61st Annual Conference & Tradeshow
January 4 - 6, 2027
Embassy Suites
Murfreesboro, TN

• Online Conference Registration
• Online Vendor Registration
• Tradeshow Floorplan
• Conference Schedule
• Hotel Information
• Exhibit/Tradeshow/Sponsorship Information
• Awards Luncheon

2027 Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon

Each year, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and Tennessee GCSA recognize outstanding individuals, facilities, and organizations that demonstrate excellence and make meaningful contributions to Tennessee’s turfgrass industry.

All TTA and Tennessee GCSA award and scholarship recipients will be recognized during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, January 4, 2027. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. The luncheon is included with full conference registration.

Tennessee Turfgrass Association Awards

The following awards will be presented during the Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon.

Tom Samples Professional of the Year

Recognizes an individual whose professionalism, leadership, service, and contributions have made a significant impact on Tennessee’s turfgrass industry.

Environmental Stewardship Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and agencies for successful projects or activities designed to improve the environment through wildlife habitat preservation, water and resource conservation, reduction efforts, and educational outreach.

Sports Field of the Year

Recognizes an outstanding sports field and the professionals responsible for demonstrating excellence in turfgrass management, maintenance, and overall field quality.

Golf Course of the Year

Recognizes an outstanding golf course and the professionals responsible for demonstrating excellence in turfgrass management, maintenance, and overall course quality.

Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association Awards

The Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association is proud to recognize individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and contributions have made a positive impact on their golf course, their colleagues, and the golf course management profession.

Golf Course Superintendent of the Year

This award recognizes a golf course superintendent who demonstrates excellence in golf course management, leadership, professionalism, and service to the industry. The recipient exemplifies a commitment to their facility, their staff, the game of golf, and the golf course management profession.

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent of the Year

This award recognizes an assistant golf course superintendent who demonstrates outstanding professionalism, leadership, initiative, and dedication to golf course management. The recipient is someone who makes a significant contribution to the success of their facility and demonstrates a commitment to continued growth within the profession.

Equipment Manager of the Year

This award recognizes an equipment manager who demonstrates excellence in equipment management, maintenance, innovation, and professionalism. The recipient plays an essential role in the success of their golf course operation through their technical expertise, dependability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient equipment fleet.

Scholarships

TTA also awards two scholarships annually:

Legacy Scholarship

The Legacy Scholarship provides financial assistance to children or grandchildren of active TTA members in good standing. Applicants are not required to pursue an education in a turfgrass-related field to be eligible.

Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship

The Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students interested in pursuing a career in turf management.

More Information
For more information, call The Association office at 615-928-7001, email info@ttaonline.org or visit www.ttaonline.org.