Shownotes
Don Hearn is the Executive Director of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of New England and a close partner and friend to the Ouimet Fund. Don has spent his entire life and career devoted to golf, from his early days caddying at Woburn Country Club all the way through to his present day role running the daily operation of the GCSANE.
Don graduated from Stockbridge Agricultural School at UMass Amherst, and throughout his impressive career, Don spent nearly forty years working at several top courses in Massachusetts, including as Head Superintendent of Weston Golf Club, Lexington Golf Club and Vesper Country Club.
While still acting as a Head Superintendent in Massachusetts, Don was elected President of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of New England in 1984, and in 2004 was awarded the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. In 1987, Don was elected President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, a nationwide organization leading their field. Among his many achievements in this role, Don led the organization in revamping its certification process and program, which to this day remains the mark of top superintendents throughout the country.
He also excelled in the industry through service and leadership, having served as a member of the USGA Green Section committee and the Massachusetts Golf Association Executive Committee. Known to those close to him for his quick wit, he is widely respected by his peers, and continues to lead the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, especially in pushing for additional recognition for the hard work of the superintendent teams day in and day out at courses throughout the region.