Stephen Miles (left), Director of Operations at The Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave, MS received the 2022 MTA Outstanding Turf Professional Award. Presenting the award is MTA President Alan Sullivan. Stephen is a 1998 graduate of MSU’s Golf & Sports Turf Management Program. He is a certified golf course superintendent and is Director of Golf Operations at the Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave, Mississippi. Stephen takes his profession seriously and shows his commitment to our industry by his actions. He was instrumental in setting up Best Management Practices for our state. Stephen has also served as President of MTA in 2009 and served on the board and numerous committees. Stephen was the first President of the Deep South Expo in 2015 and is currently active on the DSTE board. He always has a great attitude and is an ambassador for all events, always quick to welcome others and speak up about the importance of the turf industry. Thank you Stephen for your dedication to the Mississippi Turfgrass Association and to the turf industry.

Butch Pugh, Agra Turf, Inc. was the recipient of the 2022 Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award. This Lifetime Achievement Award is given by MTA to honor years of devoted service to the Turfgrass Industry and the MTA.  It is named in memory of Bud Thigpen who was a devoted member and supporter of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. Butch is affiliated with Agra Turf, Inc. As their representative for Mississippi, he has supported the Mississippi Turfgrass Association with his support at all or our events. Indeed, he is usually one of the first to sign up! Butch has also served as President of MTA (2002. He has also served on numerous committees.  Unfortunately, Butch was unable to be there. We will present his award to him in January at our Turf Workshop in Columbus, MS. Thank you Butch for your dedication to the Mississippi Turfgrass Association and to the turf industry.

Wayne Philley was recognized with Honorary Membership. Wayne served the Mississippi Turfgrass Association as Secretary/Treasurer for many years.  He was an instrumental part of the MSU Turf Team until his retirement.  Wayne is known throughout the industry for his work in turf breeding and was a vital part of the new grass just released—Celebration Hybrid Bermuda Grass.