Mark Salisbury, Golf Course Superintendent at Marriott’s Starr Pass Country Club in Tucson, Ariz., recently completed the Irrigation Association® certification program and is now recognized as a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA).

The CGIA program was created in a partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with the goal of improving water resource knowledge and promoting efficient irrigation practices. Having achieved CGIA status, Salisbury is heavily involved in the analysis and maintenance of turf irrigation water use specific to the unique conditions found at the 27-hole Starr Pass Country Club

To achieve this certification, Salisbury completed over three years of irrigation-related field experience and passed a rigorous written examination covering general irrigation subjects and specialty areas.  As a CGIA, Salisbury has made a commitment to professionalism in the industry and has agreed to follow a specific Code of Ethics established by the Irrigation Association®.

Through his analytical work onsite, Salisbury initiated maintenance recommendations and performed water audits, which led to the creation of efficient and consistent watering schedules for greens/tees, fairways, and roughs.  His efforts were an integral part of helping Starr Pass become a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2008.