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MTC TURF NEWS

Colson Bates is 19 years old and is working as a turfgrass intern at the Links at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California. He is completing an advanced 6-month internship there as part of his school program. Originally from Toronto, Ontario in Canada, Colson is a student at Penn State and is enrolled in the two-year Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program. He started his schooling in fall of 2021 and will graduate in spring of 2023.

Colson got his start in the turfgrass industry shortly after graduating high school. He began working on the grounds crew at a local golf course near his home of Toronto called Upper Unionville GC. Both the superintendent and assistant there were great mentors for him, and he viewed them as role models. They were huge motivators for Colson to pursue this industry, and a big reason why he finds himself where he is today. Colson feels a great sense of pride to see the results of his work and others on the golf course each day. He also enjoys being able to take part in providing a facility for people to come together and enjoy.

Colson’s goal for his career within the turfgrass industry is to become a golf course superintendent. He states, “A career as a golf course superintendent is challenging yet rewarding and is something that I believe I can thrive in. I feel very blessed to have found this industry, and I am excited for what the future holds for me.”  “I am also extremely grateful and proud to have been awarded the Jim Claxton Memorial Scholarship from the Turf Producers of Maryland”.