Matthew A. Crowther, CGCS, superintendent at Cape Cod Country Club in East Falmouth, Mass., has been named the recipient of GCSAA’s 2021 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.
Crowther, a 30-year GCSAA member who is in his second year at Cape Cod Country Club, will be recognized during the annual Golf Industry Show, which will be held virtually Feb. 2-4, 2021.
GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize “an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf — a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.”
Crowther was nominated for his work at both Mink Meadows Golf Club in Vineyard Haven, Mass., where he was superintendent from 1995 to 2019, and Cape Cod Country Club. Crowther’s course management focuses on using as few inputs as possible while also creating a healthy, quality playing surface.
Crowther’s approach has reduced chemical inputs dramatically. Mink Meadows features 45 acres of irrigated turf, but only 3½ acres are conventionally maintained with fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, he established low-maintenance native areas at the course, which have benefited wildlife and reduced the cost and energy consumption associated with maintaining the areas.
“I feel as though all superintendents are environmentalists at heart,” says Crowther. “We care deeply for our courses and the surrounding ecosystems. Some maybe like to think outside the box or take it a step further environmentally, such as I did, but it doesn’t dimmish the average day-to-day maintenance on most courses.”
“Matthew is widely recognized as one of the true shining stars in our industry — a genuine environmental steward whose work at both Mink Meadows Golf Club and now at Cape Cod Country Club are worthy of praise,” says GCSAA President John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS. “His accomplishments deserve to be held up as examples of the golf industry doing the right thing when it comes to the environment, and we’re pleased that we can honor him through the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. It certainly is well deserved.”
Crowther, who became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent in 1999, has been active in his local and regional associations, serving as president of the GCSA of Cape Cod and the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation during his career.
“I never set out for recognition, and did what I did voluntarily,” Crowther says. “I was not under any restrictions. I often questioned my sanity for doing it, but I took great pride in the work and longevity. I feel honored and am deeply humbled to receive this award.”
View the complete list of past President’s Award winners.