Trying to decide the next step in your career but not sure what to do? As a member of GCSAA, there are several professional development opportunities at your fingertips.

No matter where you find yourself on your professional path, there are leadership programs available through GCSAA that are tailored to fit your needs and support your career goals.

If you are a superintendent, the Melrose Leadership Academy provides an opportunity to attend the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (CTS), where you can expand your knowledge and grow your network. Through this program, members will receive a broad understanding of issues facing the golf industry and learn to advocate for their profession, attend tailored education sessions, and access networking events with GCSAA leadership, industry leaders and certified peers. Participating members will also earn education points.

For equipment managers, GCSAA offers the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, which also includes a trip to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, tailored education and education points, networking opportunities, and financial support to complete the Equipment Management Certificate. The Equipment Management Experience is designed to help less experienced equipment management members advance their careers.

Both Melrose professional development programs were established in 2019 by the late Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co. Learn more about the Melrose Leadership Academy or the Melrose Equipment Management Experience to see if either program would be a good fit to guide and support you on your journey in the industry. Applications for these programs are now open through Sept. 15. 

Assistant superintendents can further develop their leadership skill set through the EXCEL Leadership Program, presented in partnership with Nufarm.

E — Educating golf industry leaders of tomorrow.
X — Cross-training opportunities so they can share what they have learned.
C — Creating community leaders who serve more than take.
E — Encouraging future leaders through advisory boards and councils.
L — Developing leaders who will mentor others.

The EXCEL Leadership Program features two, two-day education and training sessions and a trip to the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, which includes: three EXCEL events for three years, including the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show; an event each fall and an event each spring while you are in the program; expert-led sessions, unique learning tours and networking opportunities with the golf course industry community; and opportunities to give back to local communities hosting the events. Applications for the EXCEL Leadership Program are open each spring, so mark your calendar to apply in 2027. 

For female professionals in the industry, the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) is an excellent opportunity advance your leadership skills and meet other female peers and mentors who are breaking the grass ceiling. This program is open to both members and non-members, and the application process occurs each summer, with the two-day event held each November at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. Applications for the 2027 WLA will open in June. 

GCSAA has also partnered with Bernhard Academy to present Links to Success, which brings a delegation of GCSAA members to the United Kingdom for education, networking and experiences, including the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association's (BIGGA) BTME Conference in Harrogate, England. The delegation will also visit traditional links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course and discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue. The application process for the 2029 program will open in early January 2028.

Most recently, GCSAA launched the Advance Leadership Program, presented in partnership with Jacobsen Ltd. This professional development program is designed for superintendents with less than five years of experience as a full-time superintendent. The program combines virtual learning with in-person experiences at GCSAA headquarters in the fall and at the annual GCSAA CTS. This application is open annually May 1-June 1. 

Wherever you are in your career, GCSAA is here to help you cultivate your leadership skills. For details about all GCSAA’s leadership programs and to find out who to contact with any questions, visit gcsaa.org/career/leadership-programs.