What new CGCSs say about the program
“I have always strived to be my very best in everything I do and wanted to get to the peak of my profession as soon as I heard about the certification program back in the mid-2000s while getting my degree. I immediately wanted to find out what I had to do to obtain that classification so after a decade of fighting through the ranks and finally becoming a Class A, I immediately got my chance to pursue this designation. Certification to me holds a certain status in many industries and sets you apart amongst your peers. I feel that whenever you can tell a club, member, golfer, etc., that you are a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, it indicates to them that you are a professional in your field at the highest level and your work will be representative of the latest and greatest in golf course management."
– Jason Narwold, CGCS, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club, Destin, Fla.
“Certification is a way to show that I can perform at the highest level, combining my passion for the game, my expertise in turf management, and my desire to lead a team. Achieving certification opens opportunities for continuous learning and advancement in the golf maintenance industry.”
– Brad Wunderlich, CGCS, Edgewood Lake Tahoe Golf Course, Stateline, Nev.
“Achieving CGCS status demonstrates a dedication to our industry and a commitment to continuing education and professional development.
It's been a career-long goal of mine.”
– JD Boyce, CGCS, Tupelo Country Club, Belden, Miss.
"Achieving CGCS has been something I have wanted to accomplish ever since I started in the business. I feel it is a way to show my dedication to the profession. Many superintendents I have worked with have been certified and I am honored to follow in their footsteps.”
– Matthew Devine, CGCS, NorthRiver Yacht Club, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“Fulfilling any career goal is a great accomplishment, but obtaining my CGCS seems like a measure of success that will serve as the pinnacle for my future. With this distinction, I welcome the opportunity to assist others in achieving their goals and express a willingness to share in the knowledge gained from this highly regarded designation.”
– Blayne C. Sparks, CGCS, The Wilderness at Lake Jackson, Lake Jackson, Texas
"It has always been important to me that I strive to represent myself and my employer with the highest standard of professionalism. With that comes a responsibility to be involved with our National Association in regard to: continuing education, environment stewardship, industry innovation and collaboration with my peers. Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent is crucial for me to be able to achieve these goals and is an incredible platform that allows me to continue to grow as a Superintendent every season.”
– Nick White, CGCS, Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Mo.
"Earning the distinction of CGCS has been a goal for myself for a long time. I have known and worked for other CGCS throughout my 28-year career. I feel like I have now reached an important milestone in my career with this distinction. I am finally on the same level as many of the strong industry leaders that also have the same distinction of being a CGCS.”
– Charlie Mongan, CGCS, Aldeen Golf Club, Rockford, Ill.
"As I gained more experience and expertise over the years as a Superintendent it became a personal goal of mine to attain Certification. I wanted to challenge myself to become the best possible employee. I believe the process to become certified brings together all I have learned, whether it's on the job, chapter board service or through external education, and culminates in the highest designation we can receive from the GCSAA. CGCS is a title I will be proud to attain and display as a member of this great profession."
– Dan Hawkins, CGCS, The Club at Flying Horse and Flying Horse North, Colorado Springs, Colo.
"It has been a long-time goal to achieve Certification status. It is an honor to join fellow colleagues who have accomplished this task. For those who are on the fence regarding Certification, make the leap, it is very satisfying and rewarding."
– Chester Guzek, CGCS, The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.
"This certification is very meaningful to me, thinking back to when I was a student member it was such a monumental achievement and group that I always hoped one day I would be a part of. During the certification process I have had a few moments of realization that I was going to be joining this group of professionals, it has been very surreal."
– Bill Meyer, CGCS, Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Northbrook, Ill.
"Over the years I have developed a passion for golf course maintenance and have enjoyed working with others who have set out to maintain and advance the game of golf as well. Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent has been an accomplishment that I have been striving for over many years of hard work. Career growth along with the personal fulfillment of reaching the highest levels of turfgrass management and environmental stewardship mean a great deal to me. I look forward to continuing my growth in this industry and am honored to be part of this distinguished group of superintendents."
– Adam R. Levinsohn, CGCS, Berkeley Country Club, El Cerrito, Calif.