At times, it can be a thankless career. In fact, it’s hard to even call it a career. It’s more of a lifestyle, and at times it can be challenging – nobody is denying that.

However, more often it is extremely rewarding. Who can boast that their office consists of 100+ acres of beautiful green space. Spectacular sunrises are the norm, your coworkers have four legs or feathers and nothing beats a crisp fall morning on the course. Yes, life on a golf course is tough to beat.

The industry has come a very long way, and superintendents are now viewed as the go-to professional for all things agronomy, business, advocacy, environmental stewardship and leadership. Even with that, there is still always work to do. And sometimes a simple thank you from golfers or members can go a long way.

We – and I can speak for everyone at GCSAA when I say – come to work every day for one main reason: to improve the lives of GCSAA members. And one way we try to do this is through the “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day” campaign.

7. Thank a Superintendent Day

GCSAA, along with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Australia Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and The Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA), is recognizing those who dedicate their lives to keeping the golf course sustainable and enjoyable with an international “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day”. “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day” 2022 will be celebrated next week on Tuesday, September 13.

Part of the celebrations include a commercial which will air the Golf Channel as well as other media outlets. Social media messages will be shared throughout the day which will highlight the plethora of ways superintendents benefit the game and the surrounding communities. Golfers, and others in and out of the industry, are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags “#ThankASuper” or “#ThankAGreenkeeper” depending on their location.

In addition, golf courses and other groups are encouraged to provide special recognition for their superintendent and course maintenance staff on Sept. 13. Many allied associations in the Great Lakes region are stepping in and helping promote the “Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day” and last year, social media messages reached more than 9 million followers around the globe.

So, to every superintendent, assistant and equipment manager: thank you. Thank you for being a professional land manager, an environmental steward, a leader, an educator, a golf ambassador, and for your support of GCSAA and our great industry.

Golf doesn’t exist without golf course superintendents, assistants or equipment managers and I can’t thank each of you enough for your lifetime commitment to your craft.

If you’re not a golf course superintendent, please join in on September 13 – and every day for that matter – and thank your superintendent. After all, where would your golf course be without them?