Eighty-seven delegates from 90 GCSAA-affiliated chapters met in person during a two-day event at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., as well as the Oread Hotel, Oct. 6-7, 2026.

The annual meeting brings leaders together from GCSAA’s 93 chapters to discuss initiatives, provide insight on moving the association forward, and to begin discussions on electing board members and officers at the annual meeting to be during the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

The theme of this year’s meeting was “The Next Chapter Starts Here.” This builds on the concept of moving forward with GCSAA’s next 100 years, as the association celebrated its centennial in 2026. 

First-day highlights included updates and information from CEO Rhett Evans on GCSAA’s next 100 years and a focus on what’s next for the association and the profession. Delegates also heard updates from President Paul L. Carter, CGCS, as he discussed key accomplishments and recapped the year, as well and information moving forward with the hiring of the next CEO.

GCSAA’s government affairs efforts and best management practice (BMP) initiatives were discussed. Advocacy continues to be a key service GCSAA provides on behalf of the industry. GCSAA has updated its BMP facility adoption tool, making it easier for members to develop and provide BMPs on their golf course. Each is key to ensuring the future of the profession.

The first day concluded with information on the GCSAA Golf Championships and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. The 2027 GCSAA Golf Championships will be held at various facilities in the Biloxi, Miss., area Jan. 16-18, while the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will be held in New Orleans, Jan. 18-21. 

On day two, delegates met at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, where the discussion focused on GCSAA’s marketing efforts, key wins and new initiatives and discussion on a CPI dues adjustment. Delegates and GCSAA team members discuss the dues process every other year. Any changes to dues will go to a vote of delegates during the annual meeting.

Delegates also participated in breakout sessions to discuss programs and initiatives. A Town Hall session allowed delegates to pose questions on the future of the association, and it included candidate presentations and breakouts.

The delegates were awarded ample time to interact and ask questions of the candidates. Those running for the 2027 GCSAA Board of Directors are:

• For President: Marc E. Weston, CGCS
• For Vice President: Steven J. Hammon, CGCS
• For Secretary/Treasurer: H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, and Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG

For Director:     

• Zachary Bauer, CGCS
• Jeremy D. Boone, CGCS, MG
• Kevin E. Collins, CGCS
• Ryan S. Kraushofer, CGCS
• Jacobus J. Snyman

There are three open director positions, each for a two-year term. These vacancies result from the expiration of Kraushofer’s one-year director term and the two-year terms of Griffith and Jones, both of whom are candidates for secretary/treasurer. Because Griffith and Jones are currently serving the final year of their director terms, the outcome of the secretary/treasurer election will create an additional two-year vacancy on the Board.

Paul L. Carter, CGCS, will serve on the board for one year as immediate past president. T.A. Barker, CGCS, retires from the board after service the last year as immediate past president.

The slate of candidates will be voted on at the GCSAA Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La., Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027.