an engineer who thought ‘outside the box’ and created the machine that came to define our industry and which remains a constant to this day. If we take the reel mower out of the equation, where would golf be today? Would we see low heights of cut? Can you imagine rotary greens mowers?

The IGCEMA’s Edwin Budding Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the golf course equipment industry and who have dedicated themselves to improving the industry and their facilities. The Edwin Budding Award will be presented to someone in the industry who meets the criteria as set forth by the Association and the Award Committee.

The Award Committee is made up of industry leaders and a member of the IGCEMA. Once nominations are sent in they will be submitted to the committee for review. We would encourage those who wish to nominate someone for this award to be very detailed in describing why you feel this individual should receive this award and what measurable attributes set this individual apart from their colleagues.

Nominations should be sent to "mailto:nominations@igcema.org".   You will receive a confirmation e-mail stating that we have received your nomination. The deadline for next years nominations will be December 1st 2011 and the winner will be presented the award at the Golf Industry Show early in 2012.

The IGCEMA board and officers would like to thank all of our members around the world for their support and dedication to this great industry.

Committee Members:

Richard Comely, Director of Product Management and Marketing Ransomes/Jacobsen

Carl Osterhaus - The Toro Company

Garry Carpenter - John Deere Golf and Turf

Stephen Bernhard - Bernhard and Company

Jim Letourneau - Foley United

Steve Spuhler - IGCEMA