Golf course superintendent’s advocacy makes an impact in Maine

Lawrence, Kan. (Nov. 3, 2026) – Bob Searle, golf course superintendent at the Abenakee Club in Biddeford Pool, Maine, has earned the 2027 Excellence in Government Affairs Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for his steadfast advocacy for the golf course management profession.

The award recognizes an individual, chapter or coalition/alliance that demonstrates outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government affairs. The recipient is selected by the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee.

Searle, a 19-year GCSAA member, grew up in the industry, following in the footsteps of his father, Greg Searle. Greg spent more than 27 years as superintendent at Cape Arundel Golf Course in Kennebunkport, Maine, before taking the helm at The Abenakee Club. Bob succeeded his father at Abenakee in 2012. Both have also served as president of the Maine Golf Course Superintendents Association.

It was during Bob’s tenure as Maine GCSA president that his advocacy efforts began in earnest.

“Being in leadership roles, I saw first-hand a lot of the negative views of golf and how much advocacy was needed here in Maine,” Searle said. “I felt an obligation to our industry. I love golf, and I love our industry, and I wanted to give something back for all it’s given to me.”

In 2016, the mayor of Portland, Maine, appointed Searle to the city’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Task Force. After nearly a year and approximately 10 highly contentious public meetings, the task force recommended a ban on pesticide use on public and private property throughout the city. Through Searle’s leadership and collaboration with others, golf courses received an exemption in the ordinance that was ultimately adopted and remains in effect.

Since then, Searle has provided public testimony before municipal committees and select boards considering pesticide restrictions. He has also shared his experience with fellow superintendents, including a presentation on local advocacy at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Beginning in 2020, Searle served four years on the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee. During his tenure, he helped develop the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda, met with officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between GCSAA and the EPA, and met with members of Congress to advocate for the golf industry. He currently serves on the board of the GCSAA Political Action Committee (GCSAAPAC).

Searle was also instrumental in changing pesticide exemption standards in Falmouth, Maine. Under the revised standards, golf courses that follow the Best Management Practices for Maine Golf Courses qualify for an exemption without obtaining third-party certification. The change could have broader implications if other municipalities use Falmouth’s ordinance as a model, establishing BMP compliance as a standard for golf course exemptions.

“Advocacy for the golf industry is vital at every level, and Bob has been a champion for golf in Maine,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “His determination and tenacity have made a true difference and embody what the Excellence in Government Affairs Award represents.”

Searle will formally receive the award Jan. 21 during Government Affairs Session at the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans.

“It means everything to me to be recognized for my efforts,” Searle said. “My fellow New Englander, Kevin Komer, won last year, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps.”