Golf’s voice in government depends in part on industry professionals who are willing to build relationships, correct misconceptions and explain the game’s environmental, economic and community value.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has recognized two of those advocates—Jim Culley of Seed King Enterprises and Jonathan Williams of Troon Golf—with its Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Awards.
Presented in partnership with The Toro Co., the award honors individuals who have strengthened golf industry advocacy, advanced the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda and developed productive relationships with members of Congress. Award recipients receive a trip through Toro to participate in National Golf Day in Washington, D.C.
Building Relationships on Capitol Hill
The leadership award is part of GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, which pairs association members with congressional offices. The program is designed to help lawmakers better understand golf course management and the issues affecting the industry.
More than 600 GCSAA members currently serve as Grassroots Ambassadors.
Rather than relying solely on formal lobbying, the program builds connections between policymakers and golf course management professionals who can provide firsthand information about sustainability, water use, environmental stewardship, recreation and the economic role of golf facilities.
Jim Culley Advocates in California and Washington
Culley, owner of Seed King Enterprises in Thousand Oaks, California, has been a GCSAA member for 30 years. He joined the Grassroots Ambassador program in 2021 and is paired with Rep. Julia Brownley of California.
His participation in National Golf Day began in 2022 and has given him opportunities to meet with Brownley and discuss legislation affecting golf. Those efforts helped gain her support and co-sponsorship of the Personal Health Investment Today Act, commonly known as the PHIT Act.
Culley’s advocacy also extends to the state level. He has served on the California Golf Course Superintendents Association board since 2011.
Environmental policy has been another important area of his work. Culley collaborated with GCSAA Director of Government Affairs Chava McKeel as the association prepared public comments concerning the Monarch butterfly’s designation under the Endangered Species Act—an issue with implications for golf course maintenance and habitat management.
“The most rewarding part of being a Grassroots Ambassador is ongoing. Being a part of how GCSAA provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a workable program for golf superintendents is one of the most important services I can provide,” Culley said.
Jonathan Williams Helps Tell Golf’s Sustainability Story
Williams, director of science and agronomy at Troon Golf in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a GCSAA member for 13 years. He joined the Grassroots Ambassador program shortly after its launch in 2014 and is paired with Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.
His advocacy has included encouraging Kelly’s support for the Parity for Athletic Recreation Act, also known as the PAR Act.
Williams also participated in a meeting with Kelly’s state director at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix. He was joined by GCSAA Senior Manager of Government Affairs Michael Lee, Grassroots Advocacy Specialist Kelly Lonker and representatives from the Arizona Alliance for Golf.
The group addressed misconceptions about golf—particularly those involving water use—and discussed the industry’s sustainability efforts. Papago Golf Course provided an appropriate setting for the conversation because of its community-focused role in Arizona golf.
“I joined the program because I believed that our industry needed a stronger voice in both Arizona and Washington. Advocacy is critical, especially as golf faces increased scrutiny in Arizona and beyond,” Williams said.
“Through the Grassroots Ambassador program, I’ve been able to represent our profession, highlight golf’s community and environmental value, and contribute to shaping policies that will influence its future. Golf tells a powerful story of sustainability, community and opportunity, and it’s up to us to ensure that story is told truthfully and proudly.”
Giving Golf Course Management a Stronger Voice
The work recognized by the Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Awards illustrates the value of sustained relationships between golf professionals and elected officials.
For golf course superintendents, advocacy increasingly includes explaining complex subjects such as water conservation, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public recreation and the economic impact of golf. Those conversations can help policymakers make informed decisions while giving the industry an opportunity to address misconceptions directly.
Through the Grassroots Ambassador program, Culley, Williams and hundreds of other GCSAA members are helping ensure that golf course management professionals have a knowledgeable and credible voice in those discussions.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is a professional association serving approximately 20,000 members in more than 78 countries. Headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, GCSAA provides education, information and representation for golf course management professionals.
The GCSAA Foundation supports advocacy, education and research advancing the work of golf course management professionals.
Information and quotations provided by GCSAA.
