Lawrence, Kan. (Aug. 11, 2026) – Eight members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the first class of the Advance Leadership program, presented in partnership with Jacobsen Ltd.
Advance was designed for GCSAA Class B members with less than five years of superintendent experience. The program combines virtual learning with in-person experiences at GCSAA headquarters and the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Participants learn practical management training through education sessions to prepare to become leaders who excel at course operations and contribute to the long-term sustainability and advancement of the game and industry.
“Advance provides a targeted opportunity for those at the start of their superintendent careers to increase their knowledge and enhance their skills to grow into leaders who will help shape the future of the industry,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said.
The inaugural class of the Advance Leadership Program includes:
· Caleb Hughes, superintendent at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
· Justin Kalanquin, superintendent at Jupiter Island Club in Hobe Sound, Fla.
· Jared Russo, superintendent at Napa Municipal Golf Course in Napa, Calif.
· Nathan Schell, superintendent at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.
· Max Serafin, superintendent at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, N.Y.
· Patrick Tuttle, superintendent at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Calif.
· Brent Vardsveen, superintendent at Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
· Jeremy Vingson, superintendent at Stonebridge Country Club in Naples, Fla.
"On behalf of Jacobsen, I congratulate the inaugural Advance Leadership Program class, and look forward to meeting them as they begin the program," said Barry McTavish, vice president and general manager, Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd. "I expect that I will learn as much from these outstanding professionals as they learn from us over the course of the program.
These deserving superintendents are the future of our sport and industry, and Jacobsen is honored to work with GCSAA to provide them with this important avenue toward advancing their careers and in turn, developing the future leaders of golf course management and the sport of golf."
To learn more, visit gcsaa.org/advance.
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 21,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. 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
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org