The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is delighted to announce that John Fulling, CGCS, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 MTF Meritorious Service Award. Established in 1967, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the Foundation. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, January 13, during the MTF Annual Conference at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.
John Fullling, CGCS, has exhibited exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to Michigan’s turf industry at both the state and national levels. Over his 32-year tenure as Superintendent at Kalamazoo Country Club, Mr. Fulling has served on the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) Board for nine years—including terms as President in 2011 and 2012—and has also presided over the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), where his stewardship has advanced the missions of both organizations. Notably, he played a key role in consolidating Michigan’s four independent chapters into a unified entity, thereby significantly enhancing the stature of the state’s GCSAA chapter. In addition, Mr. Fulling served as President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in 2020, offering steady leadership and guidance during the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
John began his career as crew member at Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford, IL where he was born and raised and attended high school. He continued his employment there as he pursued a degree in music at Northern Illinois University, before transitioning to the turf industry—motivated by an assistant who had completed turf studies at Kishwaukee College. John embarked on his turf management career at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL (Chicago), where he spent five years working under the esteemed Superintendent Danny Quast, CGCS. His collaboration with Mr. Quast led to his introduction to East Lansing and Michigan State University during the establishment of the Turfgrass Information Files (TGIF) and development of the turf library, recognized as one of the foremost collections globally.
John’s career in Michigan and at Kalamazoo CC began his journey with the allied turf industries of Michigan and his commitment to improve and insure their missions. When asked what goals he envisioned for the MTF, John indicated: “To maintain great relationships with all allied bodies, the State and the University. Work as hard as possible to raise as much money as possible for Michigan State University turfgrass research short term and build endowments that will eventually continuously fund that research long term.”
MTF Executive Director Carey Mitchelson noted his initial encounter with John as an MTF Board member, observing John's keen intellect, impressive memory, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. “Throughout his tenure, John consistently demonstrated effective leadership and maintained high standards of excellence at the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. He has coordinated student involvement with the MTF including his mock interviews and scholarship sessions and represented the Foundation impeccably both in general settings and at required functions.”
Jeff Holmes, MTF Board member and Meritorious Service Award committee member, has known John for many years and collaborated with him on numerous initiatives. “The MTF has greatly benefited from John's integrity and guidance during his board service. His steadfast advocacy for turf in Michigan underscores the merit of this recognition.
John and his wife Susan live in Portage, Michigan and have 2 daughters Alli (32) and Emily (29) …both Spartan Graduates. Johns’ life outside of turf is a whirlwind of items. John attended Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL, majoring in Music Performance (percussion) with a minor in Classics (Latin). Subsequently, he attended the 2-year Horticulture/Turfgrass program at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL. He was Certified by GCSAA in 1996.
John is also known for his 23 years with The Gronk Brothers band, during which he performed at nearly 2,000 locations across the country, including many prominent venues. The group has released two studio albums, and a third is currently being developed. John is recognized as a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, and Shriner, and has served as Master of the Lodge on three occasions.
John Fulling's career continues to progress with distinction. In 2022, the Kalamazoo Country Club embarked on one of North America's most ambitious golf course projects. The Championship Course, requiring the acquisition of additional land, will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse featuring world-class amenities, a short course, and extensive practice facilities. Designed by Andrew Green, the championship course is planned to open on June 1, 2027.
The MTF extends its sincere gratitude to John for his dedicated service to the organization, his effective collaboration with industry partners, and his invaluable mentorship over the years. Congratulations to John on his continued achievements. |