The Virginia Tech Turf Team is excited to announce a new research faculty member that will be based in Richmond to better serve central Virginia. Jordan Booth, CGCS has accepted a special research and Extension appointment within the College of Agriculture & Life Science. As a Research Associate, Jordan will have responsibilities of providing practical solutions to professional turf managers on both warm- and cool-season grasses. His primary research focus will be on bermudagrass putting green management at the Bon Secours Mentor Short Course at Independence Golf Club.
This position was made possible through collaborative efforts of many of our industry partners. The generous support from Independence owner, Giff Breed, and golf course superintendent, Dan Taylor, CGCS have paved the way for a successful new research endeavor. The Virginia Tech Turf Team has worked closely with the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation, the Virginia Turfgrass Council, the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association, with each serving as an umbrella association for our allied green industry partners. Fundraising efforts from the inaugural Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Classic and Field Day in May 2017 helped to kick-start these efforts and will continue to play a vital role in this important service to Virginia’s turfgrass industry. Jordan will work closely with turf managers in Central Virginia to address real-world challenges with practical solutions that will benefit our industry.
With strong roots in the area, Jordan lives near Richmond with his wife Erin and their two sons. Jordan brings 13 years of experience, most recently as golf course superintendent at Willow Oaks Country Club. Jordan is a proud Clemson University alumnus but has learned to cheer for the Orange and Maroon when the two schools aren’t playing each other. Jordan’s graduate work in Virginia Tech’s Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science has focused on site-specific management of spring dead spot, where he has managed to reduce inputs without sacrificing control. When asked why he wanted to step away from his career for this opportunity, Jordan responded with “Research and emerging technologies have always fascinated me. I am excited to bring a practical background to the VT turf team and provide a university presence in central VA”. Jordan will bring backgrounds in both practical turf management and scientific research to the position and hopes to serve as a conduit between the turfgrass industry and Virginia Tech. Please don’t hesitate to contact Jordan with any questions or research needs:
Jordan Booth
@JordanCBooth