Penn State student Ernesto Martinez was named the recipient of this year's Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award from the GCSAA.
The $10,000 award administered through the GCSAA Foundation is given annually to outstanding non-traditional students seeking a career in golf course or turf management.
A native of Caracas, Martinez was a member of Venezuela's national golf team from 2014 to 2021, when he was forced to quit due to vision problems.
He and his wife opened a restaurant in Venezuela, but hoped to one day return to the golf course, this time in the field of turfgrass management. When the restaurant closed he turned his attention to finding a place to pursue his passion.
At age 45, Martinez is a student in Penn State's two-year turfgrass management program. He completed a year of study online in Spain while completing an internship at Real Club Valderrama.
"Golf has provided me with numerous opportunities, lasting friendships and valuable experiences. Now, it is my turn to give back to the game," Martinez said in a news release. "It is a great honor to be selected for the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award. Coming from a small country and leaving everything behind at 45-years-old to pursue this career, this award is a tremendous validation."
The Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award recognizes outstanding non-traditional students enrolled in a turf management program, and is funded by Allan MacCurrach III and the PGA Tour. It is named in honor of the late Allan MacCurrach Jr., who was the PGA Tour's first staff agronomist in 1974 and was the recipient GCSAA Distinguished Service Award in 1994.
Martinez will be recognized at the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 5 in Orlando.
Previous winners since the award was separated from the GCSAA Scholars Competition in 2021 are: Andi Meadows, Central Texas College (2024); Nancy Cienfuegos, Rutgers University (2023); Connor McBride, Michigan State University (2022); Vince Romo, Oregon State University(2021).