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TRAVERSE CITY - After spending the last few years in wetland consulting, one of the industries leading golf course consultants, Tom Mead of Traverse City, is returning home to concentrate on the sustainability aspects of the golf industry in Michigan and around the country. As a leading golf course consultant, he brings more than 35 years of experience in all aspects of golf course development, construction, agronomy, and operations.
A definition of sustainability in relation to golf course development and management is: "Optimizing the playing quality of the golf course in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment under economically sound and socially responsible management."
"The fundamentals of sustainable golf are simple," said Mead. "The spirit of the game, the financial aspects of the golf business and the environmental practices necessary for a sustainable golf course are all compatible. We have to shift our values, then reflect them in a new business model that emphasizes the true spirit of the game and environmentally sound standards and practices."
Mead's consulting firm will help clients focus on improving the long-term financial viability of their golf operations by developing realistic, sustainable values, practices and standards. Initial focus with clients is on implementing sustainable design and maintenance modifications that will enhance playability and reduce costs without interrupting play or requiring capital expenditures.
Mead's career has included stints as superintendent at several private clubs including the nationally renowned Crystal Downs in Frankfort, Michigan. He has provided planning, permitting and construction management services for new and existing courses and has worked with several leading golf course architects including Tom Doak, Tom Fazio, Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish, and Arthur Hills.
Mead received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in Anthropology and completed the Turfgrass Management Program at Michigan State University. He lives in Traverse City with his wife, Lauri Mannion.
Mead is represented by Resort and Golf Marketing of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. RGM has more than 25 years experience marketing and promoting resorts, golf courses, and tourism destinations. The company has also participated in more than 100 golf course openings, from construction through grand openings. Visit www.resortandgolf.com.
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