When Nick Janovich came out of Ohio State University in 2008 with a degree in turf grass science and political science that the two would work together at some point.

The 2004 Shadyside High School graduate has made numerous trips to Washington D.C. to address folks on Capitol Hill about the impacts of golf, the environment and how government can play a role in the sport that so many enjoy.

“There are actually a lot of concerns about the environmental impact and now people are wanting to know about that impact and how to reduce that impact,” Janovich said.

Janovich has been a loud voice, representing the state of West Virginia as one of just a couple golf course superintendents in the state to be part of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America.

Because of the work he’s done and the voice he’s supplied, Janovich was recently named the winner of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented in partnership with The Toro Co.

He now receives a free trip to the nation’s capital in the spring to attend the 2019 National Golf Day.

“There are a lot of good people working hard in the (golf) industry to advance the profession and game,” Janovich said. “I didn’t feel like I was doing something too terribly special, but it was good to be recognized.”

Janovich has been the Oglebay Course Superintendent since 2008. That role means he’s in charge of the course and the shape it’s in on a daily basis.

“There are certain days, based on the conditions, where we may have to make changes to the course,” Janovich said. “The majority of my day is spent looking at the forecast.”

According to a press release, the award recognizes individuals who have pushed advocacy and advancement through congressional outreach and relationship development.

“In lots of trips to Capitol Hill and lots of meetings locally, I’ve advocated on behalf of the golf industry,” Janovich said. “I’ve tried to spread our message and answer questions people may have about the golf industry.”

As it pertains to the environment, Janovich does anyting he can to help the sport’s image, which he said isn’t always great.

“A lot of what we do (on a golf course) isn’t natural,” Janovich said. “For instance, it’s not natural to cut grass to an eighth of an inch. But, we’re reducing the environmental impact.”

Along with the environment, Janovich’s work in D.C. has also allowed him to further point out the exercise benefits the sport provides.

“You can burn up to 2,000 calories playing a round of golf and we talk to those points and the other improvements we’ve made,” Janovich said.”We’ve also reduced water consumption by more than 20 percent, so the course becomes more sustainable in the long term.”

The Golf Course Super Assocation of America has more than 18,000 members nationwide, but just a select few have been asked to represent the group in D.C.

“I guess they could have hired a lobbiest, but there’s no one better to tell the golf industry story like us since we’re in it every day,” Janovich noted. “The message is more effective when it comes from people in the industry who can talk it very well. We need to continue to be a resource for Washington.”

USGA FIRST TEE DONATION

The area youth who took part in the USGA’s First Tee program at Oglebay Park were treated to a picnic Saturday afternoon. During the event, the Oglebay Park Men’s Golf Club made a donation of some $3,500 for the purchase of golf clubs and other equipment.

The donation was made to Oglebay Park’s PGA pro Shane Rice, who oversees the project.

Saints Club 2-man

Best Ball Scramble

The annual event was held on Oct. 7 at Belmont Hills Country Club. The winning team was the duo of Floyd Marody and Jimmy Baugh, who won by virtue of a scorecard playoff over Tommy Baugh and Chad Baugh. Both teams finished with a 77.

Other teams taking part consisted of Jack Ralston and Ryan Ralston (78), John Pokas and Rich Vannelle (78), James Mahute and Kelly Rine (80), Jack Matkovich and Frank Jaworski (81); John Nemeti and Chad Vike (89) and Jeff Thrash and Randy Mellott (91).

Skins went to Thrash and Mellott on No. 4 and 16. Baugh and Marody had one on No. 6; Chad and Tommy Baugh pocketed a skin on No. 9 and 18, while Vike and Nemeti had one on No. 2.

Closest to the pin prizes went to Vike, Rine, Tommy Baugh and Vannelle.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com