Lawrence, Kan. (Sept. 9, 2020) – As a healthy outdoor activity that can adhere to social distancing, golf has seen a worldwide resurgence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sept. 23, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), in conjunction with other global superintendent groups, is recognizing those who help keep the game going and enjoyable with “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” encouraging all those who love golf to thank their course’s superintendent.
In addition to GCSAA, other groups taking part in the global event include the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Australia Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and The Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA). All together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.
The celebration on Sept. 23 will include a commercial that will begin rotation on the Golf Channel and other media outlets, and social media messages touting the many ways that superintendents make the game more enjoyable and sustainable. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags “#ThankASuper” or “#ThankAGreenkeeper depending on their country’s nomenclature.
“Superintendents work hard each day to provide the excellent playing conditions that add to the enjoyment of the game,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer. “But in the face of the pandemic, they have played a key role in developing and maintaining the safety protocols that allow golfers to engage in their favorite sport while adhering to pandemic-related guidelines and restrictions.”
As courses reopened after the early months of the crisis, the demand for golf was clear. In the United States, golf rounds in June and July were up as much as 20% over the same time period in 2019, and in the United Kingdom, July rounds were up 40% over last year.
In addition to dealing with new pandemic procedures, superintendents continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful with environmental stewardship as a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.
“Golf has been a refuge for so many, so we are taking a day to recognize the men and women who work behind the scene to make the golf course a perfect escape right now,” Evans said. “We are proud to join with our fellow associations around the world by encouraging those who love golf and appreciate the work superintendents do to reach on social media to #ThankASuper.”
To learn more about GCSAA and the role superintendents play in the enjoyment and sustainability of the game, visit www.gcsaa.org.
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 19,000 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
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org