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Golf Course Turfgrass Management alumnus Frank Dobie honored by USGA

Frank Dobie has co-developed more than a dozen golf course innovations during his 60 years in the turfgrass business. Credit: U.S. Golf Association. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The U.S. Golf Association recently bestowed its Green Section Award on Penn State alumnus David Franklin “Frank” Dobie, who graduated from the College of Agricultural Sciences’ Golf Course Turfgrass Management Certificate Program in 1960.

The award honors distinguished service to golf through an individual’s work with turfgrass, and it’s hard to imagine a more deserving recipient than Dobie, of Sharon Center, Ohio, according to Penn State turfgrass faculty members who know him. He has helped develop many golf course innovations during his 60 years in the turfgrass business.

Superintendent, senior agronomist and retired general manager of Sharon Golf Club, Dobie has passionately promoted turfgrass research, education and innovative course maintenance practices throughout his career. A mentor and friend to countless golf management workers over six decades, he started working on golf courses at age 15.

He has dedicated himself to the stewardship of the Musser International Turfgrass Research Foundation, which honors top doctoral turfgrass students nationwide. Through hands-on trial and error, he co-developed more than a dozen golf course innovations, including bunker liners that improve drainage and quality, air pumps on greens and automated irrigation systems.

 

Last Updated February 4, 2022

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