by
Katrin Wolfe
| Jul 06, 2023
You’ve Got a Friend in Me. That’s What Friends are For. With a Little Help from My Friends Great songs have been written about the power of friendship, emphasizing its importance and impact on our lives. In that spirit, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) strongly believes in fostering friendship within the golfing community. Recognizing the vital role that superintendents play as the golfer's best friend, GCSAA is proud to introduce the Friends of the Golf Course Superintendent (Friend) membership. By supporting this initiative, we can express our gratitude and support for the dedicated professionals who make our golf courses exceptional places to play.
GCSAA offers various membership options tailored to support professionals in golf course management. We are thrilled to extend membership opportunities to anyone who wishes to show their appreciation for the individuals who contribute to the success of our golf courses. The Friend Membership emerged from the necessity to support GCSAA during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. GCSAA members and employees played a crucial role in ensuring that golf courses remained open, providing a semblance of normalcy during uncertain times. As golf continues to thrive since 2020, the importance of supporting the golf course management industry persists, making the Friend Membership an excellent choice for those who share this commitment.
Why Support the Friend Membership?
- Spreading Awareness: By becoming a Friend member, you actively contribute to spreading awareness about the valuable work carried out by superintendents and their teams in enabling the game of golf. As managers of golf's most precious resource, the golf course, they are essential to the sport's success.
- Resource and Service Support: A Friend Membership ensures that the resources and services you need to succeed in your role are supported. GCSAA offers educational programs through various channels, keeping members up to date with the latest industry advancements.
- Advocacy for the Future: By joining the Friend Membership, you contribute to advocating for the future of the game at all levels of government. This support helps foster sustainable practices and encourages the implementation of Best Management Practices for a brighter future. Additionally, programs like First Green provide opportunities to introduce the game to the next generation and explore potential career paths.
- Thanking the Game's Contributors: Choosing the Friend Membership is an excellent way to express gratitude to all the individuals who contribute to making golf the best multigenerational sport. It is a small but meaningful thank-you gesture.
Membership Options: GCSAA offers multiple types of Friend Memberships, accessible to anyone who does not qualify for other GCSAA memberships. The basic membership is available at the affordable cost of $50, which is less than most green fees. Additionally, the Friend Membership is one of the most cost-effective golf support memberships available. The basic membership package includes an e-newsletter, GCSAA sticker, ball mark repair tool, and GCSAA bag tag. For greens committees or golf associations that benefit from your services, GCSAA also offers group Friend Memberships. The Friendship Group Membership goes for $400 for up to 10 individuals. You get everything included in the basic package in addition to a towel. The cost breaks down to $40 per person less than a cost of a dozen golf balls.
The GCSAA is committed to serving its members, advancing their profession, and improving communities by fostering the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf. Supporting the Friend Membership is an opportunity to spread awareness about the GCSAA and the essential work of superintendents. Just as a helpful friend is always beneficial to the game, the Friend Membership serves as a small token of gratitude to the sport of golf.
Let's unite in supporting the golf course superintendent and all golf course management professionals. Join the Friend Membership and be a part of the positive impact we can make together.