The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council's Dr. George W. Hamilton, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to the turfgrass industry. The award is considered PTC’s highest individual honor and recipients are recognized by the membership in a formal ceremony at the PTC winter conferences. The 2024 Award is presented to John Chassard. 

John Chassard – His Journey in Golf and Turf Management

John's love for golf—and the idea of being on a golf course—began in his early youth. He was fortunate to spend much of his childhood at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where his father served as the tennis and squash pro for 23 years. It was here that John first walked countless rounds of golf on the club's 6-hole course, often with friends, and occasionally convinced (begged) his father to take him out on one of the "big" championship courses. At times, John would also find himself on his bike in a part-time game of being chased by the golf pro while searching for golf balls along the course's stream banks. John spent more time on the golf course than on the tennis courts, and he cherished every moment of it.

After moving to Lancaster, John worked on course maintenance at Indian Springs Golf Course (now Four Seasons) while finishing high school and attending Millersville University, where he initially studied Oceanography. But after his first year at Millersville, John realized he was more passionate about life on the course than life on the ocean. At this turning point, he reached out to Dave Miller, the Superintendent at Saucon Valley, for advice. Dave encouraged John to return to Saucon Valley, work under him, and apply to the two-year turf management program at Penn State University—advice John took to heart.

While at Penn State, John took an internship on Long Island. During this time, Dave Miller once again reached out to him, encouraging him to contact the Superintendent at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown about an assistant position that had just become available. Ironically, John had never heard of Lehigh, despite it being less than 10 miles from Saucon Valley. That phone call from Dave Miller led to what would become a 42-year career at Lehigh. Dave continued to be a mentor and friend throughout John's career until his passing. Along the way, John also received valuable guidance from Scott Nissley and Marty Nadenicek, superintendents at Indian Springs and Lehigh, respectively, who played a pivotal role in John's development as a turf professional.

Over the span of his 42-year career at Lehigh, John formed many meaningful relationships and friendships, both professionally and personally. He credits his faith in Christ for helping him navigate the more challenging aspects of his career and for blessing him with the longevity he has enjoyed in the turf management field. John has had the privilege of working alongside many talented peers, club members, and fellow employees who have not only helped him become a better manager but also a better person.

John's involvement with local Superintendent chapters has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Serving for 15 years with the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council was an especially fulfilling experience. There he worked alongside university staff and turf professionals from across the state contributing to the advancement of golf both in Pennsylvania and globally. John served as PTC’s President from 2005-2006.

Though John is proud of his professional achievements, his greatest reward comes from being the best husband and father/stepfather he can be. He tries to live by the reminder that "knowledge is sometimes proud that it knows so much, while wisdom knows in the realization that it knows so little." For John, this mindset has been a guiding principle in both his career and personal life.

PTC congratulates John on this award!