By Kyle LoJacono
Lutz resident Michael McNamara wants to someday design the world’s next great golf course, and he just received some help to make that dream come true.
McNamara, who is currently attending Penn State University, was awarded the Mendenhall and MacCurrach scholarship, given by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The honor comes with $6,000.
“Knowing the competition, I was humbled and proud to have won the Mendenhall Award,” McNamara said. “I would like to thank the selection committee and my boss John D. Scott for allowing me to finish my education while holding a full-time position. I will work hard to justify their selection.”
The GCSAA Scholars Program was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf course management. Winners were selected based on academic achievement, potential to become a leading professional, employment history, extracurricular activities and recommendations.
McNamara was named the first-place winner, but 12 others received honors from GCSAA and received a total of $25,000 this year. No other winner was from either Hillsborough or Pasco counties, according the GCSAA.
