Las Vegas, Nevada (January 13, 2014)–Longtime Las Vegas golf course superintendent Bill Rohret and his wife, Dian, were recently awarded the 2013 Citizens of the Year Award by the Southern Nevada Chapter, Southwest Section, PGA of America. The award is annually given by the chaper to those individuals who provide expemplary efforts within their community. The two were honored for their work with the Special Olympics and other efforts. –By Brian Hurlburt.
“Bill has a tremendous track record as a superintendent and has been a longtime friend to area PGA professionals," said Greg Brockelman, president of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA. "We are honored to award him and Dian for their service to Special Olympics Nevada."
Bill landed his first superintendent position in 1973 at Cedar Crest Country Club in Columbus Junction, Iowa. He became a certified golf course superintendent in 1990 and has held superintendent positions in Southern Nevada at Desert Rose Golf Club, Stallion Mountain Country Club, Angel Park Golf Club and The Legacy Golf Club. He served as president of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association in 1986 and the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association (part of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) in 1989 and 1990. He is now semi-retired, serving as a spray tech at Highland Falls Golf Club in Summerlin.
“For the first time, we didn’t have our kids' school activities, practices and games, and it left a void in our lives,” said Rohret about how they became involved with the Special Olympics years ago. “A friend told Dian and I about an opportunity with Special Olympics Nevada, and we have been working with the organization ever since.”
The couple, who met on the golf course and have been married for 35 years, coach a number of sports, including basketball, golf and track, to adults and children with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics Nevada is a terrific organization, and to see these athletes and families benefit through participation in sports is a great feeling,” said Dian.
“The game of golf has been very good to me, and it’s nice to be able to mentor the younger guys on the crew and educate them on what it takes to be a successful superintendent,” said Rohret, a life member of the national superintendents organization. In 2008, Bill earned a Coach of the Year award from the Special Olympics organization. He has coached basketball and golf over the years.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.
