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.
What new CGCSs say about the program
“Certification through the GCSAA has been a personal and professional goal of mine since becoming Golf Course Superintendent at Dayton Country Club nearly 10 years ago. It is part of my continued goal to provide the best possible product to our membership here at DCC! ”
– Ryan D'Autremont, CGCS, Dayton Country Club, Centerville, Ohio
“I consider myself lucky to wake up every morning to go to a job that I love. The golf course management industry has introduced me to many wonderful relationships over the years, provided a good living for my family, and has given me a satisfying career to pursue. I believe it was the right time to become certified. Becoming certified provides me the opportunity to give back to the industry that has given me so much over the past 30 years. I believe that as a CGCS I now have a unique platform to be an ambassador for the golf course industry in the local community and throughout northeast Ohio. I look forward to what is in store for me as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent.”
– Lucas Fowler, CGCS, Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club, Hudson, Ohio
“The industry professionals that are my greatest influences and mentors nearly all have one thing in common, certification. To me, Certified Golf Course Superintendent signifies a leader who is passionate and relentless in their dedication to the profession, continuing education, the environment, and the tradition of the game of golf. I am honored to have the opportunity to achieve this long-time goal and to continue to learn from the best. I am proud that the GCSAA promotes professionalism and creates recognition around the globe for our industry.”
– Ryan L. Swilley, CGCS, Gulf Stream Golf Club, Delray Beach, Fla.
“The CGCS process adequately tests the many facets of the Superintendent profession. Earning this distinction has already benefitted me at my place of employment and in the greater golf community.”
– Matt Muhlenbruch, CGCS, Hillcrest Country Club, Los Angeles, Calif.
“My certification marks a career highlight, and I am grateful to my chapter especially my friend and colleague Marc Weston, CGCS, who gave me the nudge to make a push to go for this high honor.”
– Stephen Curry, CGCS, Rock Ridge Country Club, Newton, Conn.
“It has been a longtime goal of mine to become a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, dating back to the days when I first started working in the golf course management industry and earned my degree. For me, more than anything, it is a matter of personal achievement and dedication to my profession. It means everything to me to have achieved the highest level of distinction within our industry and it is another step in my long-term professional development.”
– Mitch Savage, CGCS, CommonGround Golf Course, Aurora, Colo.
“I had been working towards the designation of Certified Golf Course Superintendent since becoming eligible as a Class A member in 2017. I believe that attaining CGCS shows my club that I am invested in furthering my education and invested to the profession. I am a Board member of our local chapter, (CAGCS) and worked towards becoming CGCS with two other Board members. The three of us had numerous discussions about the rigor of the process, but the overall impact and value it brings to our facilities was more than worthwhile. CAGCS has six members that have earned CGCS, and we hope to inspire others in our section to invoke on this process."
– Wayne Lagasse, CGCS, Stonington Country Club, Stonington, Conn.
"Since my first days in the industry, I had a goal to become certified. The majority of the superintendents that I have been able to work for are certified and set the example of what a dedicated turf professional is, which only furthered my desire to achieve certification. To me, being certified shows the commitment to the industry that we are knowledgeable professionals that care about ecological and environmental impacts of the game in addition to providing great playing conditions."
– Tyler Johanson, CGCS, White Oak Conservation, Yulee Fla.
“Achieving the designation of Certified Superintendent has been a personal career goal for over 15 years. I am thankful that the GCSAA has tailored the process in a way that upholds the qualifications and merit of a certified superintendent but makes it attainable for leaders at courses that are open year-round. The benefits go far beyond my own career enrichment and encompass my family, my team, and my membership. This has created a heightened platform of professionalism that lends additional credibility and confidence in my fields of influence and among peers. It also opens additional possibilities that might have otherwise been unobtainable. I highly recommend starting this journey. The experience is educational, enlightening and the investment of your time is well worth the pursuit!"
– Scott Maki, CGCS, Great Hills Country Club, Austin, Texas