World’s leading golf course management association reflects on the past while charting the future
Lawrence, Kan. — The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) commemorates its centennial this month, marking a century of service, education, innovation and leadership that has elevated the game and business of golf.
“Over the last 100 years, the role of the golf course superintendent has changed dramatically, but its purpose remains fundamental. Superintendents provide the golf courses that make the game possible and create the conditions that allow people to enjoy it,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Today’s golf course management profession is grounded in science, and our members continually build the education and expertise needed to deliver excellent playing experiences while serving as responsible environmental stewards. Their work helps protect the future of the game, the communities they serve and the natural resources on which golf depends.”
Founded by Col. John Morley on Sept. 13, 1926, GCSAA began as the National Association of Greenkeepers of America following a meeting of 60 greenkeepers at Sylvania Country Club in Toledo, Ohio. Today, GCSAA has more than 21,000 members around the world who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable asset — the golf course. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.
A century of progress
GCSAA has supported its members as the profession evolved from a focus on course maintenance to today’s highly skilled and respected field of golf course management.
GCSAA has also weathered the challenges of the last 100 years, enduring the Great Depression, World War II and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, GCSAA members have navigated increasing legislative and regulatory pressures, unpredictable weather and rapidly changing technology, persevering with the support and resources of the association for the betterment of the entire golf industry and the communities they serve.
“Our founder, John Morley, once famously said, ‘No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other,’ and that mindset has held steadfast throughout our 100 years,” said Evans. “GCSAA members have not only been there for each other and the courses they care for but also for the generations of golfers who have benefited from the enjoyable playing conditions that GCSAA members have provided. Our celebration is not just for us, but for anyone who enjoys the game.”
Observance of GCSAA’s centennial began in earnest during the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, held in February in Orlando. On Oct. 8, the association will host the Celebration of a Century at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence and in nearby Kansas City. The event will include the dedication of the GCSAA Centennial Plaza, featuring the unveiling of a statue of Morley and recognition of donors to the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign. Guests will include GCSAA members, delegates from the association’s 93 affiliated chapters, golf industry representatives and local dignitaries.
The centennial observance will conclude during the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Jan. 16-21 in New Orleans.
Key milestones GCSAA history:
- 1927: First issue of the association magazine published
- 1928: First annual conference held
- 1938: Name changed to Greenkeeping Superintendents Association
- 1948: Name changed to National Greenkeeping Superintendents Association
- 1951: Name changed to Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- 1955: GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund (now the GCSAA Foundation) established
- 1971: Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation launched
- 1974: GCSAA headquarters moved to Lawrence, Kan.
- 1983: GCSAA’s first Old Tom Morris Award presented to Arnold Palmer
- 1996: First GCSAA website launched
- 2012: Golf course equipment managers became a new membership classification
- 2020: GCSAA helped establish golf course environmental best management practices in all 50 states
About GCSAA
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 21,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
