UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Zachary Newsome, a graduate student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named a 2025 Dr. James Watson Fellow by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
The GCSAA is a leading professional organization for men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. The Watson Fellowship Program recognizes future educators and researchers for their contributions to the scientific advancement of the turfgrass industry. Newsome, one of three of this year’s fellows, received a $5,000 scholarship and attended the association’s annual conference and trade show in Orlando, Florida, earlier this month.
Newsome described being named a Watson Fellow as a significant honor that will allow him to expand his research efforts and continue contributing to the broader body of turfgrass science.
“It’s extremely validating to have my work recognized at this stage of my graduate studies, and it reflects not only my efforts but also the guidance and mentorship I’ve been fortunate enough to receive at Penn State and across the turfgrass industry,” he said.
The Watson Fellowship is supported by the Toro Company and is administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. Started in 1998, the fellowship honors the late James R. Watson, a pioneer and visionary in turfgrass research and vice president of the Toro Company. The fellowship recognizes students in postgraduate degree programs who have been identified as scientists who will become leaders in turfgrass management.
Newsome, of Claymont, Delaware, is working toward a master’s degree in agricultural and environmental plant science after he received his bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from the University. His postgraduate research examines how soil moisture influences the behavior, fitness and control of the annual bluegrass weevil.
Ben McGraw, professor of turfgrass science and program coordinator, is Newsome’s graduate adviser.
“Zack’s an outstanding student,” McGraw said. “He represents our turfgrass programs exceptionally well and is incredibly deserving of the Watson Fellowship. He’s dedicated, driven and a pleasure to have in the lab. He consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does.”
According to Newsome, Penn State and the college have provided invaluable support throughout his undergraduate studies and graduate research, including financial assistance, access to a wide range of educational and research resources, and professional development opportunities.
“Mentorship from Dr. McGraw and other faculty and staff has been especially important in shaping my academic and professional growth,” he said. “Penn State’s extensive turfgrass alumni base provides valuable networking opportunities and connections across the industry. I’ve been fortunate to build relationships that I expect will be lifelong, both within and beyond the turfgrass industry.”
He added that being a fellow enabled him to attend GCSAA’s annual conference, where he networked with professionals across the turfgrass industry. Other highlights included learning about emerging technologies and management strategies to improve the sustainability of golf course maintenance; meeting fellow Watson Award winners and hearing about their research; connecting with golf course superintendents and industry leaders; and supporting Penn State undergraduate students at the Collegiate Turf Bowl National Championship.
“I’m very grateful for the support of the GCSAA and the Toro Company,” Newsome said. “To have my name associated with Dr. James Watson is a meaningful honor, and I appreciate the investment these organizations make in supporting research and the future of the turfgrass industry.”
After completing his graduate studies, Newsome said he plans to pursue a career in the turfgrass industry that allows him to remain engaged with both scientific research and golf course management.
“My goal is to contribute research that supports turfgrass managers as they provide consistent, high-quality playing experiences for golfers, while continuing to advance sustainable management practices,” he said.