Six-year GCSAA member took an unconventional path to turf management

Lawrence, Kan. (July 23, 2024) – Chad Allen, superintendent at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Ind., is the winner of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Allen will be honored Feb. 6 during the Send-off Celebration of the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, Calif.

Allen, a six-year GCSAA member, took a non-traditional path to the turf industry. He started college in his early 30s and eventually became a substance abuse counselor. However, the stress of the job combined with the needs of his young family led him to seek a new career. His brother Brad, a 21-year GCSAA member who is the certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Hickory Stick Golf Club in Mooresville, Ind., suggested he try golf course management.

“I got hooked right away,” Allen said. “Little did I know it would turn out to be something that would profoundly impact my life.”   

Despite his late entry into the profession, Allen wasted no time in making his mark. He earned a turfgrass management degree online from Penn State’s World Campus and soon rose through the ranks from the maintenance team to assistant superintendent to superintendent at The Club at Chatham Hills.

He also quickly became involved with GCSAA and his local chapter, the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA). He currently serves as secretary/treasurer of the Indiana GCSA. Allen was the first person in Indiana to complete GCSAA’s Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series and currently serves as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador. Ambassadors are matched with members of Congress to build strong relationships with them and advocate on the key issues impacting golf. Allen is paired with Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)  He has also been one of GCSAA’s representatives in meetings with the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

“Chad embodies all the attributes that the Emerging Leader Award represents,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “In just a few short years he has done his part to better the profession and the industry by getting involved on the chapter and national level.”

Allen said he is “beyond honored and grateful” to win the Emerging Leader Award.

“I was smiling ear to ear (when he found out he was the winner),” Allen said. “Thanks to GCSAA for everything they do for us and the industry.”

While earning the Emerging Leader honor is a testament to Allen’s drive, it hasn’t affected his goals for the future.

“I’m very comfortable where I am at,” he said of his position at The Club at Chatham Hills. “I feel very lucky. I have to pinch myself a lot. I am living the dream, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to grow and learn. I’m going to keep on grinding.”

The Emerging Leader Award, which is presented in partnership with John Deere, recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a superintendent with less than five years of experience or a student, associate member or assistant superintendent who displays continuous growth in service and leadership.

To learn more about GCSAA’s Emerging Leader Award, visit https://www.gcsaa.org/about-gcsaa/awards.