Virginia Teach Turf Expert to Receive National Award

BLACKSBURG, Va., Jan 28, 2002 -- Houston B. Couch, a plant pathologist specializing in turfgrass diseases for nearly a half century, is to be awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America on Feb. 6.

A member of Virginia Tech's Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science since 1965, Couch is being recognized by the 22,000-member association as the "go to" pathologist for the industry. Prior to joining Virginia Tech's faculty, Couch was on the faculty at Pennsylvania State University at University Park.

"Dr. Couch's ability to pass on information with good humor and the highest integrity, at times even in the bleakest circumstances, made him a priority source for many of our members over the years," said Peter McDonough, president of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association. "Dr. Couch is a true pioneer in the field of turfgrass research and specifically turfgrass disease."

The award by the national association is being presented at the association's International Golf Course Conference and Show in Orlando, Fla. The award has been presented annually since 1932 to individuals who have made an outstanding, substantial, and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession.

Couch was recognized for his work with students, his research, and his Extension activities. He has written two books considered standards in the field, Diseases in Turfgrass and Turfgrass Disease Handbook.

He was also recognized for his responsiveness to superintendents. In addition to constant telephone consultations, he estimates he has taught more than 4,000 superintendents in education seminars.

"If a superintendent calls me, I get right on it," Couch said. "I don't see them as just a golf course superintendent, I see them as a person under pressure who needs help."

Couch, a resident of Blacksburg, earned his bachelor's degree from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville in 1950, and his doctorate from the University of California at Davis in 1954.