Hoosier GCSA - History

In March, 1958 a meeting was held at Carl Winniger's at Fort Wayne Elks. Present were Al Caldwell (Marion, Shady Hills), Harry Lamboley (Foster Park), Louie Gibford (Greenhurst, Auburn), Gorman Ludwig (Jacobsen Dealer - Fort Wayne), Carl Winniger (Fort Wayne Elks) and Dick Chilcote (Orchard Ridge Country Club - Fort Wayne). A letter was received from Bud Camp saying he was sorry he couldn't attend, but was 100% behind the forming of an organization and was very helpful in recruiting members. Gorman Ludwig supplied names and invitations were sent to all golf courses in the area.

The first meeting was in April with 26-28 present and consisted of golf at Fairview Golf Course and dinner at the American Legion. At this time election of officers was held and serving as President was Carl Winniger. The name of the organization was voted on and was called the 'Hoosier Turfgrass Association." By-Laws of the National were used to conduct their meetings. Dues were $5.00 per year. The purpose of this organization was to hold educational meetings for the betterment of turf.

Carl Winniger and Dick Chilcote were appointed delegates to the National Convention in January, 1959 in Chicago. At this time the delegates were trying to obtain a charter from the GCSA which was under concern of the Indiana group, (Indianapolis) that others, namely - Lafayette and Richmond would also break away.

The forming of this group was due to long hours of travel.

Carl Winniger stated, "Charter or no charter 'HoosierTurfgrass Association' was going to be."

Only two of the charter members, Bud Camp and Dick Chilcote, are still active.

Past Presidents of the Organization:

1958-1961 - Carl Winniger
1962 - Al Caldwell
1963-1964 - Dick Chilcote
1965 - Tom Piatt
1966 - Louie Gibford
1967 - Jerry Degler
1968 -1969 - Ernie Schrock
1970 - Chuck Blumenhurst
1971-1972 - Jim Plumb
1973 - Dale Foster
1974 - Bob Wise
1975 - Tony Kramlik
1976 - Tom Zimmerman
1977 - Randy Denney
1978 - Seb Reyenga
1979 - John Leeper, CGCS
1980 - Jon Fuller
1981 - Bob Placifo
1982 - Richard Reising, CGCS
1983 - Brent Emerick
1984 - N. Kim Mullendore, CGCS
1985 - Galen Stoffel
1986 - Mike Walton
1987 - Mike Hahn
1988 - Tony Staley
1989 - Roger Henderson
1990 - Brian Chalifoux
1991 - Brian Chalifoux
1992 - Paul Golliff
1993 - Paul Goliff
1994 - Dave Bolyard
1995 - Dave Bolyard
1996 - Steve Mueller
1997 - Ron Forks
1998 - Ron Forks
1999 - Randy Denney
2000 - Randy Denney
2001 - Randy Denney
2002 - Brian Chalifoux
2003 - Brian Chalifoux
2004 - Kerry Ohlwine
2005 - Kerry Ohlwine
2006 - Kerry Ohlwine
2007 - Ron Forks
2008 - Steve Mueller
2009 - Paul Golliff
2010 - John Thompson
2011 - John Thompson
2012 - Ben Seigel
2013 - Steve Mueller