New endowment will fund innovative initiatives over the next century
LAWRENCE, Kansas – The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, has embarked on a Centennial fundraising campaign to establish a new endowment honoring GCSAA’s founder, Col. John Morley, with a goal of raising $1 million to fund new and innovative initiatives for the next 100 years.
For nearly a century, GCSAA has been driven by the mission of serving its members, advancing their profession, and improving communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf; and the next 100 years can be even more remarkable through the campaign.
GCSAA will turn 100 on Sept. 13, 2026, and organizations and individuals can be a part of celebrating this monumental achievement as GCSAA looks back on a century of milestones and forward to the exciting possibilities ahead.
“GCSAA’s Centennial marks a century of dedication, growth and innovation for the golf course management industry, and that would not have been possible without our loyal members and industry partners who helped shape that success,” GCSAA and GCSAA Foundation CEO Rhett Evans said. “The Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign will be the cornerstone of how we can help shape the future of the industry and the game in our next 100 years.”
Individuals can show their support and have a permanent record of their gift by donating to receive a personalized plaque that will be placed in the plaza at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. Donors can give at the $100, $300 or $500 level to receive a plaque and other commemorative items depending on the level.
Individuals and organizations donating at higher levels will also receive plaques or pavers on the plaza as well as recognition in GCSAA print and digital media outlets; at the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (CTS); and at the GCSAA Centennial Celebration Feb. 3 in Orlando during the CTS.
The GCSAA Foundation is deeply grateful to the donors who have made early gifts of more than $160,000 to provide a foundation and momentum for this important campaign. As of Sept. 23, 2025, donors include:
- Central California GCSA
- Envu
- Everglades GCSA
- Florida GCSA
- Foley Company
- Hawaii GCSA
- Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
- PBI-Gordon
- P2 Golf Products
- PGA TOUR
- Profile | Golf
- Syngenta
- The Toro Company
- TURFCO
With the official launch of the campaign, the association welcomes gifts of any size from individuals, organizations, and the broader golf community to further strengthen philanthropic support of GCSAA’s mission for the next 100 years.
More information about GCSAA’s Centennial, the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign and a complete list of recognition for each giving level is available at gcsaa.org/centennial-campaign.