Lawrence, Kansas, United States: James Sua is one of four golf course superintendents selected as recipients of the 2026 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. Eight 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.

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

In the Innovative Conservation Award category, top billing went to Sua, a certified golf course superintendent and member of GCSAA for 34 years who has spent the last five years at Pei Tou Kuo Hua Golf & Country Club in Taipei.

Sua and his team have practiced environmental stewardship since his arrival at the club. A year ago, Sua and his staff received the first runner-up for the Innovative Conservation Award. In 2024, they were recognised as first runner-up for the Natural Resource Conservation Award.

Under Sua’s leadership, Pei Tou Kuo Hua Golf & Country Club has focused more on data driven decision making, autonomous equipment integration, community engagement and education, innovative waste management and sustainable design practices.

Examples of Sua’s innovation have included reducing water consumption by 30% from analysing usage patterns, a 20% increase in maintenance productivity by automating routine tasks and a 30% reduction in landfill waste over the past year.

Recently, Sua hosted a community event that attracted over 180 people to raise awareness about sustainability practices and share with the community how they can take action toward environmental stewardship.

Sua said: “I am incredibly grateful to be recognised with the Innovative Conservation Award. This accolade serves as a reminder of the importance of our work in conservation and the positive change we can bring about when we prioritise innovative solutions.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my dedicated team for their hard work and commitment, as well as to my course owner for their strong support throughout this journey. Together, we are making a difference, and I look forward to continuing to inspire others to do the same.”

The 2026 ELGA winners and runners-up include:

• Communications and Outreach Award

Winner: Ken Kleinedler, Collier’s Reserve Country Club, Naples, Florida

First Runner-up: Jim Pavonetti, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, Connecticut
Second Runner-up: Jorge Mendoza, Green River Golf Club, Corona, California

• Healthy Land Stewardship Award

Winner: Carl D. Thompson, Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, Washington

First Runner-up: Kevin Goss, Sugar Creek Golf Course, Villa Park, Illinois
Second Runner-up: Michael Bednar, Palouse Ridge Golf Club, Washington State University

• Innovative Conservation Award

Winner: James B. Sua, Pei Tou Kuo Hua Golf & Country Club, Taipei, Taiwan

First Runner-up: Jonathan Heywood, Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough, New York
Second Runner-up: Jay Neunsinger, Richmond Golf Club, Richmond, California

• Natural Resource Conservation Award

Winner: Harold Ammons, Flat Creek Country Club, Peachtree City, Georgia

First Runner-up: Robert Esposo, Pacific Grove Golf Links, Pacific Grove, California
Second Runner-up: Juan Pablo Gonzalez, Cherry Island Golf Course, Elverta, California

*Syngenta is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.