Melrose Leadership Academy
The 2024 Melrose Leadership Academy application process is closed.
Graduates of the Melrose Leadership Academy will:
- Advance their career by participating in tailored educational sessions at the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
- Engage with highly regarded industry experts.
- Network with GCSAA leadership, industry leaders, and certified peers at various receptions and events.
- Benefit from personal and professional development educational sessions designed to elevate careers.
- Gain a broad understanding of issues facing the golf industry and learn to advocate for their profession.
- Earn education points.
- Provide enhanced value to their facility.
Following the conference, members of the academy will continue to receive
communications promoting continued education opportunities, resources, and
ways to further engage with GCSAA.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be a current GCSAA Class A or Class B member and GCSAA Chapter member in good standing.
- Must be a Class A or Class B member for five or more years.
- Class A or Class B members working for current members of the GCSAA Board of Directors or Foundation Board of Trustees, and children of GCSAA staff members shall not be eligible for the Melrose Leadership Academy.
- Past recipients are not eligible.
- Attendees of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in 2023,2022, 2020 and 2019 are not eligible to apply. Attendees of the 2021 virtual event are eligible.
The history
The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 by the late Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a gift to the GCSAA Foundation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. This program will have a positive impact for each superintendent selected and ultimately, the game of golf.
The benefits
Grant recipients will receive the following:
- All Access Registration for the 2024 Conference & Trade Show
- Hotel accommodations
- Networking with GCSAA and The Toro Co. leadership, as well as
education sessions in business, communication, and advocacy - Round-trip airfare or mileage reimbursement
Selection process
The selection process is designed to provide a class representative of the diverse elements of the GCSAA membership. The selection criteria takes into account qualifications, interest and financial need, and to the extent possible, will be focused on less experienced superintendents who will benefit most from the educational opportunity. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an increasing level of responsibility in their profession by working to advance in their careers, and the potential for continuing to play a leadership role with GCSAA and their GCSAA affiliated chapter. Work experience, scope of personal interests, level of community involvement, and recognition of leadership abilities through receipt of honors/awards may also have significant impact in the final selection process.