Golfers are asked to show their support on social media using #ThankASuper
Lawrence, Kan. (May 8, 2017) – Some say the best compliment golf course superintendents hear each day is nothing at all. No news is generally good news when you’re in charge of the largest and most valuable asset of every golf facility. But from May 8-14, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) wants to change that with “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Week,” encouraging all those who love golf to thank their course’s superintendent.
“If you love golf, you owe much of your enjoyment of the game to superintendents,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer. “They diligently work each day to provide excellent playing conditions, and they lead the charge on sustainability so the game can remain strong for decades to come.”
As superintendents continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful, environmental stewardship is always a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.
Superintendents led the charge to reduce water use on golf courses by nearly 22 percent from 2005 to 2013, saving $150 million. They also continue to increase the use of recycled water, which now accounts for more than 25 percent of all water used on golf courses. In addition, superintendents are using their agronomic education and expertise to reduce irrigated acreage and implement innovative technologies such as targeted irrigation systems, ground moisture measurement tools and weather monitoring systems, providing the science to water only when and where it is needed. Through superintendents’ professional leadership, golf facilities are implementing best management practices so that even as less water is used, the turf is healthier while playing firmer and faster.
“This week, let’s recognize the men and women who work behind the scenes,” Evans said. “If you love golf like I do, then next time you’re on the green, offer your thanks for the playability and sustainability of the course. And thank your super with a social media shout out using #ThankASuper.”
You can join PGA Tour professionals, celebrities, and legendary greenkeeper and four-time British Open champion Old Tom Morris in thanking a superintendent. Scottish historian David Joy plays Morris, who is featured in the newest commercials doffing his cap to the golf course management profession. Morris is the father of modern greenkeeping and cared for the historic St Andrews course in Scotland for more than 40 years.
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
