Lawrence, Kansas, United States: For 25 years, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Golf Digest have recognised golf course superintendents and golf courses for their commitment to environmental stewardship through the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGAs).
For 2018, the ELGAs, which are presented in partnership with Asian Golf Industry Federation Executive Member Syngenta, have been updated to recognise more superintendents in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. The new ELGAs are based on the environmental best management practices that GCSAA recommends all courses utilise.
Instead of offering national awards based on facility type, the new version of the ELGAs will honour specific areas of focus that include:
*Natural Resource Conservation Award, which recognises effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation, and sound wildlife management.
*Healthy Land Stewardship Award, which recognises effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients as well as pollution prevention.
*Communications and Outreach Award, which recognises effective communication of conservation strategies with facility employees and others as well as share their efforts with golfers and other members of their community.
*Innovative Conservation Award, which recognises unique and innovative strategies for conservation.

“The ELGAs have given us a wonderful tool for honouring superintendents who make environmental stewardship a key focus of their operations,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “As their expertise has evolved, we are refreshing the ELGAs to reflect this.”
The changes were determined by the GCSAA Board of Directors and the Environmental Awards and Education Task Group.
All Class A, B and C members of GCSAA are eligible to apply for the ELGAs. There will be one winner and two runners-up recognised for each award. While an applicant may apply for all four awards, he or she may only win one award per year. Applications for the 2018 ELGAs will be open from August 1 to September 30.