Kerry Haigh earns Outstanding Contribution Award from GCSAA

Kerry Haigh, PGA of America Chief Championships Officer, has  been selected to receive the 2027 Outstanding Contribution Award from the Golf Course  Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). 

The Outstanding Contribution Award is given to an individual who has made a significant  contribution to the membership, through outstanding contributions for the golf course  industry. The contribution must be significant in both substance and duration. The outstanding  contribution may be or have been regional in nature. 

“I’m honored and extremely excited,” Haigh said. “I’m biased, but I really admire what all  superintendents do. They all seem to reflect the same great traits and are extremely  knowledgeable and personable. The way they continue to move the industry forward and work  with technology and data that has taken such great strides in recent years is incredible.” 

Since August 1989, Haigh has overseen PGA of America championships. He also has taken the  reigns for the Ryder Cup. He’s the one in charge to set up courses for the world’s most well known golfers during those events such as the PGA Championship. 

The son of a teacher, Haigh was introduced to the game by his father, Gordon. Growing up in a  coal-mining town, he tagged along with his dad every weekend at Wheatley Golf Club in Doncaster, Yorkshire. 

Haigh was good enough to play for his college team, the University of Leeds. There, his classes  foreshadowed his future: Haigh studied planning and administration, setting the stage for his  career. An internship for six weeks at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland gave him his first experience  working in golf, where he learned “generally what goes into managing and operating on the  club side.”

GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession and improving communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of  the game of golf.  

The British PGA was a career starting point for Haigh in the early 1980s. He did myriad things in  his role from managing events, overseeing rules, learning about agronomy, golf course setup,  roping and staking. 

Haigh has been on the scene for PGA Championships such as Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield,  N.J., when Mark Kuhns, CGCS, was there. “He takes care of us to the end,” said Kuhns, 2009  GCSAA president and 46-year association member. “He’s a champion for superintendents.” 

Haigh will be recognized on Thursday, Jan. 21, during the Closing Session of the 2027 GCSAA  Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans. 

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 20,000 members in more than 78 countries. The  association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve  communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at  www.gcsaa.org or visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com. 

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.

GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession and improving