Stanovich and Cortner Selected as Co-recipients for
Assistant Superintendent of the Year

The Oregon Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (OGCSA) has recognized Dean Stanovich of Columbia Edgewater Country Club and Michael Cortner of Portland Golf Club for its Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award. The award will be presented May 4th at the Oregon Superintendents Annual Meeting at Salishan Resort and Spa.

The award recognizes exemplary service and leadership as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. With more than 50 years of service between the two at their respective clubs, Stanovich and Cortner, have shown an extraordinary degree of service and commitment. .

Stanovich, a graduate of Parkrose High School in Portland, Ore. began his employment at Columbia Edgewater in 1978 working as a cart attendant and providing member services under Golf Professional Jerry Mowlds.  After a few years, he asked to be transferred to the maintenance department and then chose to expand his knowledge by pursuing a formal education in course management at Michigan State University.  

Since making that change, Stanovich worked more than 22 LPGA events.   Called by many on the tour as the “Bunker Master,” he has been courted to join them on the LPGA circuit.   Stanovich is adored by the members and is recognized for his commitment to excellence and desire to make Columbia Edgewater the player’s course.   Stanovich is also quick to help the local chapter, regularly volunteering at the Portland Golf Show to answer consumer questions at the OGCSA booth.

Cortner has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and grew up in Kansas where he worked on a local course in his home town. Cortner is married and has two daughters. He has been employed with the Portland Golf Club for twenty years, serving as the assistant superintendent since April 1994. During this long tenure, Michael has distinguished himself as a leader amongst the employees he works with and supervises. He has participated in three Fred Meyer Challenges and a USGA Senior Amateur and has proven himself giving many years of exemplary service through course rebuilds including lake expansions, new tees and a new irrigation system installation.

Cortner’s nomination was submitted by John Manley, CCM, General Manager and Ken O’Neil, Chairman of the Golf and Greens Committee with strong support from Ken Poorman, President of PGC and Forrest Goodling, Superintendent.  Each submitted long lists of accomplishments along with high regard for his professionalism and leadership.  O’Neil wrote, “I believe Mike is a shining example of what an Assistant Superintendent should be, and is a role model for what other up and coming assistants should strive for.”

Goodling credits the Portland Golf Club for their commitment to continuing Cortner’s education by allowing him to attend the Golf Industry Show each year and take classes that enable him to better his job skills which make him a more valuable asset to his club