Timberlake, Barkley and others join in asking golfers to “Thank a golf course superintendent”
Lawrence, Kan. (March 8, 2016) – A year ago, top players joined together for an advertising campaign to promote the work of golf course superintendents. Now, celebrities who enjoy playing golf, like Grammy award-winning entertainer Justin Timberlake and NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley, have joined the promotion to “thank a golf course superintendent.”
The tagline will continue to be used in television and radio commercials, as well as 2016 print and online advertising by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). There will even be a sweepstakes to offer golfers the opportunity to win a trip to the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nev., in July, by personally thanking a golf course superintendent.
“It is rewarding to know that superintendents are held in high esteem by golfers and celebrities alike” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “When influential people say, ‘If you love golf like I do, thank a golf course superintendent,’ it makes our members around the world feel appreciated and proud of the role they play in providing excellent playing conditions for this great game.”
Thirty-second commercials will again begin airing on the Golf Channel in April, and radio, print and online advertising will run in numerous markets across the country, including at the local and regional levels where national advertising will be co-branded to support nearly 100 chapter associations.
In addition to featuring Timberlake and Barkley, the new celebrity television spot also features Brandi Chastain (USA women’s soccer), John Elway (former NFL quarterback), Dennis Haysbert (actor and Allstate spokesperson), Jim McMahon (former NFL quarterback), Willie Robertson (Duck Dynasty star) and Larry the Cable Guy (comedian). All of the celebrities are likely to again compete in the American Century Championship.
“Golf course superintendents are widely recognized for skillfully managing the biggest asset of any golf facility – the golf course. But when giants of the celebrity world and the top players in the game support the work we do, it makes me boastfully proud to be a golf course superintendent for the past 31 years,” says Peter J. Grass, GCSAA president and a certified golf course superintendent at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, Mont.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
