Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation honors GCSAA Centennial with $2 million donation

The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation has donated $2 million to the GCSAA Foundation in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). It is the largest single gift in GCSAA Foundation history.

The gift continues a relationship that began in 2012, when Ken Melrose made a $1 million contribution to establish the Melrose Leadership Academy. His subsequent generosity created the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, supported GCSAA’s First Green STEAM-education program and expanded additional educational and professional-development opportunities. With this latest gift, the Melrose Foundation’s total support of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization has reached $5.5 million.

Through the Melrose Leadership Academy, golf course superintendents have the opportunity to attend the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, where they gain access to education, industry leaders and a network of peers. The Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides equipment managers with similar opportunities to learn together, form lasting professional relationships and develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers.

The impact of these experiences reaches far beyond the individual participants. They return to their facilities better prepared to lead their teams, share what they have learned and contribute to the continued advancement of the golf course management profession and the golf industry. This reflects Melrose’s belief in servant leadership and in giving people opportunities they can carry forward and share with others.

“Ken believed deeply in people and in creating opportunities for them to learn, grow and then pay it forward,” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “As GCSAA begins its second century, we are deeply grateful for this extraordinary gift and committed to putting it to work in ways that will make the greatest impact for our members, advance the profession and strengthen the golf industry. It is a powerful continuation of Ken’s legacy of service.”

GCSAA marked its 100th anniversary on Sept. 13. The gift was officially announced Oct. 8 during GCSAA’s Celebration of a Century events at its headquarters in Lawrence and in Kansas City. As part of the celebration, GCSAA dedicated its new Centennial Plaza, which features plaques bearing the names of GCSAA supporters and award recipients, including participants in the Melrose Leadership Academy and Melrose Equipment Management Experience.

The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation was formed by Ken Melrose, former CEO and chairman of The Toro Company. Melrose joined Toro in 1970 and rose through the organization before being named CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2005 and as chairman in 2006. Later that year, he formed Leading by Serving, LLC, to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations.

When the Melrose Equipment Management Experience was established in 2019, Melrose said, “I believe that GCSAA is the best organization to deliver the education and training that will not only benefit golf course management professionals, but their facilities and the game.”

Melrose passed away May 3, 2020, but the Melrose Foundation has continued advancing the work and values that defined his life. Through the opportunities these programs create, his legacy will live on in the members whose careers are strengthened, the teams they lead and the people they inspire to pay it forward for generations to come.

About GCSAA

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 21,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation