Florence, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The community of Florence, South Carolina, is mourning the loss of Dr. Bruce Martin, a distinguished plant pathologist who greatly impacted the golf industry. Dr. Martin, who passed away at 71, spent over three decades at the Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center, pioneering turf management practices that benefited golf courses both locally and globally. His legacy lives on through his contributions to turf diagnostics and support for golf course superintendents, ensuring the continued success of the industry he loved.
Florence, South Carolina Mourns the Loss of Dr. Bruce Martin, a Plant Pathology Pioneer
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news about the passing of Dr. Bruce Martin, a beloved plant pathologist, who passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 71. Dr. Martin was well-known in the community for his valuable contributions to the world of plant pathology, especially concerning golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area.
An Influential Career
Dr. Martin dedicated three decades of his career to the Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence. His journey in plant pathology began after earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. He further honed his expertise with a master’s degree in plant pathology from the University of Arkansas, followed by a doctorate from North Carolina State University.
Before settling in South Carolina in 1987, he kicked off his professional journey in Connecticut. His move to South Carolina marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership with golf course superintendents, where he played a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of the turf. His work was not just confined to South Carolina; Dr. Martin showcased his skills in diagnosing turf issues on a global scale, assisting regions in countries including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, England, and Spain.
A Legacy of Support for Golf Superintendents
From 1987 until his retirement in 2018, Dr. Martin established the turfgrass diagnostics lab at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, providing invaluable support to golf course superintendents facing tough challenges from grass diseases, fungi, and pests. His unique ability to diagnose turfgrass issues and recommend effective remedies earned him a stellar reputation in the Myrtle Beach golf community.
Notably, Dr. Martin identified and named Rapid Blight (Labyrinthula terrestris) in 2001, a critical development for cool-season turf affected by high salt content in irrigation water. His knowledge was sought after especially during critical times, as he helped superintendents save their financial stability through timely interventions.
Recognition and Honors
Dr. Martin’s contributions were recognized through several prestigious awards, including the 2014 Col. John Morley Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award. His expertise was not only recognized regionally but also nationally, making him an influential figure in the golf industry.
In a historic moment, Dr. Martin and his colleague Arthur L. ‘Max’ Morgan Jr. were inducted into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame on September 24, 2025. This was particularly significant as it marked the first time individuals from agronomy and plant science were added to the Hall of Fame’s 38-member roster.
Continuing His Legacy
The impact of Dr. Martin’s work continues to resonate within the field of turf management. His programs and innovative solutions remain vital resources utilized by professionals around the globe. All who knew him can attest to his unparalleled dedication to developing effective treatment programs for various turf diseases, no matter the circumstances.
A Fond Farewell
In the wake of his passing, the community plans to celebrate Dr. Martin’s life and contributions through funeral services and a memorial scheduled for November 15, 2025. As we bid him farewell, we remember a remarkable individual who devoted his life to ensuring the success of others in the turf industry.
Dr. Bruce Martin will be missed dearly, but his legacy as a guiding light in plant pathology will undoubtedly live on.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Golf Community Remembers Michael Thomas Corrigan
North Myrtle Beach Introduces Community Connect App for Fire Rescue
Remembering Bruce Martin: A Golf Industry Pioneer
Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes New Legends
Myrtle Beach Golf Community in Mourning for Influential Instructor
Myrtle Beach to Honor Golf Legends in 2025
Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Golf Tournament Kicks Off Atlantic Coast Exposition 2025
Upcoming Sports Business Events in 2025
Additional Resources
- Golf Course Industry: Bruce Martin Clemson Pathology Obituary
- Wikipedia: Plant Pathology
- On the Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
- Google Search: Dr. Bruce Martin
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Turfgrass
- Stoudenmire-Dowling: Obituaries for Samuel Martin Jr.
- TurfNet: Martin Remembered for Service
- TurfNet: Turf Legends Inducted into Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame
- Google News: Golf Course Superintendents Association
- Golf Course Industry: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Duo
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
