Lawrence, Kansas, United States: The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) commemorates its centennial this month, marking a century of service, education, innovation and leadership that has elevated the game and business of golf.

“Over the last 100 years, the role of the golf course superintendent has changed dramatically, but its purpose remains fundamental. Superintendents provide the golf courses that make the game possible and create the conditions that allow people to enjoy it,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans.

“Today’s golf course management profession is grounded in science, and our members continually build the education and expertise needed to deliver excellent playing experiences while serving as responsible environmental stewards. Their work helps protect the future of the game, the communities they serve and the natural resources on which golf depends,” he added.

Founded by Colonel John Morley on September 13, 1926, the GCSAA began as the National Association of Greenkeepers of America following a meeting of 60 greenkeepers at Sylvania Country Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Today, the GCSAA has more than 21,000 members around the world who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable asset – the golf course. The GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

The GCSAA has supported its members as the profession evolved from a focus on course maintenance to today’s highly skilled and respected field of golf course management.

The GCSAA has also weathered the challenges of the last 100 years, enduring the Great Depression, World War II and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, GCSAA members have navigated increasing legislative and regulatory pressures, unpredictable weather and rapidly changing technology, persevering with the support and resources of the association for the betterment of the entire golf industry and the communities they serve.

Evans said: “Our founder, John Morley, once famously said: ‘No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other,’ and that mindset has held steadfast throughout our 100 years.

“GCSAA members have not only been there for each other and the courses they care for but also for the generations of golfers who have benefited from the enjoyable playing conditions that GCSAA members have provided. Our celebration is not just for us, but for anyone who enjoys the game.”

Observance of the GCSAA’s centennial began in earnest during the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando in February. On October 8, the association will host the Celebration of a Century at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence and in nearby Kansas City. The event will include the dedication of the GCSAA Centennial Plaza, featuring the unveiling of a statue of Morley and recognition of donors to the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign.

Guests will include GCSAA members, delegates from the association’s 93 affiliated chapters, golf industry representatives and local dignitaries.

The centennial observance will conclude during the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans from January 16-21.

Key milestones in GCSAA history

1927: First issue of the association magazine published
1928: First annual conference held
1938: Name changed to Greenkeeping Superintendents Association
1948: Name changed to National Greenkeeping Superintendents Association
1951: Name changed to Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
1955: GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund (now the GCSAA Foundation) established
1971: Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation launched
1974: GCSAA headquarters moved to Lawrence, Kansas
1983: GCSAA’s first Old Tom Morris Award presented to Arnold Palmer
1996: First GCSAA website launched
2012: Golf course equipment managers became a new membership classification
2020: GCSAA helped establish golf course environmental best management practices in all 50 States