Certification News
Congratulations to new and renewing CGCSs
Be the first to congratulate fellow members in your chapter. Find out who recently became certified or renewed their certified status.
What new CGCSs say about the program
"Certification is very important to me. It proves that we should never stop improving. There is always room to get better."
– Justin Browning, CGCS, The Course at Sewanee, Tenn.
"Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent is truly an honor. It’s the culmination of hard work and my passion for trying to be a better golf course superintendent every day. I look forward to continuing to work hard to represent the GCSAA and the CGCS designation to the highest degree."
– Aaron Motl, CGCS, Lincoln Golf Course, Grand Forks, N.D.
"For many years, becoming a Certified Golf Course Course Superintendent has been both a personal and professional goal of mine as it is the highest recognition one can achieve as a golf course superintendent. Along the way, I learned many things about our amazing industry, our peers, and myself. I can definitely say after taking the exams, I have far more to learn than perhaps I previously admitted. I would like to thank GCSAA for developing the process and all of those in this industry for making it what it is."
– William Schmit, CGCS, Frenchman's Creek Beach & Country Club,
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
"Earning a CGCS is similar to the initiation fees members contribute when joining a club. It gets you into the Club, but you need to continue to learn, contribute, and pay your dues (do the job) each year. This makes it all that more valuable!”
– Dave McDonald, CGCS, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa.
"Certification is something I've been working towards since I heard about it in college. I believe working towards it has been one of the most enlightening things I have done thus far in my career. I think striving for excellence in whatever career you choose is important, and certification is a big part of that for me.”
– Jacob Blair, CGCS, Oldham County Country Club, La Grange, Ky.
"Attaining the Certified Golf Course Superintendent status from the GCSAA was a long-time career aspiration that transformed my love for turf management into a significant professional milestone.”
– Thomas Tipton, CGCS, Prospect Bay Country Club, Grasonville, Md.
"For myself, certification was a personal goal. I want to be the best in everything I do, certification helps differentiate yourself among peers and join an elite group of superintendents. ”
– Mike Paciga, CGCS, Kemper Lakes Golf Course, Kildeer, Ill.
"Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent has been an immensely rewarding career choice. As a certified professional, I have the knowledge and skills to ensure that the course is in optimal condition, providing an exceptional experience for players. Additionally, being a Certified Golf Course Superintendent opens up opportunities for career advancement and networking with industry professionals. Overall, it offers a fulfilling and dynamic career path within the golf industry.”
– Jed Vinson, CGCS, Berry Creek Country Club, Killeen, Texas
"The certification program was just exceptional in every way - I am excited to be part of the history and future of the CGCS designation.”
– Pat Christoffer, CGCS, Red Ledges Golf Club, Heber City, Utah
"Although certification was always a personal career goal, achieving certification gives all of the hours of volunteering for my local chapter, all of the networking and education seminars to continue to better my knowledge, all of the hours I put on the golf course, and the continued dedication to this industry some worth and creates great pride! My 20 years of service in this industry is represented by this great achievement."
– Jonathan Bennett, CGCS, Sunflower Hills Golf Course, Bonner Springs, Kan.
"For me CGCS distinction demonstrates a commitment to the pursuit of excellence. The process helped me realize weaknesses and refined my skills increasing my value to all with whom I partner. It’s been gratifying to attain, and I proudly promote my certification. For those interested in adding value I invite you to take a major step towards professional development and begin the process."
– John Hansgen, CGCS, Fox Hollow Golf Course, American Fork, Utah