Brandriet wins GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award
Golf course superintendent honored for advocacy efforts, advancement of association priority issues and congressional outreach.
Greg Brandriet, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club in Spearfish, S.D., has been named a Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award winner from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented quarterly in partnership with The Toro Co., recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated growth in advocacy and advancement of the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda through congressional outreach and relationship development with a member of Congress. Through Toro, the winners will receive a trip to take part in the 2019 National Golf Day in Washington, D.C.
“Advocacy efforts are truly making a difference in the public perception of golf,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We are fortunate to have highly engaged members like Greg who work with members of Congress to bring the issues that affect golf to their attention. Congratulations to him on this recognition.”
The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors, a program that matches superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships with them. Nearly 350 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.
A 10-year member of GCSAA, Brandriet became involved in advocating for his profession out of a personal interest in politics and to meet like-minded individuals who promote the economic and social benefits of the golf industry. He became an ambassador in 2016 and attended National Golf Day in 2017 and 2018.
“Every opportunity to advocate for the golf industry has given me an opportunity to hone our message and to improve my leadership and communication skills,” Brandriet said. “Advocating for our industry is important to provide an accurate narrative to the public in an age where golf is sometimes viewed as a burden on the environment and a limited-access activity, when really the opposite is true.”
In his role as an ambassador, Brandriet is paired with Sen. John Thune (R-SD), who serves as Senate Majority Whip. Brandriet first connected with Thune’s local staff in 2017, and Thune’s Washington office has reached out to Brandriet on key issues affecting the golf industry, such as the H-2B Visa program. In addition, Brandriet met with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) when the senator visited Elkhorn Ridge.
“Senator Rounds was at our facility speaking to another group but recalled our meeting at NGD 2017 and offered continued support for our objectives,” Brandriet said. “Both senators have been very receptive to our message and are already promoting a few of our key policy issues.”
Brandriet has also spoken to local environmental groups about GCSAA’s best management practices initiative and the association’s goal of having state-specific BMP guidelines in all 50 states by 2020.
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.
