Florence, South Carolina, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The turfgrass management community mourns the loss of Dr. Bruce Martin, a distinguished plant pathologist. He was known for his invaluable contributions to diagnosing turfgrass diseases and advising golf course superintendents worldwide. With over 30 years at Clemson University, Dr. Martin’s expertise greatly impacted the industry, highlighted by his efforts in naming ‘rapid blight’ and developing effective fungicide programs. He was recently inducted into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame, showcasing his significant influence in the golfing community. A memorial service is scheduled for November 15, honoring his dedication to advancing turfgrass management.
Florence, South Carolina – Dr. Bruce Martin, an esteemed plant pathologist known for his significant contributions to turfgrass management, passed away on October 16, 2023, at the age of 71. His unexpected death marks the end of a prolific career dedicated to advancing the field of plant pathology and helping countless golf course superintendents across the globe.
With over 30 years at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research & Education Center in Florence, South Carolina, Dr. Martin was a vital resource for turfgrass management. He provided expertise to superintendents not only in South Carolina but also in nearly every U.S. state and countries such as Australia, Argentina, Brazil, England, and Spain. His remarkable talent for quickly diagnosing turfgrass diseases allowed many golf courses to flourish under his guidance.
Dr. Martin’s work included a pivotal collaboration in 2001 with Dr. Larry Stowell to diagnose and formally name “rapid blight,” a disease linked to saline irrigation water that significantly impacted cool-season turf. His contributions to the field extended far beyond research, as he was often sought after for his ability to provide immediate solutions to turf problems, saving various golf courses from distress.
Before his tenure at Clemson, Dr. Martin began his career at a research station in Connecticut, later moving to South Carolina in 1987 after his wife, Dr. Cynthia Green, accepted a position at Pee Dee. He initiated a turfgrass diagnostics lab at Horry Georgetown Technical College and initially focused on tobacco and field crops until he pivoted toward turfgrass management. This shift paved the way for a successful campaign to secure research grants to support his innovative initiatives.
In September 2023, shortly before his passing, Dr. Martin was inducted into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame, a testament to his influence and contribution to the golfing community. He has been referred to as one of the architects behind the success of Myrtle Beach golf, impacting numerous superintendents and courses with his expertise.
Dr. Martin was born on January 9, 1954, in Conway, Arkansas. He earned a biology degree from Hendrix College in 1976, followed by a master’s in plant pathology from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate in the same field from North Carolina State University. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the 2014 Col. John Morley Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award. In 2005, he was recognized as one of the ten most influential figures in the South Carolina golf industry.
Dr. Martin was instrumental in developing effective fungicide programs and contributed to naming diseases vital to turf management. His expertise was particularly beneficial during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he provided essential diagnoses and management strategies for golf courses in urgent need. Known for his accessibility and dedication, he took pride in mentoring future colleagues and sharing his extensive knowledge, fostering a culture of ongoing learning within the industry.
Funeral services are currently pending, while a memorial service has been scheduled for November 15. Colleagues and peers will undoubtedly remember Dr. Bruce Martin not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to enhancing turfgrass management and supporting those who manage it.
FAQ Section
What contributions did Dr. Bruce Martin make to turfgrass management?
Dr. Bruce Martin made notable contributions by providing expertise to golf course superintendents, diagnosing turfgrass diseases, and developing effective management solutions, including naming significant turf diseases such as “rapid blight.”
What recognition did Dr. Martin receive during his career?
Throughout his career, Dr. Martin was honored with various awards, including the Col. John Morley Award and the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award. He was also recognized as one of the ten most influential people in the South Carolina golf industry.
When and where will Dr. Martin’s memorial service take place?
Dr. Martin’s memorial service is set for November 15, with further details on funeral services pending.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Career | Over 30 years at Clemson University, focusing on turfgrass management |
| Global Impact | Provided expertise to superintendents across the U.S. and internationally |
| Key Achievements | Inducted into Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame in September 2023, developed impactful fungicide programs |
| Education | B.S. from Hendrix College, M.S. from the University of Arkansas, Ph.D. from North Carolina State University |
| Awards | Col. John Morley Award, Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Golf Course Industry: Bruce Martin Obituary
- Wikipedia: Turf Management
- On the Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Obituary
- Google Search: Bruce Martin Turfgrass
- TurfNet: Martin Remembered for Service
- Google Scholar: Plant Pathology
- Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home: Samuel Martin Jr. Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plant Pathology
- TurfNet: Turf Legends Martin and Morgan Inducted
- Google News: South Carolina Golf Industry
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
