Peter Gorman earns Excellence in Government Affairs Award from GCSAA

A focus on water issues advocacy making an impact in Connecticut

 

Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 17, 2019) – Peter Gorman, technical representative for Atlantic Golf and Turf, has earned the 2020 Excellence in Government Affairs Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for his passion and hard work in advocating for the golf course management profession. GCSAA annually recognizes a chapter, coalition or superintendent for outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government affairs.

The Connecticut native began working at Wampanoag Country Club in West Hartford, Conn., while in high school. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental science in 1996, he returned to golf and eventually became a superintendent. The 21-year GCSAA member most recently spent nine years as superintendent at Pine Orchard Golf and Country Club in Newington, Conn., before joining Atlantic Golf and Turf in 2018.  He is also a member of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents and served as vice president of the GCSAA-affiliated chapter.

It was through the Connecticut AGCS that Gorman first became involved in advocacy efforts concerning the creation of best management practices for courses in the state. Gorman has served as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador, a program that matches superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships between them. More than 380 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.

“It’s important to find common ground and common values and work from a position of cooperation,” Gorman said of his advocacy efforts. “The more you break down barriers and the more you get to know people, you find that they are just as passionate as you are.”

On the state level, Gorman has made the biggest impact by his involvement in Connecticut water issues. When the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection offered the Connecticut AGCS a seat on its Water Planning Council four years ago, Gorman was chosen to represent the golf industry. During his time on the council, Gorman has met with representatives from various government, industry and environmental groups; testified in a public hearing at the State Capitol and helped develop the State Water Plan. He has spent hundreds of hours on the project.

“Originally when I went to water events, I was the golf guy,” Gorman said. “Now when I go to golf events, I am the water guy.”

The State Water Plan was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly on June 5, 2019.

“Peter is a great example of how golf advocates can make a true difference at every level,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. We are fortunate to have such an engaged member, and golfers in Connecticut are the beneficiaries of his tireless efforts as well.”

Gorman will be formally recognized Jan. 29 at the 2020 Golf Industry Show, Jan. 25-30, in Orlando. He will also be featured in an upcoming issue of GCSAA’s official monthly publication, Golf Course Management magazine.

Nominees for the EGA Award were judged by the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee based on how their efforts best serve the interests of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry.

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 more than 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.

Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org