Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Four golf course superintendents have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The annual awards are presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta. Seven runners-up also received recognition for their environmental efforts.

The awards have recognised superintendents and golf courses around the world for their commitment to environmental stewardship since 1993. Since 2018, the ELGAs are based on environmental best management practices and honour specific areas of focus.

• The Communications and Outreach Award recognises effective communication of conservation strategies with facility employees, golfers and other members of the community.
• The Healthy Land Stewardship Award recognises effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients, as well as pollution prevention.
• The Innovative Conservation Award recognises unique and innovative strategies for conservation.
• The Natural Resource Conservation Award recognises effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation and sound wildlife management.

“Golf course superintendents are committed to environmental sustainability and producing enjoyable playing conditions,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “The ELGA recipients are great examples of being able to combine these goals. We are proud of their accomplishments.”

Among the award winners was James Sua from Taiwan’s Pei Tou Kuo Hua Golf and Country Club. Sua was named first runner-up in the Innovative Conservation Award category.

Winners of the four categories were Kevin Goss, Sugar Creek Golf Course, Illinois (Communication and Outreach Award); Jim Pavonetti, Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut (Healthy Land Stewardship Award); Robin Sadler, Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Canada (Innovative Conservation Award); and Justin Brimley, California’s Crystal Springs Golf Course (Natural Resource Conservation Award).

*Syngenta is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.