Golf course superintendent honored for advocacy efforts, advancement of association priority issues and congressional outreach
Lawrence, Kan. – Gregory Pheneger, director of golf course management at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Fla., has been named the 2020 Q1 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 2021 National Golf Day in Washington, D.C.
“We are grateful for Greg’s continuous activism for the industry over so many years,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “His hard work is helping grow the game of golf and improve the perception of golf course management in Florida and around the country. Congratulations to him on this recognition.”
The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors program, which matches superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships between them. More than 431 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.
A 34-year member of GCSAA, Pheneger became an ambassador when the program was introduced in 2014. In his role as an ambassador, Pheneger is currently paired with Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and works closely with the Senator’s southeast Florida district director, Ryan Hnatick.
After Scott was elected to the senate in 2016, Hnatick came to Vero Beach and toured the West Course at John’s Island Club.
“We discussed H-2B visas which our club uses to supplement our staff every winter, the great environmental benefits of golf and our capital spending on the course and facilities,” said Pheneger. “I have spoken to Hnatick concerning H-2B visa issues and the President’s Executive Order. Every issue that I have presented has been well received and he has passed up the ladder in D.C.”
Pheneger was part of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association Board of Directors that pushed to hire a lobbyist in the ‘90s and was in the first small group of superintendents to lobby in Tallahassee, Fla. He continues to lobby each year, with a larger group of turf professionals from lawn care, sod production and fertilizer industries.
He has also served on the GCSAA Government Relations Committee the first year it met in Washington, D.C.
“I have become the go to person at my club on many governmental, national and local issues,” said Pheneger. “The Grassroots Ambassador Program is one of best programs that GCSAA has to offer. We have attempted to emulate the program in the state and get one person from each county to contact their local officials.”
Pheneger hopes to continue working with the program in the future.
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.
About the Golf Industry Show
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) presents the Golf Industry Show annually. It is an innovative conference and trade show combining education, networking opportunities and practical solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders. The Golf Industry Show is presented jointly with the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Participating partners include National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
