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If you like to play golf, thank a course superintendent
Sept. 8 marks Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day
By Jim Bebbington
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America marks its 100th anniversary this year and is asking players to join in to help thank the men and women who keep golf courses open and thriving.
Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day is Sept. 8 and it has been celebrated for the past six years as a way of thanking the people who make golf courses special places.
This year’s is in advance of the Sept. 13 commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the GCSAA.
“Golf course management is continually evolving profession,” the organizations states. “Beyond their traditional role of turf care, they now manage large teams, have become environmental stewards, and embrace advances in technology like autonomous equipment and AI data and analytics to make informed decisions to keep their courses sustainable.”
This year in particular shows the nearly miraculous work Colorado superintendents and their teams have accomplished, by keeping courses open and playable in the teeth of one of the hottest summers on record.
“Eliminating irrigation from driving ranges, out-of-play areas and other rough areas may not be enough this year to conserve the water needed to maintain all of the playable areas of the golf course,” wrote Joe Kunze, who leads city of Arvada golf course maintenance and is president of the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. “As a result, stress is being seen throughout many properties. The impacts extend beyond turf health. As conditions become more challenging, courses are implementing cart path only policies and, in some cases, providing a playing surface that simply cannot meet the standards we would normally expect. These decisions are not made lightly.”
Kunze said the organization’s members are already seeking solutions for 2027 and beyond in case the dry, hot conditions continue.
“As golf course superintendents, we have the responsibility of managing an incredibly valuable and increasingly scarce resource,” he said. “Water management has always been an important part of our jobs, but years like 2026 remind us just how critical that responsibility has become.”
Golf course superintendents depend on trusted suppliers to help maintain exceptional playing conditions and reliable operations.
United Ag & Turf, the new John Deere Golf dealer in Denver, is bringing a different level of support to Colorado’s golf and sports turf industry. Its local team offers on-course field service, knowledgeable parts support, used equipment inventory, equipment demonstrations and account managers who understand the superintendent’s business.
“We’re here to deliver more than equipment,” said Harry Jukes, President of Golf & Sports Turf Operations. “We’re building long-term partnerships grounded in expertise, responsiveness and a commitment to helping superintendents achieve their goals.
Why do the men and women in the industry do what they do. In the recent RMGCSA newsletter Ben Montoya, superintendent for the Gypsum Creek Golf Course, said “When the vision comes together, and the team takes pride in what they’re doing while locals and golfers are happy it is amazing to see. When the vibes are right it’s hard to imagine a more satisfying profession.”
Worldwide, there are more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries.
The Sept. 8 celebration encourages golfers and others to recognize superintendents for their hard work and dedication to the game, whether on social media, in person or through other forms of appreciation. Participants are encouraged to join the social media conversation throughout the month of September using #ThankASuper.
During the 2025 International Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day campaign, social media messages reached nearly 20 million followers worldwide.
To learn more about how GCSAA members have been keeping the game on course for a century, visit the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendent’s site at https://www.rmgcsa.org
Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.
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