Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Jonathan Williams, Director of Science and Agronomy at Troon Golf, has received a Grassroots Ambassador Leadership (GAL) Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The GAL Award, presented 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, the winners receive a trip to take part in the annual National Golf Day event in Washington, DC.

The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador programme, which matches GCSAA members with congressional offices to build strong relationships between them. More than 600 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.

Williams, a 13-year member of GCSAA, joined the Grassroots Ambassador programme shortly after its launch in 2014. He is paired with Senator Mark Kelly (Democrat, Arizona), and his advocacy efforts have included encouraging Senator Kelly’s support of HR 1583, the Parity for Athletic Recreation (PAR) Act.

During a meeting with Senator Kelly’s State Director, Williams teamed up with GCSAA’s Michael Lee, Senior Manager of Government Affairs, and Kelly Lonker, grassroots advocacy specialist, along with the Arizona Alliance for Golf, to discuss common misconceptions about golf, particularly about water usage, and to share their sustainability efforts.

The meeting was held at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, a community-centric facility that perfectly represented the spirit of collaboration in Arizona golf.

Williams said: “I joined the programme because I believed that our industry needed a stronger voice in both Arizona and Washington. Advocacy is critical, especially as golf faces increased scrutiny in Arizona and beyond.

“Through the Grassroots Ambassador programme, I’ve been able to represent our profession, highlight golf’s community and environmental value, and contribute to shaping policies that will influence its future.

“Golf tells a powerful story of sustainability, community and opportunity, and it’s up to us to ensure that story is told truthfully and proudly.”

Also receiving a Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award is Jim Culley, owner of Seed King Enterprises, LLC, in Thousand Oaks, California.

*Troon and Toro are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.