America's leading course management association

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America GCSAAis the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource — the golf course. The golf industry recognizes the association as a key contributor in elevating the game and business.

Since 1926, with a focus on golf course management, GCSAA has been the top professional association in the United States and worldwide. Headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, it provides education, information
and representation to 20,000 members in more than 78 countries.

GCSA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. They also run the GCSAA Foundation, which is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA, and secures funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals.

Visit our website.

Continuing education

GCSAA believes that ongoing education is vital to success. That's why competency-based education is a cornerstone of GCSAA’s service to our members. You can access these webinar and other educational resources through the Learning Hub by signing in with your username and password. Live webinars award education points upon completion and are FREE to members.  

In addition to the Learning Hub, GCSAA provides well-defined career paths for those seeking to be recognized at the highest level of their profession.

Whether you are a superintendent, assistant or equipment manager GCSAA has certificate and certification programs designed for you. These programs have been developed by members, academia and industry with guidance from professional psychometricians.

Start your journey today.

Awareness and sustainability dictate responsible environmental actions

GCSAA provides members and the golf course industry with the tools and information necessary to enhance their environmental stewardship. Innovative tools provided by GCSAA include the landmark Golf Course Environmental Profile (GCEP) surveys that have studied the physical features and maintenance practices of golf courses in the U.S. and the development of Best Management Practice (BMP) templates to assist in setting performance goals. Developing and understanding professional land management practices is critical for the success of golf facilities and GCSAA is here to help with the following resources:

• Environmental resources by topic: Aearch the latest articles and case studies.
• Golf course environmental profile: A series of surveys that quantify metrics on physical features and maintenance practices of golf courses in the U.S.
• Best Management Practice (BMP) program: Management strategies that serve as a reference point when developing sustainable agronomic and environmental initiatives.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) resources: A variety of resources for superintendents who are trying to develop or enhance their IPM plans.
• Research program: GCSAA funds research that helps facilities manage their courses more efficiently and sustainably.
• External programs: Programs offered by external providers offering instructions on how to receive GCSAA education points.

Some key areas that GCSAA focuses on in order to move in the direction of sustainability include:

• Energy conservation: Energy management with monitoring, recording and analyzing use.
• Pollution prevention: Focuses on the infrastructure, operations and waste management-related items, including composting, recycling, wash pads and air pollution.
• Water: The key resource for golf facility operations that directly impacts operating costs and the ability to generate revenues.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices: Produced by some of the most highly regarded turfgrass researchers in the field, our step-by-step planning guide takes you through the process of implementation. Facilities who build a specific and comprehensive IPM plan set themselves up for long-term success.
• Wildlife management: We offer resources, case studies and educational opportunities that demonstrate how many superintendents have successfully managed and enhanced their wildlife and pollination habitats at their facilities.

The focus for sustainable golf operations centers on people, planet and profit. Focusing on these key areas provides an answer to ensuring golf’s future.

Discover more about what these three sustainability elements mean.

Learn about key issues and get engaged in advocacy efforts

See where GCSAA stands on key issues impacting the golf course industry. The GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda gives an overview, position statement, current GCSAA activity, position papers and information on coalitions in which GCSAA participates for each issue. You can also download the complete Priority Issues Agenda or view the flipbook. 

One of the initiatives the GCSAA runs in relation to advocacy is their egislative and Regulatory Critical Issues Survey Results.  This biennial survey asks which legislative and regulatory issues have the biggest impact on you and your career.  

Take a look at the 2024 Critical Legislative and Regulatory Issues Survey results.

• ADA
• Fertilizers
• Labor and immigration
• Pesticides
• Power equipment
• Value of golf
• Water management

Tool kit

To aid in being an advocate on hot-button issues, use these members-only resources to inform your audience. Check in frequently as new resources become available.

• Glyphosate
• Preemption

Learn more online. You can also contact GCSAA's government affairs department at 800-472-7878, ext. 3619, for all of your compliance needs.

GCSAA scholarship opportunities

GCSAA believes in investing in the future of the profession. To ensure this, GCSAA's philanthropic arm, the GCSAA Foundation, administers a number of different scholarships for students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA members and foreign students studying in the United States.

• Dr. James Watson Fellowship Program - Funded by The Toro Company
  Applications are due by October 1.
• GCSAA Legacy Awards - Funded in part by Grass Clippings 
  Applications are due by April 15.
• GCSAA Scholars Competition
  Applications are due by June 1.
• The Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award - Funded by Allan MacCurrach III and the PGA Tour
  Applications are due by June 1.
• Par Aide Garske Grant
• Larry Powell Scholarship
  Applications are due by June 1.

Learn about the details for each opportunity.

Become a member

You are an effective and valuable part of the golf course management industry already. It's time you joined GCSAA to build even further on your accomplishments, support the global golf community, network with peers, connect with future young leaders and take action to ensure the efficacy and good standing of the industry. After joining GCSAA, there are a variety of ways to get involved. This includes volunteering for committee service, attending meetings, joining the superitendent research panel, becoming a Grassroots Ambassador and more!

GCSAA also offers discounts and services exclusively for members, including:

• Health insurance
• Telehealth and mental health resources
• Life insurance
• Employment screening services
• Member discounts
• Career resources
• Free webinars
• Up to date esources and news
• Tournament admission
• Retirement resources

Apply and become a member!

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