Palm Desert, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2021) –Seth Strickland, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Miami Shores (Fla.) Country Club, shot a two-day total of 1-under-par 143 to win the 2021 GCSAA National Championship, conducted as a part of the GCSAA Golf Championships, which are presented in partnership with The Toro Company. It was Strickland’s fourth victory overall and his first since 2009. He also won in 2005 and 2008.
Contested on the Mountain View Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort, Strickland found himself tied with another former champion, Steve Gilley from The Woodlands (Texas) Country Club, after round one, with both players finishing at 1-under-par 71. But the second round belonged to Strickland, a 20-year GCSAA member. He led at one point by six shots before settling for a four-shot victory.
“The last time I won, my daughter was 1 and my son wasn’t born yet. They’re now 12 and 10,” Strickland says. “I think people know how much this event means to me, and once you win one, you want to win more. It’s been a long wait, but it’s worth it. This just means the world to me.”
Strickland’s four victories now make him the most decorated player in the event’s modern history — four other superintendents have won three times — and he stands behind only Emil Mashie, who won six championships in the 1940s and 50s, for the most wins in the tournament’s 70-year history.
Gilley finished in second place overall, with a two-day total of 3-over-par 147. Another past champion, Michael Stieler, CGCS, from Spring Creek Golf and Country Club in Ripon, Calif., finished third overall and won the event’s senior division.
The GCSAA National Championship was part of the broader GCSAA Golf Championships, which attracted 110 participants to Palm Springs for flighted play and a three-person scramble event. The event was presented in partnership with Toro for the 27th consecutive year.
Strickland won’t have to wait long to defend his title as the 2022 GCSAA Golf Championships will return to its regular spot in February, held in conjunction with GCSAA’s Education Conference and Trade Show. The tournament will take place Feb. 5-7, with the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines serving as the host hotel and both the North and South courses at Torrey Pines among the facilities hosting tournament play.
About GCSAA
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 GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
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