Certification News

Congratulations to new and renewing CGCSs

Be the first to congratulate fellow members in your chapter. Find out who recently became certified or renewed their certified status.

Set yourself apart: Learn more about becoming a CGCS

What new CGCSs say about the program

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"Achieving certification status has been a personal goal since I began my career. The process made me evaluate many different aspects of my management abilities, as well as test my knowledge on the various business and agronomic areas of our profession. Completing the program can be very time consuming with the responsibilities golf course superintendents have to juggle. This showcases the commitment to personal and professional development and should be considered the pinnacle achievement of the superintendent profession.”

– James Rauhuff, CGCS, Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, Ga.

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“In my career in the golf business, my mentors have always had that CGCS after their name. It gave them a certain distinction and I in turn made it a goal for myself to achieve. Now that I have, I feel proud of the hard work and dedication that go into being a certified golf course superintendent."

– Colin Smethurst, CGCS, Hillview Golf Course, North Reading, Mass.

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“I pursued CGCS status because I set it as a career goal long ago. I challenged myself to achieve this goal to foster continued professional development and to demonstrate to others my commitment to excellence and professionalism.I took the “Preparing to Become a Certified Golf Course Superintendent” course at GIS Orlando in 2020. After taking the class, I was confident I could make the grade with a little hard work. Five months later, I was certified. Glad I did it!”

– Jim Sedrel, CGCS, Hyperion Field Club, Johnston, Iowa

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“Achieving the professional designation of Certified Golf Course Superintendent with the GCSAA has been a major career goal of mine from the time I made the decision to pursue a career as a Golf Course Superintendent. This CGCS designation truly showcases one's skills and dedication to the profession by displaying proficiency in all areas of business, finance, the rules of golf, and agronomic expertise. I am both proud and humbled to have attained this prestigious professional certification.”

– Eddie M. Roach, Jr., CGCS, Hickory Hills Country Club, Springfield, Mo.

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“Certification has long been a goal of mine. It was not always easy to prioritize the work necessary to accomplish this ahead of all my other responsibilities. However, what I have experienced is that the true value of certification is in the journey taken to achieve it. The recognition of becoming CGCS simply announces you have arrived. Like any long journey, it always feels great once you reach your destination.”

– Kevin P. Sunderman, CGCS, Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club, Saint Petersburg, Fla.

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“Achieving CGCS has been a goal of mine since I began working in the industry. CGCSs are respected as the top of their class and being able to call myself a CGCS would be me showing the industry who I am as a golf course superintendent.”

– Doug Snyder, CGCS, Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull, Conn.

 

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“Achieving CGCS status has always been a personal goal. After going through the process, I am honored to share this designation with my fellow colleagues. To me, CGCS shows more than just knowledge, it means having dedication and passion for the highest level of our great profession.”