McCarty receives outstanding contribution award

Lambert “Bert” McCarty, a Clemson University professor emeritus of plant and environmental sciences, has received the GCSAA Outstanding Contribution Award.

The award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and significant impact on the golf course industry. It was presented during the opening session of the 2026 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Conference and Trade Show on Feb. 2 in Orlando, Florida.

“Dr. McCarty’s legacy in turfgrass management is unmatched,” said Rhett Evans, chief executive officer of the GCSAA. “His dedication to advancing the science and mentoring future leaders has helped shape the industry in profound ways.”

McCarty’s influence spans more than 40 years of research, education and service. A native of rural South Carolina, he earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soils from Clemson University. His early work on golf courses during college sparked a lifelong passion for turfgrass science.

After earning a master’s degree in turfgrass management from North Carolina State University and a doctorate in plant physiology and pathology from Clemson, McCarty held a faculty position at the University of Florida.

While at Florida, he authored the first Best Management Practices book for golf courses. The publication became a model for future BMP resources, including the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association’s BMPs for Golf Courses.

McCarty returned to Clemson in 1996 and has spent 30 years shaping the University’s turfgrass science program. His work includes developing curriculum, mentoring students and conducting research that continues to influence turfgrass management practices nationwide.

His commitment to education extends beyond the University through active involvement with the Carolinas GCSA, where he has led workshops, provided technical expertise and supported professional development for superintendents across the state.

McCarty has published 20 books, 110 book chapters, 135 refereed journal articles, 180 Extension publications, 230 trade journal articles and 36 annual research reports. He has given more than 600 scientific presentations and is a co-inventor on a patent for the use of tebuconazole to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in turfgrass.

He has been a fixture at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show for decades, including his most recent seminar, “Advanced Weed Management of Warm-Season and Overseeded Turfgrass.”

His honors include the Godley-Snell Award for Excellence as Clemson’s top agriculture researcher, the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Alumni Distinguished Service Award, and the Crop Science Society of America Fred Grau Award. He is a fellow of both the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.

McCarty received the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award in 2018 and Clemson’s CAFLS Distinguished Service Award in 2024. He was also recently inducted into the S.C. Sports Field Managers Association Hall of Fame.

Although semi-retired, McCarty continues to teach part-time and consult on turfgrass issues.

“I enjoy teaching, visiting sites and helping solve problems on golf courses,” he said. “I still do the work that interests me and has the potential to positively impact the industry. It’s been a great run.

“I’m truly humbled to receive this award. This honor represents a lifetime of doing what I love, advancing turfgrass science and supporting the golf course industry. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues and students, and I’m grateful for the relationships and opportunities that have made this journey so rewarding.”

To learn more about McCarty’s career and contributions, visit https://bit.ly/Bert_McCarty.