A total of 16 GCSAA Class A members earned the all-expenses paid trip through an application process that was based on a series of questions that focused on financial need, volunteerism and drive to advance their careers. The academy will offer education specific to risk management (health, safety, environmental compliance), operational efficiency, business and environmental stewardship. Attendees will also participate in various leadership activities. Selected participants include:
• Kelly D. Bowen, Black Rock Creek Golf Club, Sunnyside, Wash.
• Brian Brown, Chisago Lakes Golf Course, Lindstrom, Minn.
• Joel A. Collura, Deerwood Country Club, Mount Holly, N.J.
• Thomas F. Dale, CGCS, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Brigantine, N.J.
• Ronald C. Garrison, Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter, Pa.
• Hampton Kicklighter, Jr., CGCS, Dublin Country Club, Dublin, Ga.
• Patrick S. Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club, Sugarloaf, Pa.
• David L. Littrell, Iroquois Golf Course, Louisville, Ky.
• Stephen E. Malloy, The Oaks Golf Links, Somersworth, N.H.
• Shane A. Miller, Iron Lakes Country Club, Allentown, Pa.
• Peter C. Powell, Boca Greens Country Club, Boca Raton, Fla.
• David C. Van Auken, Antigo Bass Lake Country Club, Deerbrook, Wis.
• Michael F. Walton, CGCS, QiZhong Garden Golf Club, Shanghai, China
• Michael White, The Links at Kahite, Vonore, Tenn.
• David R. Williams, CGCS, Mountain View Country Club, Boalsburg, Pa.
• John M. Wynn, WGC Golf Course, Xenia, Ohio
The focus of the program is to assist GCSAA members in maintaining Class A membership status, the highest classification offered by the association. To be a Class A member, candidates must have a complete a portfolio including formal education, experience as a golf course superintendent, continuing education and fulfillment of GCSAA’s IPM competency requirement.
“Congratulations to the class of 2014,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “This is a fantastic opportunity afforded to GCSAA Class A members, and the education that they will receive by participating in the Melrose Leadership Academy not only benefits their own careers, but is developing leaders who can shape the future of the profession.”
The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.
Melrose’s relationship with the golf industry is longstanding as he joined the Toro Co. in 1970. He quickly ascended the ranks of the company culminating with his appointment as CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board of directors in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2005 and from the chairman position in 2006. That same year he formed Leading by Serving LLC, a new company whose mission is to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations.
The inaugural class of the Melrose Leadership Academy was brought to the 2013 Golf Industry in San Diego, where they were able to interact with other professionals at the industry’s largest event and participate in exclusive events for the Academy.
“Meeting and trading stories with many other superintendents from all over the country was a great experience along with the top notch education sessions,” said Joseph J. Ettawageshik, GCSAA Class A member superintendent at Lochenheath Golf Club in Williamsburg, Mich., and part of the first Melrose Leadership Academy. “I enjoyed the golf experience as well. I was able to meet new people, do some networking and have fun while doing it.
About the EIFG
The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. With respect for the game and the environment, the EIFG inspires environmental, social and economic progress through golf for the benefit of communities. Collaboration between the golf industry, environmental interests and communities will lead to programs and services beneficial to all who come into contact with the game of golf. Visit the EIFG atwww.eifg.org.
About GCSAA
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Sr. Director of Communications, 800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org
