Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, superintendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Conn., has been named the recipient of the 2025 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
He will be recognized Feb. 2 during the Opening Session of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Fla.
The President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.
Pavonetti is a 30-year GCSAA member and has been one of the profession’s most decorated environmental award recipients. He has earned three GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGAs), while finishing as a runner-up four times in the last eight years. His ELGAs include the 2025 Healthy Land Stewardship Award, 2024 Natural Resource Conservation Award and 2023 Innovative Conservation Award.
“Receiving the GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship is an incredible honor and deeply humbling,” Pavonetti said. “It represents not only recognition of the work we have done as a club on our course, but also affirmation that golf can be a leader in sustainable land management. This award highlights years of collaboration, innovation and commitment from our entire team to care for our environment while providing a top-quality golf experience.”
Pavonetti said Fairview Country Club, where he has been superintendent for the last 18 years, uses an integrated approach to sustainability where every decision considers the impact on the environment. He says these efforts not only protect natural resources but also demonstrate that environmental responsibility and course quality go hand in hand.
- Water Conservation: Implemented advanced irrigation technology to save water and energy, while also making the golf course play better.
- Habitat Restoration: Established naturalized areas and pollinator habitats that enhance biodiversity and refuge for wildlife.
- Nutrient and Chemical Management: Use precision application and organic alternatives to minimize runoff and protect nearby waterways.
- Energy Efficiency: Transitioning to electric and hybrid equipment, while improving energy performance throughout the entire club’s facilities.
“Jim’s dedication to environmental stewardship while providing enjoyable playing conditions is a tremendous representation of what our members seek to do every day,” said GCSAA President T.A. Barker, CGCS. “He doesn’t just focus on one area, but has an all-encompassing approach that benefits the members, community and industry. I appreciate and applaud his work and congratulate him on this honor.”
Pavonetti earned a winter golf turf management certificate from Rutgers University. He served as the superintendent at two New York golf courses, West Point Golf Course for two years and The Edison Club for five years, before moving to Fairview Country Club in January 2008. He became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) in 2009.
Pavonetti said golf courses are a part of larger ecosystems that can enhance their surrounding communities.
“Through thoughtful management using best management practices, golf facilities can serve as green spaces that support clean water, wildlife, and community well-being,” Pavonetti said. “Stewardship ensures the game remains sustainable for future generations and shows that golf can be a model for responsible land use and environmental care.”
To learn more about the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship, visit gcsaa.org/who-we-are/about-us/awards.