Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Christopher Reverie has been named a Grassroots Ambassador Leadership (GAL) Award winner from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented quarterly in partnership with The Toro Company, recognises and honours 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 – an Executive member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation – the winners will receive a trip to take part in the 2021 National Golf Day in Washington, DC.

Reverie is the Golf Course Superintendent at Allentown Municipal Golf Course.

“Congratulations to Chris for his hard work and dedication to the golf industry,” said Rhett Evans, the GCSAA’s CEO. “He is a great example of how building personal relationships with lawmakers and their staff members can truly make a difference.”

The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors programme, which pairs superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships between them. More than 430 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.

“A lot of superintendents do not realise that advocacy is at the heart of our profession,” Reverie, an eight-year member of GCSAA, said. “Wearing as many hats and reporting to as many different people as we do – it is near impossible to get anything done without being an effective advocate for ourselves, our course and the game of golf.”

Reverie is paired with Republican Susan Wild and has worked hard to create a relationship with the congresswoman and her staff. He’s hosted Megan Beste, District Director for Wild, at Allentown Municipal, and met with Zach Fowler, Wild’s senior legislative council, during National Golf Day in Washington, DC, in 2019.

“The relationship I have developed with Rep. Wild’s district and Washington, DC offices were created through persistent outreach efforts and patience between responses,” Reverie said. “While those are important factors in where I am as a Grassroots Ambassador today, the key in maintaining these relationships has been sharing my experiences, challenges, and knowledge with them.”