As we turn the page to 2026, I want to take a moment to reintroduce myself to the Mid-Atlantic GCSAA community and reflect on what promises to be a truly special year for our association and our profession.

My name is Katrin Wolfe, and I’ve had the privilege of being part of GCSAA since 2021. As I enter my fifth year with the association, I remain just as energized and grateful as the day I started. I still love the game of golf, and I am continually inspired by the opportunity to support the golf course management community that makes this game possible.

Quite simply, without the dedicated men and women who care for golf courses every day, I wouldn’t be able to play the game I love. Superintendents and their teams are the foundation of golf, and it is an honor to support the work you do across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

Celebrating 100 Years of GCSAA

While I may be celebrating a personal milestone, GCSAA is marking something far bigger.

In 2026, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary — a century of innovation, dedication and leadership in golf course management.

GCSAA was formed in 1926 by Col. John Morley, a vegetable grower and greenkeeper at Youngstown (Ohio) Country Club, who served as the association’s first president. Originally known as the National Association of Greenkeepers of America, the organization began with just 60 greenkeepers gathering on Sept. 13, 1926, at Sylvania Country Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Morley was deeply committed to advancing the profession, traveling to more than 200 golf courses to build support for the new organization. Even in those early years, the importance of the superintendent’s role was widely recognized. Renowned architect Donald Ross acknowledged Morley’s leadership and believed that with strong leaders in place, the association would benefit both its members and the clubs they served.

Today, GCSAA has grown into a global organization representing more than 20,000 members worldwide. Modern golf course superintendents are science-based professionals who oversee all aspects of golf course management, from agronomics and environmental sustainability to budgeting, leadership and community engagement.

Superintendents have often been described as the game’s unsung heroes, and few understood their impact better than Arnold Palmer, whose own family members worked in the profession. Palmer frequently emphasized that the quality, beauty and environmental stewardship of golf courses depend on the knowledge, perseverance and dedication of superintendents and their teams.

Centennial Celebrations Begin in Orlando

Leading up to the official Centennial on September 13, 2026, GCSAA will be celebrating how its members have kept the game on course for 100 years — and where the profession is headed next.

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will kick off the Centennial celebrations with what promises to be the biggest party in GCSAA history:

Centennial Celebration at ICON Park
📅 Tuesday, February 3
🕡 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
📍 ICON Park | Orlando, Florida

Set in the heart of Orlando’s premier open-air entertainment destination, this evening will bring together members, industry supporters and friends to reflect on GCSAA’s past, present and future.

Admission is free for:

• All-Access registrants and their spouse/significant other

• Full-Pack and Trade Show registrants who are GCSAA members (additional fee applies for guests)

The GCSAA Centennial Experience

The celebration continues on the trade show floor with the GCSAA Centennial Experience, a one-time-only exhibition honoring 100 years of progress:

📅 Wednesday, February 4 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📅 Thursday, February 5 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Trade Show Floor | Booths 2373 and 2361

This immersive experience brings GCSAA’s legacy to life, showcasing the programs, services and milestones that have shaped the profession — from education and advocacy to innovation, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

At its center is a timeline wall that walks visitors through ten decades of history, highlighting how challenges were met, progress was made and excellence became the standard. Themed displays throughout the space further tell the story of GCSAA’s lasting impact on the game of golf.

This is more than a look back. It’s a celebration of what happens when passion, purpose and professionalism come together to support a global community.

Looking Ahead

As we welcome 2026, there is so much to celebrate — personal milestones, professional achievements and an incredible 100-year legacy. I’m excited to continue supporting the Mid-Atlantic region and the entire GCSAA membership as we honor the past and look boldly toward the future.

Here’s to a year filled with anniversaries, celebrations and continued momentum. Thank you for all you do to keep the game on course.

— Katrin Wolfe