GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards revamped for 2018
Updated awards for superintendents will feature more focused areas of environmental sustainability
For 25 years, GCSAA and Golf Digest have recognized golf course superintendents and golf courses for their commitment to environmental stewardship through the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGAs).
For 2018, the ELGAs, which are presented in partnership with Syngenta, have been updated to recognize more superintendents in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. The new ELGAs are based on the environmental best management practices that GCSAA recommends all courses utilize.
Instead of offering national awards based on facility type, the new version of the ELGAs will honor specific areas of focus that include:
* Natural Resource Conservation Award, which recognizes effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation, and sound wildlife management.
* Healthy Land Stewardship Award, which recognizes effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients as well as pollution prevention.
* Communications and Outreach Award, which recognizes effective communication of conservation strategies with facility employees and others as well as share their efforts with golfers and other members of their community.
* Innovative Conservation Award, which recognizes unique and innovative strategies for conservation.
“The ELGAs have given us a wonderful tool for honoring superintendents who make environmental stewardship a key focus of their operations,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “As their expertise has evolved, we are refreshing the ELGAs to reflect this.”
The changes were determined by the GCSAA Board of Directors and the Environmental Awards and Education Task Group.
All Class A, B and C members of GCSAA are eligible to apply for the ELGAs. There will be one winner and two runners-up recognized for each award. While an applicant many apply for all four awards, he or she may only win one award per year. Applications for the 2018 ELGAs will be open Aug. 1 – Sept. 30.
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. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com. 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.
