Whereas the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (in this preamble referred to as GCSAA) was founded in 1926, as the National Association of Greenkeepers of America, to do great work advancing the art and science of greenkeeping;

Whereas GCSAA is the top golf-course management association in the United States and worldwide;

Whereas GCSAA is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource—the golf course;

Whereas GCSAA provides education, information, and representation to over 20,000 members in more than 78 countries;

Whereas GCSAA serves its members, advances their profession, and improves communities through the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf;

Whereas the golf industry, which contributes $226,500,000,000 annually to the United States economy, recognizes GCSAA as a key contributor in elevating the game and business;

Whereas golf courses managed by GCSAA members provide substantial environmental and community benefits;

Whereas GCSAA believes golf course management should be sustainable for the future of the game and the earth;

Whereas GCSAA is at the forefront of the golf industry’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and helps its members manage courses in an environmentally responsible manner;

Whereas GCSAA provides members and the golf course industry with the tools and information necessary to enhance their environmental stewardship;

Whereas GCSAA shepherded the establishment of environmental best management practices guidelines in all 50 States;

Whereas GCSAA funds research that helps golf facilities manage their courses more efficiently and sustainably;

Whereas GCSAA’s First Green program introduces elementary through high school students to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts through field trips to golf courses;

Whereas GCSAA’s First Green curriculum benefits students by helping them apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting, understand how STEAM concepts connect, and find new inspiration in their schoolwork and in the possibility of a career in golf or a STEAM-related field;

Whereas GCSAA’s workforce development initiatives provide career guidance, professional development, certificate and certification opportunities, and scholarships to help individuals build meaningful careers;

Whereas GCSAA provides advocacy and outreach to its members to help ensure the future of the profession and the game of golf;

Whereas the late golf legend Arnold Palmer once said, The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and all golf course superintendents are probably the most important entity that we have in golf; and

Whereas GCSAA members have been keeping the game of golf on course for a century and are committed to making the next 100 years even more remarkable: Now, therefore, be it