The GCSAA Excellence in Government Affairs Award recognizes and honors an individual, chapter or coalition/alliance that demonstrates outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government affairs.
Any GCSAA-affiliated chapter and all Class AA, A, B and C members are eligible to receive the award. A local, state or national coalition/alliance that includes representation from a GCSAA member or chapter is also eligible. Current GCSAA Board of Director members (or their immediate families) are not eligible to receive an award. GCSAA Government Affairs Committee members are eligible but cannot participate in the judging process. Individuals, chapters and coalitions/alliances may not receive the award in consecutive years.
Submit a Nomination
Nominations are open through Aug. 15. Any GCSAA member may submit nominations. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Those who were nominated last year, but did not receive an award, are eligible again this year.
Nominees will be judged on how their efforts best serve the interests of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry. Efforts do not have to be “successful” for a nominee to receive the award. The EGA Award may be given for:
The creation or successful use of tools, programs or efforts to influence laws and regulations affecting golf course management, including but not limited to work with lawmakers, regulators, alliances, coalitions and other entities
The creation or successful use of tools, programs or efforts to encourage member compliance with laws and regulations, including but not limited to environmental laws, occupational safety and chemical applications.
The EGA Award recipient will be selected by the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee.
Recognition
The EGA Award recipient receives:
Complimentary registration to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
Recognition in GCSAA publications and websites
Recognition at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
Personalized trophy and certificate of achievement
National, regional and local publicity
Name on a permanent plaque at GCSAA headquarters
You will receive a confirmation letter from GCSAA within two weeks of GCSAA receiving your application. The recipient will be notified in December and recognized at the following GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
Information
For more information contact Chava McKeel, director, government affairs, at 800-472-7878, ext. 3619.
A list of past winners from 2002 to 2025 including individuals, chapters, and alliances that have received the EGA Award.
2025: Coachella Valley Golf and Water Task Force
2024: Mitch Savage, CGCS
2023: Kenneth Benoit Jr., CGCS
2022: Cactus and Pine GCSA
2021: California Alliance for Golf
2020: Peter J. Gorman
2019: Robert Nielsen, CGCS
2018: Jack MacKenzie, CGCS
2017: Rory Van Poucke
2016: Hi-Lo Desert GCSA
2015: Florida GCSA
2014: Anthony L. Williams, CGCS
2013: Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents
2012: Jay Nalls
2011: P.J. McGuire, CGCS
2010 - Advocacy: Carolinas GCSA, Michael Crawford, CGCS
2010 - Compliance: Richard Gagnon
2009: Tim Hiers, CGCS, The Old Collier Golf Club, Naples, Fla.
2008 - Advocacy: Michael Maffei, CGCS; Peter McDonough; Richard Staughton, CGCS
2007 - Advocacy: Douglas C. Lowe, CGCS; Georgia GCSA
2006 - Advocacy: Michael A. Stachowski
2006 - Compliance: Patrick Blum
2005 - Advocacy: Craig A. Hoffman; Stephen A. Kealy, CGCS; Kenneth N. Lallier, CGCS
2005 - Compliance: Sean A. Kjemhus
2004 - Advocacy: Mark Esoda, CGCS; Jim Husting, CGCS
2004 - Compliance: Francis J. “Bud” O’Neill III, CGCS; Peter Pierson
2002-2003 - Advocacy: Dean Graves
2002-2003 - Compliance: Joe McCleary, CGCS