Steve Mueller Honored as 2023 Distinguished Service Award Winner

Steve Mueller, Director of Agronomy and Facilities of Pine Valley Country Club (Fort Wayne, IN) is the 2023 MRTF Distinguished Service Award Winner. The MRTF Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. It is awarded to individuals who have given of themselves through the years for the betterment of the Turfgrass Industry. The service by these individuals has been in many different forms. Some have used their leadership abilities to serve on the MRTF Board of Directors and steer the Foundation through the changes needed to meet the future. Others have donated their time to work with students and help train them to be future turf industry leaders. Others have worked an entire career dedicated to serving those in the turf industry. Steve served for many years on the Hoosier Golf Course Superintendents Association, including three separate terms as Hoosier GCSA President (1996, 2008, 2013). Steve also served on the MRTF Board of Directors from 2001 to 2005. He and Pine Valley CC have been willing hosts of Research and Scholarship Fundraising (Hoosier GCSA) and MRTF Golf Day on numerous occasions over the years in addition to hosting many meetings of the Hoosier GCSA. Steve has mentored many Assistant Superintendents, spoken at the Indiana Green Expo multiple times, and has personally contributed to numerous Purdue University Turf Endowments to help grow the program. Possibly his greatest Legacy to the turf industry is the mentoring of his son, T.J., who is a 2012 Purdue University turf graduate and current Pine Valley CC Golf Course Superintendent. Please join us in celebrating Steve’s service at the MRTF Distinguished Service Award Reception at the Indiana Green Expo on January 31 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in rooms 132-133 of the Indiana Convention Center.