GCSAA past presidents escort Paul L. Carter, CGCS, to the podium to officially take the reins as GCSAA's president for 2026. Photo by Montana Pritchard
GCSAA’s annual meeting is always an important part of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, but a meeting at the start of the organization’s 100th year of existence is even more so.
“As we gather this morning we do so with great pride in our association’s 100-year legacy. This centennial year marks a century of leadership, innovation and service to the golf course management profession,” GCSAA immediate past president T.A. Barker, CGCS, superintendent at Fore Lakes Golf Course in Murray, Utah, told the assembled delegates. “Thank you for being part of this historic moment in GCSAA’s journey.”
As the group got down to the business of voting, they were also given an update on the state of the century-old organization from CEO Rhett Evans, who told them the future looks bright.
“As we gather at our annual meeting we do so at a truly historic moment,” Evans said. “Nearly a century ago at our first annual meeting, Col. John Morley spoke about the importance of companionship and the simple truth that we depend on one another. He believed this association would be stronger with a shared sense of purpose. That sense of shared success continues to define GCSAA.”
Current GCSAA membership stands at 21,586 members, just 516 shy of the organization’s membership high-water mark of 22,102 in 2002. Satisfaction with the organization, Evans said, is at an all-time high, with record fundraising and support for initiatives like Rounds 4 Research, and 624 Grassroots Ambassadors representing 83% of congressional districts.
“From the beginning, GCSAA has been built on belief that we depend upon each other. Progress happens collectively when we work in service to each other and to the game as a whole,” Evans said. “The chapters remain the heartbeat of this association. Today we honor the vision that began in 1926.”
That legacy now continues with the election of Paul L. Carter, CGCS, as GCSAA’s 89th president, succeeding Barker, who will stay on the board another year as immediate past president. Carter, the director of agronomy at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., will be supported by vice president Marc E. Weston, CGCS, director of agronomy at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., secretary/treasurer Steven J. Hammon, CGCS, superintendent at Traverse City (Mich.,) Country Club, and directors Aaron Fankhauser, CGCS, director of agronomy at The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden, Colo., Brian J. Roth, CGCS, superintendent at Oquirrh Hills Golf Course in Tooele, Utah, and Ryan Kraushofer, CGCS, superintendent and general manager at Westminster (Md.) National Golf Course.
Jeff L. White, CGCS, director of agronomy at Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kan., received his white past president’s blazer as he cycled off the GCSAA board. “These gentlemen in these white coats will understand when I say that this is the ride of a lifetime,” White said. “I’m honored to serve our 21,00-plus members, and what a journey it’s been to get to know all these people. The people are what makes it worth it to spend all this time away from family and from our jobs.”
Carter closed out the meeting with his first remarks as GCSAA’s president, saying he’s excited to lead the organization into its second century.
“I am honored, privileged and proud to be the 89th president of GCSAA,” Carter said. “But this is not my year. This is your year, our year, GCSAA’s year. This is our association — mine, yours, every member’s. I believe Col. Morley is looking down and proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Carter encouraged those in attendance to keep getting involved with outreach, committees and task groups to keep that tradition of service and education moving forward.
“I can’t think of a better way to honor his dream than to get involved,” he said. “This industry does not exist without the skills and knowledge and hard work of the golf courses professional and members of the GCSAA.”
Abby Olcese is GCM's online editor