A fit and energetic Rhett Evans to add 14,000-foot climb to his list of achievements
Lawrence, Kan. (July 12, 2016) – It seems Rhett Evans is always looking for a new challenge or new heights to climb. The 47-year-old CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) found his latest challenge in preparing to climb to the summit of 14,410-foot Mt. Rainier in Washington.
Evans is scheduled to make the climb from July 19-21, an achievement he is looking forward to following the disappointment of having to cancel the climb last year after suffering a shoulder injury in a boating accident. He is clearly ready after months of training, which he has crammed into his busy schedule of meetings and travel for the national association of nearly 18,000 members.
“I always think I can do more, achieve more, in everything I do,” said Evans, who has been CEO at GCSAA since 2011. “It’s that physical challenge, setting a goal, training for it and testing your limits. I have always been a little over the top when it comes to setting goals for myself. But when you can get your body to the finish line, it is satisfying and worth all the hard work.
Evans, who is one of the fittest CEOs in golf and one of the fittest leaders in American business, is no stranger to climbing heights or facing daunting challenges. He has previously climbed the 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and completed four Ironman Triathlons. As a high school senior, he was an Arizona state wrestling champion.
He is keeping a keen eye on current weather conditions on Mt. Rainier, which can include heavy snow, near zero temperatures and high winds almost any time of the year. The challenge is not something to take lightly, but still Evans plans a twist to make things more interesting. He is going to carry a golf club and a few golf balls to the summit. He also plans to plant a small GCSAA flag in the ground.
“We have a mission to be the global leader in golf course management so like the early explorers, I will claim Mt. Rainier as GCSAA territory if there is ever a golf course on the summit,” Evans joked.
Before he leaves, the happily married father of two will lead a board of directors meeting in Montana and meet with superintendent chapters in Kansas and Colorado. And when he gets back from Mt. Rainier, Evans will get busy planning his next great challenge.
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
