He invented the groundbreaking grass. But his golf influence has not ended

If there is one thing that is more exciting than watching grass grow, it will apply what you learn from these observations to grow better turf.

Rodney Lingle enjoys both pursuits.

Lingle, 74, is a former long-time principal at the Memphis (Tennessee) Country Club, spent decades studying Bermudagrass, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the different strains and pointing out them mutations, while patching their own varieties. His exhaustive work inspired the industry to focus on the fine-tuning of the competition conditions of countless golfers and golf courses across the country, and ultimately led to Lingle (Lingle who conducted a comprehensive test in 2015 and has since been rooted in the Greens, From famous Southeast properties such as Streamsong, Atlanta Athletic Club and Pinehurst litigation to courses in Arizona, Hawaii and beyond.

Lingle patented Mach 1, this is not his only invention legally protected. In 2008, he began prototyping an innovative green green brush system, and later he obtained Toro’s license. Lingle aims to help the grass blades rise, and this product is popular in the market with the green perfect brush.

Despite all his influence on turf maintenance, he has a greater influence as a mentor, helping to mentor and nurture the careers of countless responsible persons. Lingle transformed his vast amount of knowledge into an open book, sharing his expertise with colleagues at the Turf Management workshop in Memphis CC, where he also hosted hundreds of principals, introducing them to his Small turf care technology.

To recognize those lasting contributions to trade, Lingle has now earned an Oscar for agronomic equivalent. On Wednesday, he received the 2025 USGA Green Zone Award, which has been awarded annually since 1961 and awarded outstanding services to golf through personal cooperation with turf.

“Everyone in golf needs to know Rod Lingle’s name and follow his example,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said in a written statement issued the announcement. “Rod has shaped careers and changed our attitude toward the The view of golf course maintenance and never satisfied with the status quo. But there is no better legacy than being seen as a respected teacher and friend.”

Like many principals, Lingle entered golf agronomics through her love for golf. He is a Mississippi native who competed in high school and performed well in entertainment while studying at the University of Mississippi. Lingle was a liberal arts major at the beginning of his college education. But when considering future career options, he seized on Mississippi State’s turf science program: a pragmatic road into golf life.

Don’t mind the terrible competition between schools – “They’re like oil and water,” Lingle said – the opportunity is too good to resist. Lingle transfers to enemy campus. He never looked back.

After taking his first job in the field at Hattiesburg Country Club in 1974, Lingle served as Memphis Principal CC, who held a role for 37 years before moving to Texas Escondido Golf and Lake Club in the state.

Since retirement two years ago, Lingle has returned to playing golf, a hobby that has fallen largely on the roadside while he leans towards golf courses. At the age of 73 last year, he shot several times. He has also been active as a turf consultant, keeping his hands in a career that always feels more like a call than a responsibility.

“I’ve always loved being outdoors and keeping productive results,” Lingle said. “I love it so much, it never even looks like work.”