GCSAA attended the annual National FFA Convention and Expo Oct. 21–24, 2026, in Indianapolis, where they spread awareness of GCSAA, First Green and careers in the golf course management industry.
Key takeaways
- GCSAA is building awareness of golf course management careers.
- Outreach is generating real opportunities.
- Hands-on engagement is creating interest.
GCSAA staff and members attended the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo Oct. 21–24, 2026, in Indianapolis, Ind., where they shared their expertise with students and advisors to help them learn in-depth knowledge about careers in golf course maintenance.
GCSAA’s Erin Wolfram, director of First Green and workforce development, and Leann Cooper, senior director of member programs, represented GCSAA at this year’s event. They had support from GCSAA members Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy, and Mitchell Eickhoff, golf course superintendent, at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind., along with Noah Pier, CGCS, golf course superintendent at the University of Louisville Golf Club in Simpsonville, Ky.
Tools, turfgrass, and seed samples were featured at GCSAA’s booth, which piqued the interest of students and advisors alike. Past participants of the National Turfgrass Science Invitational also made sure to stop by the booth to hear about the upcoming competition.
Many students, who are either interested in or already working on a golf course, made it a priority to talk to GCSAA staff and members to get more information about this career path.
“Being at National FFA Convention put GCSAA alongside more than 70,000 students excited about careers in agriculture — and we love opening their eyes to opportunities in golf they may never have considered,” Cooper said. “Showing up year after year builds relationships and strengthens the credibility of GCSAA and our members. It’s exciting to think that a conversation today could inspire someone’s future in our industry.”
GCSAA’s staff and members spent a great deal of time educating and informing teachers, students and other attendees on the golf course management industry as an alternative agriculture career. Awareness of the profession is certainly growing, but it takes time.
“Over this past week, I have already had advisors reach out to me to discuss next steps for having their students participate in a First Green field trip or for building a green on their school’s campus,” Wolfram said. “Seeing that immediate return and knowing that advisors are excited for their students to learn more about this industry is why it is important for us to participate in events like this.”
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