Why join GCSAA?

GCSAA membership is the gateway to products and services to enhance your career and your facility. As a GCSAA member, you have endless opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

GCSAA Conference and Trade Show

Be a part of the industry’s biggest annual event for free. Every member receives a one-time complimentary registration for the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Don’t miss out on the industry-leading education, unmatched networking and product innovations you only find at the conference and show!

Websites and social media

The GCSAA family of websites offers members-only resources, archives and opportunities that can drive success. While GCSAA’s social media presence gives you the latest updates and let you interact with fellow members and GCSAA staff from around the world.

Chapters and field staff

With our 94 affiliated chapters in North America, it’s easy to find GCSAA friends and assistance close to home. Plus, our regional field staff are direct resource who live in and understand your area’s specific needs and concerns.

Member benefits/discounts

GCSAA has partnered with trusted companies to offer exclusive savings on a variety of personal and professional products. Plus, get your get free term life insurance and health care insurance access for you and your family. Since launching in 2020, your fellow GCSAA members have reported significant health insurance savings through GCSAA’s quality customized health insurance options.

Webinars

Education is at your fingertips whenever you need it with more than 300 live and on-demand webinars that are free to GCSAA members. Taught by industry experts and your peers, these webinars provide agronomic and business tips and solutions to elevate your facility.

Certifications and certificates

Expand your knowledge base and enhance your resume with continuing education programs:

CGCS
Reach the pinnacle of the profession with the most widely recognized and highest recognition that can be achieved by golf course superintendents. Research shows that certified superintendents have higher average base salaries than their non-certified peers.
CTEM
The Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) designation is bestowed upon those who have demonstrated a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in their profession. The CTEM designation is the highest recognition that can be achieved by turf equipment management professionals..
Class A
Get noticed by your employer (and potential employers) by Class A membership, which demonstrates your personal commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship and elevating the golf course management profession.
ASCS
Succeed and lead by taking the next step in your career with the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series covering the key competency areas of agronomy, business, environmental stewardship and leadership and communications.
EMCP
Step up and stand out with by earning certificates in eight competencies areas at two levels that will help expand your knowledge base through the Equipment Management Certificate Program.

Scholarships and Professional Development Opportunities

GCSAA offers scholarship for undergraduate and graduate turf students and offspring of GCSAA members, but there are also many ways for GCSAA members to continue learning.

Melrose Leadership Academy
Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents by providing individuals the opportunity to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Melrose Equipment Management Experience

EXCEL Leadership Program
The EXCEL Leadership Program offers leadership training for personal, career, and community/industry stewardship for assistant superintendents, the future leaders in the golf course management industry.
Envu Superintendent Grant Program
The Envu Superintendent Grant Program assists superintendents with their professional development through participation in the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Advocacy

GCSAA played a key role in developing the procedures and protocols to keep golf courses open during the pandemic, which has resulted in the recent increases in rounds played. GCSAA also speaks up on key issues such as labor, water, pesticides and more at all levels of government. You can even get involved in the effort through programs like the Grassroots Ambassadors, which pairs GCSAA members with members of Congress.

First Green

The First Green allows young students to get out of the classroom and apply STEAM principles on the golf course. Host a field trip and help get the next generation excited about golf and the profession.

Volunteer

Want to help shape the future of GCSAA? Get involved through volunteer opportunities at the national level with service on committees and task groups.

Facility BMPs

GCSAA has easy-to-use tools to help you create best management practices for your facility. BMPs document the environmental stewardship you engage in every day, and can help protect you and your course.

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