Rogers Park’s Craig Ironside Awarded Golf Course Superintendent of the Year
Rogers Park’s Golf Course Superintendent Craig Ironside has been awarded the 2020 Superintendent of the Year by the West Central Chapter PGA. The WCCPGA Superintendent of the Year Award is an honor the Association can bestow on a working superintendent, whose contributions to the game best exemplify support of the PGA Professional. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the superintendent:
• Demonstration of outstanding qualities of leadership
• Demonstration of strong moral character
• Substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf
• Well-regarded as a supporter of the PGA Golf Professionals
“I would like to thank the West Central Chapter of the PGA for presenting me with the Superintendent of the Year award. I am honored and proud to receive this recognition.“ said Craig Ironside,”While my name appears on the award this was truly a team effort. Our success over the last two years can be directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of the entire golf course maintenance staff. A special thank you to Al Schram my Assistant Superintendent. I promise, we will not stop putting forth every effort each day to continue improving the golf course.”
“Rogers Park has consistently been one of the best public golf courses in the Tampa market since Craig joined our team two years ago. The improvement of golf course conditions at Rogers Park has contributed to a substantial increase in revenues.” states Kennie Sims, Vice President of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority. The Tampa Sports Authority manages Rogers Park along with Babe Zaharias and Rocky Point Golf Courses for the City of Tampa.
Rogers Park Golf Course, built in 1952, has evolved as one of Tampa, Florida's best-kept secrets. The beautiful 18-hole golf facility is steeped in history and rich in heritage. During the days of segregation, Rogers Park was the only picnic area for the African-American community in Tampa. The park took the name of its contributor, G.D. Rogers. After church on Sundays, many families came to enjoy the swings, slides, baseball diamond and picnic area. Mayor Curtis Hixon gave permission to a group of caddies from Palma Ceia Country Club to build a 9-hole golf course. The first Head Golf Professional, Willie Black, directed his group of volunteers, and, with meticulous care, all of the tree removal and shaping was done by hand. Upon its completion in 1952, the Rogers Park Golf Club was born.
Contact: Bobby Silvest-Tampa Sports Authority- 813-350-6500
