Golf course superintendents honored for advocacy efforts, advancement of association priority issues and congressional outreach

Lawrence, Kan. (Oct. 6, 2026) – Jim Culley, owner of Seed King Enterprises, LLC, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Jonathan Williams, director of science and agronomy at Troon Golf in Scottsdale, Ariz., have received Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Awards from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented in partnership with The Toro Co., recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated growth in advocacy and advancement of the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda through congressional outreach and relationship development with a member of Congress. Through Toro, the winners receive a trip to take part in the annual National Golf Day event in Washington, D.C.

The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador program, which matches GCSAA members with congressional offices to build strong relationships between them. More than 600 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.

Culley, a 30-year GCSAA member, joined the Grassroots Ambassador program in 2021 and is currently paired with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.). Culley has participated in National Golf Day since 2022, which has provided him with opportunities to meet with Brownley and successfully gain her support and co-sponsorship of the PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Act. 

He also advocates on the state level and has served on the California Golf Course Superintendents Association board since 2011.

His sustainability efforts include working closely with GCSAA Director of Government Affairs Chava McKeel to help craft GCSAA’s public comments for the Monarch butterfly designation on the Endangered Species List – an issue recently confronting golf course maintenance.

“The most rewarding part of being a Grassroots Ambassador is ongoing. Being a part of how GCSAA provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a workable program for golf superintendents is one of the most important services I can provide,” Culley said.

Williams, a 13-year member of GCSAA, joined the Grassroots Ambassador program shortly after its launch in 2014. He is paired with Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and his advocacy efforts have included encouraging Sen. Kelly’s support of H.R. 1583, the Parity for Athletic Recreation (PAR) Act. 

During a meeting with Sen. Kelly’s state director, Williams teamed up with GCSAA’s Michael Lee, senior manager of government affairs, and Kelly Lonker, grassroots advocacy specialist, along with the Arizona Alliance for Golf, to discuss common misconceptions about golf, particularly about water usage, and to share their sustainability efforts. The meeting was held at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, a community-centric facility that perfectly represented the spirit of collaboration in Arizona golf. 

“I joined the program because I believed that our industry needed a stronger voice in both Arizona and Washington. Advocacy is critical, especially as golf faces increased scrutiny in Arizona and beyond,” Williams said. “Through the Grassroots Ambassador program, I’ve been able to represent our profession, highlight golf’s community and environmental value, and contribute to shaping policies that will influence its future. Golf tells a powerful story of sustainability, community and opportunity, and it’s up to us to ensure that story is told truthfully and proudly."