Steven Spatafore, director of agronomy at Los Altos (Calif.) Golf and Country Club, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Emerging Leader Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Emerging Leader Award, which is presented in partnership with John Deere, recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a superintendent with less than five years of experience or a student, associate member or assistant superintendent who displays continuous growth in service and leadership.
“To be recognized for doing what I love is truly special,” Spatafore said. “I share this award with my team members, who work hard every single day and with my mentors that have always encouraged my participation in the GCSAA.”
Spatafore became a GCSAA member 11 years ago as a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While in school, he had summer internships at Valhalla Golf Club, Cypress Point Club and Pasatiempo Golf Club. After graduation, he spent one year as an assistant-in-training at Pebble Beach Resorts and as an assistant superintendent at Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, Calif.
“My interest in golf course maintenance began at the age of 12 when I met Billy Hausch, then assistant superintendent at Pebble Beach Golf Links, during the AT&T Pro-Am,” Spatafore said. “That initial encounter led to several years of volunteering at the tournament, where I developed a deep appreciation for the early mornings, the beauty of the sunrises and the daily reward of seeing the results of our collective efforts. Those formative experiences were instrumental in shaping my passion for golf course maintenance and setting the course for my career.”
He was promoted to superintendent at Contra Costa in September of 2020 and served in that position until June of 2025 when he was tabbed as the director of agronomy at Los Altos Golf and Country Club.
Spatafore serves as a mentor for associates in their career development in the same way that many have and continue doing for him. While still early in his own career, Spatafore takes great pride in helping others in the industry.
His leadership is evident in his involvement with GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, Government Affairs Committee and PAC Board. He has participated in meetings with members of Congress as part of National Golf Day the last two years.
He is a member and past president of the Northern California Golf Course Superintendents Association. “Steven is a great choice for this award,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “He is a tremendous example of someone who has taken advantage of having wonderful mentors and he understands his role of passing that knowledge and mentorship to others. He is making a difference in the industry, not only locally, but nationally with his involvement in issues that affect the future of golf.”
Spatafore will formally receive the award during the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in February in Orlando.