By virtue of funding from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation, 18 members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will have the opportunity to attend the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Feb. 2-5, in Orlando, Fla.
The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA superintendent members, while the Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides professional development for GCSAA equipment manager members. Both programs are administered through the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.
The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation was founded by the late Ken Melrose, former CEO and chairman of Toro Co. and longtime friend and supporter of GCSAA. The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 followed by the establishment of the Melrose Equipment Management Experience in 2019. Both programs provide valuable learning experiences, professional development, networking and educational opportunities for superintendents and equipment managers and, in turn, improve the future of the golf course management industry.
Participants in both Melrose programs are chosen through an application process based on financial need, involvement in communities through volunteer efforts and a drive to progress in their careers. Twelve superintendents were chosen for the 2026 Melrose Leadership Academy, and six equipment managers were chosen for the Melrose Equipment Management Experience.
“The ongoing support from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation enables GCSAA to keep providing for future generations of golf course management leaders, and we are truly grateful for its generosity,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “It’s leadership opportunities like those offered through the Melrose programs that create a brighter future for the profession and the game. Congratulations to the 2026 classes of the Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience.”
The members of the 2026 Melrose Leadership Academy are:
- Daryck Beetham, NorthStone Country Club, Huntersville, S.C.
- Michael Benton, Uncle Remus Golf Course, Madison, Ga.
- Alex Blegen, Brentwood Country Club, South Pasadena, Calif.
- Grant Carque, Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Lake Worth Beach, Fla.
- Benjamin Clark, Dublin Lake Club, Harrisville, N.H.
- Roy Crow, Woodland Hills Country Club, Woodland Hills, Calif.
- Andrew Kisner VI, CGCS, The Villages Florida, Ocala, Fla.
- Jeremiah Mincey, Black Diamond Ranch, Spring Hill, Fla.
- Jason Overmyer, Cascades Golf Course, Jackson, Mich.
- Jason Robert, Thanksgiving Point Golf Course, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Casey Sheehan, Sugarloaf Golf Course, Shavertown, Pa.
- Brett Zembower, Kempsville Green Golf Course, Virginia Beach, Va.
The members of the 2026 Melrose Equipment Management Experience are:
- Mario Delgado, The Club at Rolling Hills, Golden, Colo.
- Adam Lennington, Halbert National, Granbury, Texas
- Ian Naus, Spring Hill Golf Club, Golden Valley, Minn.
- Joshua Schaefer, Wisconsin Country Club, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Colin Smith, Prestwick Golf Club, Ayr, Scotland
- Andrzej Strzepek, Belmont Country Club, Belmont, Mass.
For more information on the Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, visit gcsaa.org/what-we-do/foundation/education.