GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards

Presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta, the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards recognize golf course superintendents and golf courses around the world for their commitment to environmental stewardship.

The ELGAs are presented in partnership with
syngenta

Applications for the 2024 ELGAs are now closed.

In 2018, the ELGAs were updated to recognize more superintendents in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. The ELGAs are based on the environmental best management practices that GCSAA recommends all courses utilize.

 

There are four ELGAs available:
  • Natural Resource Conservation Award
  • Healthy Land Stewardship Award
  • Communications and Outreach Award
  • Innovative Conservation Award

There will be one winner and two runners-up recognized for each award. GCSAA members may apply to one, two, three or all four awards in a single year. However, an individual can only win one award per year.

Winners will be recognized at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Applications for the 2024 ELGAs are now closed. 

Applications consist of yes or no questions, short answers and optional media upload. All applicants are encouraged to include photos or links to videos that show their environmental efforts on the golf course.

If you applied since 2018, most answers have been saved so you will not have to reenter everything, however, you must log in and check all of your answers, make changes where appropriate and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted.

Natural Resource Conservation Award

This award will recognize individuals who employ effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation, and sound wildlife management.

Healthy Land Stewardship Award

This award will recognize individuals who employ effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients as well as pollution prevention.

Communications and Outreach Award

This award will recognize individuals who effectively communicate conservation strategies with facility employees and others as well as share their efforts with golfers and other members of their community.

Innovative Conservation Award

This award will recognize individuals who utilize or invent unique and innovative strategies for conservation at their facility.

All Class A, B, C, and ISM members of GCSAA are eligible to apply for the ELGAs.

  • Applicants must be members in good standing of GCSAA.
  • Applicants can apply for any and all awards (that they have not won in the last five years) in a single year, but If they apply for more than one award, they must rank them in their order of preference. Applicants may only win one award per year. If an applicant has the highest score in more than one award category, they will only win the award they ranked the highest, and the next highest scorer for each of the other categories will win.
  • The ELGAs will recognize the efforts of an applicant at his or her current facility. He or she must have been employed at the current facility for at least three years. If the applicant vacates the position after applying for the award before it is awarded, he or she will still be eligible for the award based on efforts at the facility.

In 2021, the awards applications process was extended to one month longer than the traditional application period and in a different season. This change supplemented changes made in 2018 that brought ELGA into four awards recognizing efforts in distinct areas. 

2024 Winners

Communications and Outreach Award: Mark Claburn, Tierra Verde Golf Club, Arlington, Texas
  • 1st Runner Up: Carl Thompson, CGCS, Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, Wash.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Eric Verellen, Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course, Fall City, Wash.

Healthy Land Stewardship Award:Steven Tierney, MG, Golfpark Zurichsee, Wangen, Switzerland

  • 1st Runner Up: Michael Bednar, Palouse Ridge Golf Club, Pullman, Wash.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Harlyn Goldman, CGCS, Needwood Golf Course, Derwood, Md.

Innovative Conservation Award:  Kevin Ackerman, Royal Wood and Country Club,Naples, Fla.

  • 1st Runner Up: Jorge Mendoza, Green River Golf Club, Corona, Calif.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Chris Robson, Glendoveer Golf and Tennis, Portland, Ore.

Natural Resource Conservation Award:Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, Conn.

  • 1st Runner Up: James Sua, CGCS, Pei Tou Kuo Golf and Country Club, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 2nd Runner Up: Justin Brimley, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, Calif.

2023 Winners

Natural Resource Conservation Award: Landon Lindsay, The Nelson Golf and Sports Club, Irving, Texas
  • 1st Runner Up: Charles (Roby) Robertson IV, CGCS, TPC San Antonio (Texas)
  • 2nd Runner Up: Justin Brimley, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, Calif.
Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Matthew Gourlay, CGCS, MG, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Manhattan, Kan.
  • 1st Runner Up: Kevin Goss, Sugar Creek Golf Course, Villa Park, Ill.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Harlyn Goldman, CGCS, Needwood Golf Course, Derwood, Md.
Communications and Outreach Award: H. Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS, Moss Creek Owner’s Association, Hilton Head, S.C.
  • 1st Runner Up: Wayne Mills, La Cumbre Country Club, Santa Barbara, Calif.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Coman Mulry, MG, Al Zorah Golf Club, United Arab Emirates
Innovative Conservation Award:  Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, Conn.
  • 1st Runner Up: Carl Thompson, CGCS, Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, Wash.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Jay Wade, CGCS, Magnolia Green Golf Club, Moseley, Va.

2022 Winners

Natural Resource Conservation Award: Wayne Mills, La Cumbre Country Club, Santa Barbara, Calif.
  • 1st Runner Up: Landon Lindsay, Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club, Irving, Texas.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Ryan Cummings, Elcona Country Club, Bristol, Ind.
Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Justin C. Brimley, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, Calif.
  • 1st Runner Up: Don Naumann Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Cupertino, Calif.
  • 2nd Runner Up: H. Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS, Moss Creek Owner’s Association, Hilton Head, S.C.
Communications and Outreach Award: Scott R. Bower, CGCS, Martis Camp Club, Truckee, Calif.
  • 1st Runner Up: Matthew Gourlay, CGCS, MG, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Manhattan, Kan.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Gary Early, Salmon Run Golf Course, Brookings, Ore.
Innovative Conservation Award: Russell F. Young, CGCS, Palm Tree Golf Course, Ponte Yigo, Guam
  • 1st Runner Up: Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, Conn.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Reid Solodan, Canmore Golf and Curling Club, Canmore, Alberta, Canada

2021 Winners

Natural Resource Conservation Award: Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif.
  • 1st Runner Up: Wayne Mills, La Cumbre Country Club, Santa Barbara, Calif.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Jay Neunsinger, Boundary Oak Golf Course, Walnut Creek, Calif.
Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Cortland Winkle, CGCS, Four Seasons Resort and Club, Irving, Texas
  • 1st Runner Up: Matthew Gourlay, CGCS, MG, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Manhattan, Kan.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Andrew Johnston, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Communications and Outreach Award: Jay Randolph, CGCS, Ben Geren Golf Course, Fort Smith, Ark.
  • 1st Runner Up: Scott Bower, Martis Camp Club, Truckee, Calif.
  • 2nd Runner Up: Gary Early, Salmon Run Golf Course, Brookings, Ore.
Innovative Conservation Award: Jeff Plotts, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
  • 1st Runner Up: Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, Conn.
  • 2nd Runner Up: H. Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS, Moss Creek Golf Club, Hilton Head, S.C.

2020 Winners

  • Natural Resource Conservation Award: Shannon Easter, Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton, Fla.
  • Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Carl D. Thompson, CGCS, Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, Wash.
  • Communications and Outreach Award: Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, TPC Four Seasons Dallas, Irving, Texas
  • Innovative Conservation Award: Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif.

2019 Winners

  • Natural Resource Conservation Award: Matthew Gourlay, CGCS, Colbert Hills Golf Course,
  • Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif.
  • Communications and Outreach Award:  Isaac Breuer, Gustin Golf Course, Columbia, Mo.
  • Innovative Conservation Award: Jay Neunsinger, Boundary Oak Golf Course, Walnut Creek, Calif.

2018 Winners

  • Natural Resource Conservation Award: Carl D. Thompson, CGCS, Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, Wash.
  • Healthy Land Stewardship Award: Shannon Easter, Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton, Fla.
  • Communications and Outreach Award: Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif.
  • Innovative Conservation Award: Matthew Gourlay, CGCS, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Manhattan, Kan.

2017 National Winners

  • National Private and Overall Winner: Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, TPC Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club, Irving, Texas, North Texas GCSA
  • National Public: Jay Neunsinger, Boundary Oak Golf Course, Walnut Creek, Calif., GCSA of Northern California
  • National Resort: Scott Main, CGCS, Mauna Kea Resort, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Hawaii GCSA

2016 National Winners

  • National Private and Overall Winner: Shannon Easter, Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton, Fla., Palm Beach GCSA
  • National Public: Alex Stuedemann, Deere Run, Silvis, Ill., Northwestern Illinois GCSA
  • National Resort: Ken Nice, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore., Oregon GCSA
  • International: Christine Chan, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Limited, Hong Kong

2015 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Mark Condos, Las Positas Golf Course, Livermore, Calif., GCSA of Northern California
  • National Private: Dave Davies, CGCS, TPC Stonebrae, Hayward, Calif., GCSA of Northern California
  • International: Jason Honeyball, OslerBrook Golf and Country Club, Collingwood, ON, Canada, Ontario GCSA

2014 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif., GCSA of Northern California
  • National Private: Mike Crawford, CGCS, TPC Sugarloaf, Duluth, Ga., Georgia GCSA
  • National Resort:Rocky Ebelhar, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La., Fla., Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA

2013 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Paul L. Carter, CGCS, The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., Tennessee GCSA
  • National Private: Scott R. Bower, Martis Camp Club, Truckee, Calif., Sierra Nevada GCSA
  • National Resort:Chad B. Corp, CGCS, Mountain Ridge, Thompsonville, Mich., Michigan GCSA
  • International:Andrew Hardy, Pheasant Run Golf Club, Sharon, Ontario, Canada, Ontario GSA

2012 National Winners

  • National Overall and International Winner: Steven Tierney, MG, Golfpark Nuolen, Wangen, Switzerland
  • National Private: Matt Shaffer, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa., Philadelphia Association of GCS
  • National Public: John Anderes III, CGCS, Queenstown Harbor Golf Course, Annapolis, Md., Eastern Shore Association of GCS
  • National Resort: Joshua Kelley, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla., Central Florida GCSA

2011 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Tim Powers, CGCS, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, Calif., GCSA of Northern California
  • National Private: Thomas Brodeur, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass., GCSA of New England
  • National Resort: Thomas Lively, TPC San Antonio (Texas), Central Texas GCSA
  • International: Stephen Marsden, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

2010 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Brian Green, CGCS, Sunset Valley Golf Course, Highland Park, Ill., Midwest Association of GCS
  • National Private: Todd Bunte, TPC Jasna Polana, Princeton, N.J., GCSA of New Jersey
  • National Resort (co-winners): Christopher Flynn, CGCS, Marriott's Grande Vista, Orlando, Fla., Central Florida GCSA; Thomas Vlach, CGCS, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., North Florida GCSA
  • International: David Cole, Loch Lomond Golf Club, Alexandria, Scotland

2009 National Winners

  • National Resort and Overall Winner: Terry Stratton, Little River (Calif.) Inn Golf & Tennis, GCSA of Northern California
  • National Public: Jim Brown, CGCS, Newport Dunes Golf Club, Port Aransas, Texas, Gulf Coast GCSA
  • National Private: Roger Stewart, CGCS, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn., Minnesota GCSA
  • International: Brett Morris, Ph.D., Sea Temple Golf Club, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

2008 National Winners

  • National Private and Overall Winner: James J. Roney Jr., Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa., Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents
  • National Public: David Phipps, Stone Creek Golf Course, Oregon City, Ore., Oregon GCSA
  • National Resort: Joel Blaker, CGCS, Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee, Calif., Sierra Nevada GCSA
  • International: Robin Sadler, Silvertip Resort, Canmore, Alberta, Canada

2007 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Christopher S. Gray Sr., The Marvel Golf Club, Benton, Ky., Quad State Turfgrass Association
  • National Private: Richard T. Lawrence, CGCS, TPC Wakefield Plantation, Raleigh, N.C., Carolinas GCSA
  • National Resort: Jonathan W. Moulton, Old Greenwood Golf Course, Truckee, Calif., Sierra Nevada GCSA
  • International (tie): Mark J. Dinan, Valle del Sol Golf Course, Santa Ana, San Jose, Costa Rica; Jay M. Miller, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2006 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Georgia GCSA
  • National Private: Michael Perham, CGCS, The Landings Club, Savannah, Ga.; Georgia GCSA
  • National Resort: Ryan J. Bancroft, Salishan Spa & Golf Resort, Gleneden Beach, Ore.; Oregon GCSA
  • International: James Beebe, Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Priddis, Alberta, Canada

2005 National Winners

  • National Public and Overall Winner: Alan R. Andreasen, CGCS, Las Lagos Golf Course, San Jose, Calif., California GCSA
  • National Private: David J. Faucher, CGCS, TPC at River's Bend, Maineville, Ohio; Greater Cincinnati GCSA
  • National Resort (tie): Troy E. Russell, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore; Oregon GCSA; and Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, Renaissance PineIsle Resort & Golf Club, Sugar Hill, Ga.; Georgia GCSA
  • International: Ben J. Marshall, Club Pelican Golf Course, Golden Beach, Queensland, Australia; Australian GCSA

2004 National Winners

  • Public and Overall Winner: Mark Claburn, Tierra Verde Golf Club, Arlington, Texas
  • National Private: John F. Anderson, The Club at Pronghorn, Sunriver, Ore.
  • National Resort: Sandy C. Clark, CGCS, Barona Creek Golf Club, San Diego, Calif.
  • International: Sean A. Kjemhus, Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club, Canmore, Alberta, Canada

2003 National Winners

  • Public and Overall Winner: Christopher S. Gray, Lost Marsh of Hammond Golf Course, Hammond, Ind.
  • Private: Jeffrey W. Carlson, CGCS, The Vineyard Golf Club, Edgartown, Mass.
  • Resort: Brian Tanner, The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks, Silverthorne, Colo.

2002 National Winners

  • Public and Overall Winner: Patrick Blum, Colonial Acres Golf Course, Glenmont, N.Y.
  • Private: Scott Whorrall, The Club at Mediterra, Bonita Springs, Fla.
  • Resort: Pablo Cornejo Robinson, Las Brisas De Chicureo Golf Club, Santiago, Chile

2001 National Winners

(Note: In 2001, GCSAA and Golf Digest partnered to present the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, re-aligning the years awards were previously presented.)

  • Public: Kevin Hutchins, Presidio Golf Course, San Francisco, Calif.
  • Private and Overall Winner: William Davidson Jr., Collier's Reserve Country Club, Naples, Fla.
  • Resort: Anne Hickman, Barton Creek Country Club, Austin, Texas
  • International: James Sua, CGCS, National Service Resort & Country Club, Sinapore

2001 National Winners

  • Public: Joe McCleary, CGCS, Saddle Rock Golf Course, Aurora, Colo.
  • Private: Scott Jorgensen, Spanish Hills Golf & Country Club, Camarillo, Calif.
  • Resort: Dave Solga, CGCS, Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort, Biawabik, Minn.

2000 National Winners

  • Public: Buck Workman, CGCS, Cateechee Golf Club, Hartwell, Ga.
  • Private (tie): Michael Sandburg, CGCS, Lakeside Country Club, Houston, Texas; and Donald Ewoldt Jr., CGCS, Sand Creek Country Club, Chesterston, Ind.
  • Resort: Jimmy Thomas, CGCS, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas
  • International: Darren Moore, The Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, Metro Manila, Philippines

1999 National Winners

  • Public: Rick Hathaway, The Old Works Golf Club, Anaconda, Mont.
  • Private: Matthew Taylor, Bonita Bay Club/East, Naples, Fla.
  • Resort: Dale Miller, Barton Creek Club & Conference Resort, Austin, Texas

1998 National Winners

  • Public: Jeffrey W. Carlson, CGCS, Widow's Walk Golf Course, Scituate, Mass.
  • Private: Peter Leuzinger, CGCS, The Ivanhoe Club, Ivanhoe, Ill.
  • Resort: Mike Meindertsma, Grand Traverse Resort, Acme, Mich.

1997 National Winners

  • Public: Timothy Kelly, The Village Links of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
  • Private (tie): Glenn Smickley, CGCS, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, Va.; and Kerry Satterwhite, CGCS, Rock River Country Club, Rock Falls, Ill.
  • Resort: Ron Hill, CGCS, Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Fla.

1996 National Winners

  • Public: Timothy Kelly, The Village Links of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
  • Private: Darren Davis, Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, Fla.
  • Resort: Bruce Wolfrom, CGCS, Treetops Sylvan Resort, Gaylord, Mich.

1995 National Winners

  • Public: Timothy Kelly, The Village Links of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
  • Private: William T. "Tim" Hiers, CGCS, Collier's Reserve Country Club, Naples, Fla.
  • Resort: Edward (Ted) Horton, CGCS, and Michael Jess Pifferini, The Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, Calif.

1994 National Winners

  • Public (tie): Ronald L. Conrad, Applewood Golf Course, Golden, Colo.; and Gregory (Scott) Tuggle, Legacy Ridge at Westminster, Westminster, Colo.
  • Private: Greg A. Plotner, CGCS, Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club
  • Resort: Thomas J. Schlick, The Golf Club at Shiloh Falls, Pickwick Dam, Tenn.

1993 National Winners

  • Public: Don Tolson, CGCS, Fox Hollow at Lakewood, Lakewood, Colo.
  • Private: Bruce Cadenelli, Caves Valley Golf Club, Owings Mills, Md.
  • Resort: Tim Long, Barton Creek Resort, Austin, Texas
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