The Origin of Green Jacket Lawns

When I think about what truly defines me, it’s my love for two things: grass and golf. These two passions have shaped both my personal and professional life in ways I never could have imagined.

I grew up in Lafayette, Indiana, and it was there, at our family home on five acres, that my connection with grass began. I was only in third grade when we moved to that property, but I vividly remember the first time I mowed the lawn. My dad had to put a brick on the mower seat to keep the engine running, as I didn’t weigh enough to keep it engaged. My legs were too short to reach the mower deck, so a wooden block served as a platform to give me enough height. While some might question whether I was too young to be handling such equipment, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. At that age, I was eager to emulate my dad, and what started as an attempt to help him soon became an obsession with turf that would influence my entire life.

Golf, in contrast, was something I didn’t immediately connect with. Growing up, I played almost every sport imaginable—football, basketball, baseball—but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I picked up a golf club. Fast forward to the final tournament of my high school career, and after years of dedication, I was just one stroke away from qualifying for the Indiana State Finals—an achievement I considered nothing short of miraculous. I briefly entertained the idea of continuing my competitive career in college, but a conversation with Purdue University's head coach, Rob Bradley, made it clear that I had likely reached the end of my playing days. However, my passion for the game didn’t end there. I began working at my home course to gain access to range balls and improve my game, but it was the turf side of things that truly captivated me. This was where my two passions converged.

At the age of 16, I began working at The Ravines Golf Course, and when it came time to choose a college, there was only one option for me—Purdue University. I enrolled in 2014, majoring in Agronomy with a focus on Turfgrass Science. Although my competitive golf career had come to an end, I was determined to remain connected to the sport I loved. Over the course of my four years at Purdue, I gained an in-depth understanding of the science and artistry behind turfgrass management. My education allowed me to visit and intern at some of the world’s most renowned golf courses—Medinah Country Club, The Ford Plantation, Augusta National Golf Club, and Trinity Forest Golf Club—and work alongside some of the industry’s top superintendents. I also had the opportunity to work at major tournaments, including The Masters, the U.S. Open, and a few PGA Championships, along with smaller events such as the Byron Nelson Championship and the Georgia Open. I graduated in 2018 and made the move to Savannah, Georgia, where I began my first assistant superintendent role at The Ford Plantation, the former winter estate of Henry Ford.

Looking back on my time as an assistant at The Ford Plantation, I often wonder how I survived those years, but I know they were pivotal in shaping my career. My first superintendent, Nelson Caron, is one of the most respected names in the turf industry. While I was a young 23-year-old who thought I knew it all, Nelson was the mentor who taught me the real meaning of being a turf professional. Under his guidance, I learned what to prioritize, what to look for, and how to truly care for turf. The lessons I learned at The Ford Plantation laid the foundation for my current approach to lawn care.

During my time in Savannah, something incredible happened—my future wife, Shelby, entered my life. A brilliant woman from Decorah, Iowa, Shelby was working as a manufacturing engineer for Gulfstream Aviation at the time. She was not only the smartest person I’d ever met, but also a passionate, determined individual who would soon become my partner in every sense. From the moment we met, we became inseparable, and she supported my career and our move to the Midwest when I received an offer to work at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

In 2021, I received the call that would lead me to Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Hazeltine, a course with a rich history of major championships, offered an assistant superintendent position with Chris Tritabaugh, one of the foremost experts in turfgrass management. This opportunity has allowed me to refine my craft and expand my knowledge in ways that were truly invaluable. I was also a part of Hazeltine’s team for the 124th United States Amateur Championship in 2024, marking my 19th professional tournament.

Now, as 2025 begins, I am proud to introduce Green Jacket Lawns. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of maintaining some of the finest turfgrass in the world, from Augusta National Golf Club to my own home lawn and everything in between. I’ve fertilized, aerified, and overseeded everything from championship fairways to residential lawns, and I believe the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 13 years can benefit homeowners looking to achieve the same level of excellence. My goal is to bring world-class turf care to everyday lawns. I don’t want the only time you experience top-tier turf to be at a major golf tournament—I want you to enjoy that same level of beauty and quality right outside your window.

-Chris