Bradley Seay, Maroon Creek Club golf course superintendent, directing team members during a morning meeting. Photos courtesy Brett Klahr
From the first time he saw the title “CGCS” behind someone’s name, Brett Klahr, CGCS, knew he wanted to pursue it.
Since then, the director of agronomy at Maroon Creek Club in Aspen, Colo., wanted his staff members to pursue their own certifications.
“Pursuing CGCS had been a personal and professional milestone for me since I was promoted to assistant superintendent,” says Klahr, a 14-year GCSAA member. “I remember seeing ‘CGCS’ behind superintendents’ names and thinking, ‘What an incredible accomplishment.’ It represents the highest professional standard in our industry, and I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of earning it.”
Now, Klahr says he proactively encourages his staff members to pursue GCSAA certifications, and his organization pays for them to do so.
“Continuing education is a fundamental expectation for our golf course management team,” Klahr says. “I firmly believe that surrounding yourself with individuals who share a passion for lifelong learning is essential to both personal growth and the advancement of our agronomic operation. The pursuit of knowledge is ongoing, and I expect my team to be as committed to that journey as I am.”
Among his full-time staff of seven (along with 35 seasonal employees), so far three are certified, and one is working on certification (and two who attained certification at Maroon Creek have since moved on to other jobs):
Bradley Seay, Maroon Creek’s current golf course superintendent, has completed the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series.
Clark McCall, assistant superintendent, has also completed the ASCS.
Rigo Garcia, assistant equipment manager, has completed Level 1 and Level 2 of the Equipment Management Certificate Program.
Carlos Gomez, Maroon Creek’s new equipment manager, is working on Level 1 of the EMCP.
Brett K. Klahr, CGCS, Maroon Creek Club director of agronomy.
Klahr says although his organization does not provide any incentives to attain certification — other than paying for its cost — he believes attaining the certification is incentive on its own.
“The knowledge gained during certification directly contributes to the improvement of our playing surfaces and member satisfaction. More importantly, it supports each team member’s personal and professional development, which I believe is invaluable,” Klahr says.
That said, often those attaining certification end up getting compensation increases due to improved performance, he says.
“While there is no automatic compensation increase tied to certification, those who demonstrate improved performance, deeper understanding and a measurable impact on our product often receive increased compensation. At Maroon Creek Club, those who have completed certifications have consistently shown value that merits financial recognition,” Klahr says.
For his part, Klahr pursued CGCS certification because it is the highest professional recognition in his field. He also earned the EMCP certification to expand his skill set.
“I’m always looking for ways to grow, and this program was a natural fit for expanding my understanding of equipment management and supporting our technicians,” he says.
Klahr said the certification process was rewarding, albeit challenging — in a good way.
“One of the main challenges was my geographic background. Being a lifelong Colorado superintendent, I had limited exposure to warm-season turfgrass, which required extra study to pass the exams,” Klahr says.
“Another significant challenge was completing the portfolio. That process opened my eyes to the broader responsibilities of golf course management beyond turf care — including HR, budgeting and crisis planning. These experiences helped me better understand the business side of the profession, which is critical for success as a superintendent.”
Resources for preparing for certification are available on GCSAA’s website at https://bit.ly/40JuBXP, including a certification study guide, sample questions, certification process FAQ and certification exams FAQ.
Looking back, Klahr said attaining CGCS has proved invaluable.
“Earning CGCS validated my understanding of all aspects of golf course management. It exposed me to topics I wouldn’t have otherwise explored, and it provided solutions to challenges I hadn’t even encountered yet. In many ways, it gave me tools that continue to benefit me today,” he said.
Rigo Garcia, Maroon Creek Club assistant equipment manager, has completed levels 1 and 2 of the EMCP.
Steep learning curve
Superintendent Bradley Seay said that when he joined Maroon Creek as assistant superintendent in 2020, it was his first job after completing his bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
“That first year came with a steep learning curve, full of challenges, growth and new responsibilities. During this time, I watched firsthand as my boss (then-superintendent Klahr) diligently studied and prepared for his CGCS certification. I saw how highly regarded that certification was, and I knew it was something I’d eventually pursue myself,” says Seay, a six-year GCSAA member.
“I saw (the ASCS certification) as the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge — particularly in agronomics and business — and to set a foundation for pursuing the CGCS later on. I committed to working on the four tiers of the ASCS series during evenings after work, and within a few weeks I had completed all the components.
“Balancing the demands of the job with evening study sessions required a lot of discipline and time management,” Seay says.
“I’d recommend that others consider tackling the program during the offseason when there’s more flexibility to focus on the coursework.”
What he found most valuable among the course of ASCS study were the business and leadership modules, Seay says.
“Those are often the areas that turf degree programs don’t emphasize enough. Universities do a great job providing agronomic knowledge, but leadership, communication and team management skills are critical for success in our industry and often need to be developed separately,” Seay says. “As superintendents, we’re responsible for inspiring our teams, communicating expectations clearly, and creating a culture of pride and excellence in the work we do.”
Carlos Gomez, Maroon Creek’s new equipment manager, is working on Level 1 of the EMCP.
Mind-opening
Assistant superintendent Clark McCall says that, in completing his ASCS certification, he also found the business module both the most challenging and beneficial.
“For me having never really done anything on the business side of things within the industry, the business section was definitely the most challenging, but the material that you learn opens your mind up to a new way of thinking,” says McCall, a six-year GCSAA member. “I think it is one of the most important areas to learn when wanting to take the next step into a superintendent or director of agronomy role.”
McCall says pursuing continuing education demonstrates that you are not complacent or stuck in your ways.
“It shows a willingness to learn and grow and continue to better yourself as the industry itself evolves and new agronomic practices are developed,” he says.
He says it’s clear Maroon Creek leadership values his completing the certification.
“Since completing my certificate, I’ve seen my level of responsibility continually grow,” McCall says. “They have shown a commitment to help pay for continuing education experiences, such as yearly trips to the GCSAA shows, whether it be the national or local chapter events. They have provided the means for me to be able to take college classes and take classes for other certificates or licenses. Really, they have shown that if you are putting in the time to better yourself for the club, they are willing to invest in you and help you in whatever way possible.”
Klahr said ownership and management at Maroon Creek Club value his team’s certifications as well as his CGCS certification.
“Ownership and management at Maroon Creek Club deeply value the CGCS designation. It gives them confidence in my ability to lead the department and manage the club’s most significant asset: the golf course. With such a large portion of the club’s budget tied to maintenance, having a certified superintendent assures them that resources are being used efficiently and effectively,” Klahr says.
“Certification demonstrates a commitment to growth and excellence. It proves that you’re willing to learn, even with a demanding schedule. Certifications show your team, your club and the industry that you’re serious about your craft. They build credibility, boost confidence and open doors.”
Clark McCall, Maroon Creek Club assistant superintendent, has completed the ASCS.
Meeting the highest expectations
Pursuing certification is something any dedicated golf course professional should consider, says Klahr.
“Certifications elevate the entire profession. They establish standards, encourage self-improvement and push individuals to be better,” Klahr said.
“Most superintendents I know pursued CGCS not for the title, but to prove they could meet the highest expectations. That pursuit creates a ripple effect: better leaders, better courses, better experiences for golfers. In an industry full of competition, certifications give us a framework to share knowledge and grow together. They also help bridge the gap between clubs and professionals by demonstrating competence and commitment. It’s about building a future for the profession that is rooted in excellence and integrity.”
Klahr said he would strongly encourage superintendents considering certifications for their staff members to pursue them.
“There is nothing more rewarding than watching your staff grow through certification. It builds confidence, leadership and pride. The GCSAA certification programs are cost-effective and incredibly valuable, both for individuals and facilities,” he says. “Encouraging your staff to pursue certification shows them you care about their future. And completing one yourself reinforces your commitment to excellence. The benefits aren’t always immediate, but they are always lasting.
“Most importantly, the certification journey inspires a mindset of continuous improvement — a trait that benefits every aspect of the golf course operation. By investing in yourself and your team, you’re investing in the future of your club, your profession and your own leadership legacy.”
For his part, McCall says pursuing certification is a ready way to propel a career in turf forward by learning the latest professional information.
“I think it can take someone who may be unsure of their place within the profession and propel their confidence by developing knowledge of where this industry is headed, as well as continuing to learn things that we may have learned in the past but in a new and different way,” McCall says.
Likewise, Seay says he would strongly encourage anyone invested in their golf course maintenance career to pursue certification.
“Pursuing (GCSAA certification) is a no-brainer,” Seay says. “I believe we should all be striving for continued education, regardless of where we are in our careers. If you’re not actively learning and evolving, you’re not just standing still — you’re falling behind. With the pace of change in technology and agronomic research, our profession is constantly evolving. Certifications like the ASCS help us stay current, expand our skill set and push ourselves to be better every day.”
McCall readily agrees. “Why wait? There’s no better time like the present to do something for yourself and continue to grow and evolve as the industry itself does,” he says. “Don’t get left behind — do something that stands out, because you never know when that dream job might become available.”
Phil Cauthon is GCM’s managing editor.