Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 9, 2021) — The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has partnered with John Deere to support the education and professional growth of assistant golf course superintendents through GCSAA’s Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series (ASCS).
The ASCS program is composed of four certificates covering the key competency areas of agronomy, business, leadership and communications and environmental stewardship. As part of its sponsorship, John Deere will award gift certificates to the first 100 assistants who complete all four competencies, and all assistants who complete the full series will be accepted into Green Start Academy, an annual educational program hosted by John Deere and Bayer.
“We thank John Deere for supporting our efforts to help assistant superintendents grow their knowledge base and careers,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “John Deere knows the vital contribution that superintendents make to golf and how helping them at every stage of their careers advances the industry and enhances the enjoyment of the game for everyone.”
The support for the ASCS program is one of the many ways that John Deere is helping GCSAA members in the early phases of their careers. Deere also sponsored the Assistant Superintendent Education Track at the recent 2021 Golf Industry Show and are the longtime sponsors of the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl, where college teams from around the country showcase their skills during the annual competition at GIS. John Deere also sponsored the 2021 GIS Closing Celebration where the Turf Bowl results were announced.
In addition, John Deere has renewed its support of the GCSAA Student Membership Program by offering complimentary GCSAA student memberships for students enrolled in or intending to enroll in full-time in eligible turfgrass or related programs. The two organizations are also working together on developing a new initiative to introduce high school students to the golf course equipment manager career opportunities as part of GCSAA’s First Green STEM education program.
“We are proud to support these impactful programs. It is critical for manufacturers like John Deere to invest resources in developing the future leaders of our industry,” said Manny Gan, director, global golf sales and marketing, John Deere. “As a longstanding partner of the GCSAA, we know the importance of what they do for the golf community, and we are committed to helping further their reach to current and future turfgrass professionals.”
John Deere is a Platinum Partner, the highest level, in GCSAA’s Partner Recognition Program. GCSAA’s Partner Recognition Program provides year-round exposure based on a prescribed level of investment. GCSAA industry partners can choose among Platinum, Gold or Silver levels as a means to achieve marketing objectives. Each level provides partners unique communications and recognition options to position themselves in the marketplace.
To learn more about the ASCS and John Deere’s support, visit gcsaa.org/ascs for more information.
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