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The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) offers the most widely recognized professional designations in the golf industry to acknowledge superintendents for their high level of achievement.
Earning the status of GCSAA Class A Member or Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) involves a combination of formal education, work experience, and continuing education. Students who complete the Two-Year Certificate Program at Rutgers are awarded 9 of the 20 points required for these professional designations.
What is a GCSAA Class A Member?
Earning the designation of GCSAA Class A member demonstrates a golf course superintendent’s personal commitment to lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, and elevating the golf course management profession. It documents and validates a superintendent’s achievements and competencies to current and potential future employers.
This designation is awarded to GCSAA members who achieve a combination of formal education, work experience as a golf course superintendent, continuing education, and possession of a valid pesticide license or passing the GCSAA IPM Exam. To maintain Class A status, continuing education and service requirements must be met. Class A membership is just one of the qualifications needed to earn the GCSAA’s highest designation of Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS).
Visit the GCSAA website for complete Class A eligibility guidelines.
Alumni Profile: Keith Wood
1998 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
Keith Wood graduated from the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School’s Two-Year Certificate Program in 1998 and is currently a GCSAA Class A Member and Director of Green and Grounds at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC.
Read about Keith’s role at the 2022 Presidents Cup!
“The Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School gave me the educational foundation to build a solid career in the golf turf industry. The schedule, instructors, and classroom setting put me in a position to learn what I would be experiencing on the golf course.” – Keith Wood
Alumni Profile: Julio Diaz
1998 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
Julio Diaz graduated from the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School’s Two-Year Certificate Program in 1998 and is currently a GCSAA Class A Member and superintendent at Puntacana Resort & Club in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Julio was featured in the July 2022 edition of Golf Course Management Magazine (GCM). Read more!
“Attending Rutgers Turf Management School Program was a turning point [in] my career as a golf course superintendent. [Rutgers] provided me with the technical knowledge and the tools that helped me find solutions to do my job at the highest level in the industry.” – Julio Diaz
What is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS)?
The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation is the most widely recognized designation in the golf industry and the highest level of recognition that can be achieved for golf course superintendents. Approximately 25% of GCSAA Class A members are certified golf course superintendents. Superintendents must meet stringent requirements in order to earn this certification. The first step in determining eligibility for becoming a CGCS is meeting the point requirements based on level of education achieved and golf course superintendent experience. Successful completion of a self-assessment, certification portfolio, certification exam, and attesting of your golf facility are also required.
Visit the GCSAA website for complete CGCS eligibility guidelines.
Alumni Profile: Kenneth Krausz
1986 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
Kenneth Krausz graduated from the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School’s Two-Year Certificate Program in 1986. He held the Director of Greens and Grounds position at Paramus Golf Course for over 22 years before his retirement, and his career achievements include becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS).
Ken was awarded the 2011 Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School Award for Professional Excellence, which is reserved for graduates who have excelled in their profession while consistently displaying leadership, fellowship, high ideals, and a desire to improve the profession. Learn more about this honor and Ken’s career!
Rutgers Can Help Prepare You for a Successful Turf Management Career
If your career objectives include becoming a GCSAA Class A member or CGCS, the skills, knowledge, and formal education points you’ll gain at Rutgers will put you well on your way to accomplishing your goals. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about our programs. We’re happy to help!
Two-Year Turf Certificate Program
Suzanne Hill, Program Coordinator
848-932-7234 | 2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu