He was Augusta National's superintendent, an innovator and mentor
During his 40-year career, Paul Latshaw oversaw the grounds for every U.S.-based major, and pioneered innovative turf-care practices.
Latshaw was known for his innovative maintenance practices and tireless mentorship. Marc Longwood Over the years, as Masters coverage has expanded to capture every shot from every corner of Augusta National Golf Club, many fans have come to feel as if they know the course to its last blade of grass. Paul Latshaw actually did.
From 1986 to 1989, Latshaw served as Augusta National’s superintendent, presiding over four Masters on a property renowned for its meticulous conditioning. It was a luminous stretch within a 40-year career that carried him across some of the game’s most exacting stages — from Oakmont to Congressional to Winged Foot , and beyond — and made him the only superintendent to oversee host courses for all three U. S.
-based men’s major championships. His influence, though, extended far beyond the grounds he tended. To peers and protégés, Latshaw was a tireless innovator and generous mentor who helped shape the careers of scores of industry professionals.
By some estimates, more than 100 of his former employees and pupils went on to become superintendents, turfgrass scientists or leaders in the game, including his son, Paul Jr. , who is now director of grounds at Merion near Philadelphia. In recognition of those contributions, Latshaw was honored earlier this year with the USGA’s 2026 Green Section Award, presented annually for distinguished service to the game through turfgrass management.
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