The Ohio State University

Ron Towsend, an incoming freshman student from Hilliard, Ohio, was awarded the 2008 The Toro Company / Jack Nicklaus Turfgrass Legacy Endowed Scholarship, which goes to a freshman majoring in turfgrass science at The Ohio State University.  Criteria used to select the recipient include having a family member or relative working in the turfgrass industry. 

Photograph: (left to right) Mr. Jack Nicklaus, Ron Townsend, and Chairman and CEO of The Toro Company Mr. Michael Hoffman

In 2006 The Toro Company/Jack Nicklaus Turfgrass Legacy Endowment Fund was established at The Ohio State University to provide opportunity for incoming freshmen to enter the turfgrass field.  The high quality turf program at OSU provides an outstanding education for those entering the turf industry.  The Toro Giving Program has a long history of supporting student education, and this support attracts quality individuals to the turf management profession.

 Photograph: Mr. Michael Hoffman and Dr. Bobby Moser, Dean and Vice President of Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources hold the endowment description.

Ron, along with 20 turfgrass students, faculty, and staff were hosted at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Sunday September 28th by Jack Nicklaus, Michael Hoffman, Chairman and CEO, The Toro Company, Paul Latshaw, director of golf at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Jake Gargasz, golf course superintendent, Jon Scott, Vice President of Agronomic Design, and Judson M. Tharin, Manager, Toro Giving Program and Community Relations.

Photograph:  Jake Gargasz, golf course superintendent, gives OSU students and staff a tour of the course.

The students received a tour of the maintenance facility, and walked the 17th and 18th hole before moving to the practice range where they were greeted by Jack Nicklaus.  A question and answer session followed along with a photo opportunity with Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Hoffman.  The students were then treated to a luncheon in the Pavilion at Muirfield Village Golf Club.  No doubt Ron Townsend and the students will long remember this special day.