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
"Achieving certification as a golf course superintendent has been a long-standing goal of mine. It not only recognizes me as a high-level professional by the leaders of our industry, but it also allows me to join a distinguished community of certified superintendents. It’s an honor to be counted among those who share a commitment to excellence and to contribute to a field that I am so passionate about.”
– Wes Pitts, CGCS, TPC Dorado Beach, Dorado, PR
"The CGCS designation signifies an individual’s dedication to excellence and continuous improvement as a Golf Course Superintendent. I feel fortunate to have found my passion in this industry and am filled with gratitude for my work. Becoming a certified golf course superintendent is my ultimate professional development achievement. The responsibility of this designation lies in continuing to raise the bar both personally and professionally.”
– Jesse Sutton, CGCS, Fox Run Golf Club, Ludlow, Vt.
"The CGCS distinction has been on my goals list for the last few years specifically and on my career path for more than a decade. To finally accomplish this goal makes me extremely proud. Some of the most important mentors that I have had in my career have held this certification and have always pushed me to continue my professional growth. However, the CGCS is so much more than just a personal accomplishment. It has certainly been a personal goal, but it has taken my Club and most importantly, my team for me to be able to achieve this certification. I am very thankful for their support and hope that I can inspire them to achieve their own goals as we move forward!”
– Aaron Fankhauser, CGCS, The Club at Rolling Hills, Golden, Colo.
"Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent is the icing on the cake for me. From the time I got in the golf business to now I have given it 120% and have achieved things that I never thought were possible. My hope is that others will see that even if you have a non-traditional career path you can still reach CGCS status. Be passionate about what you do, work hard, and treat people the way you want to be treated, and anything is possible.”
– David Beanblossom, CGCS, CDN Golf Management, Laconia, Ind.
"I'm very proud to have achieved the CGCS designation. The process was challenging, but fair, and has made me a better Golf Course Superintendent. Thank you to my golf club membership, staff, peers, family, MiGCSA, and GCSAA for the support in becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent."
– Jordan Caplan, CGCS, Belvedere Golf Club, Charlevoix, Mich.
"Achieving my CGCS designation has been the pinnacle of my professional career. It affirms the commitment to excellence we all strive for in our roles and serves as tangible proof of being among the best in the field. Completing the CGCS process demonstrates to our stakeholders at Canterwood Golf & Country Club that our department embodies professionalism and is deeply invested in their success and satisfaction every single day. I am eager to continue growing in my career and to share knowledge and experiences with others as we collectively elevate industry standards."
– Renee Geyer, CGCS, Canterwood Golf & Country Club, Gig Harbor, Wash.
"Achieving certification as a CGCS has been a longtime goal of mine and I’m thrilled to have finally done it. My first exposure to this certification was Steve Cohoon, CGCS, who I worked for in Northern Virginia twenty years ago. I’ve always admired that he had the credential and the weight it carried in our industry. It took a while, but I finally did it and couldn’t be prouder to join an exclusive group of accomplished agronomic leaders. Many thanks to the GCSAA for their work on this program and assisting Superintendents with their continued education and growth."
– James Symons, CGCS, Anthem Country Club, Henderson, Nev.
"Achieving CGCS status has been a goal of mine since I first started in the golf industry. It represents a commitment to excellence, growth, and the high standards needed to provide the best possible experience for our players and club."
– Cory Brown, CGCS, Overlake Golf & Country Club, Medina, Wash.
"Achieving this certification has been a goal of mine since I entered this industry. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance and mentorship from many certified superintendents, which has significantly shaped my professional growth. I am eager to continue this trend by giving back to others in the industry."
– Ryan Franklin, CGCS, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, Indianapolis, Ind.
"Achieving the CGCS designation was something I’ve aspired to attain from the start of this long-traveled road. The process was earned; but just like the golf course, pushing for improvement and raising the bar is never static. Always fluid.”
– Aaron Barnett, CGCS, Indian Creek Country Club, Indian Creek Village, Fla.
"Becoming Certified to me means always continuing to get better, the challenge of attaining the status and then the added requirements to keep it helps push me to continue learning.”
– Christopher Kukor, CGCS, Diamond Run Golf Club, Sewickley, Pa.