Wednesday at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show brings a can’t-miss double hit of inspiration.
Everything kicks off with the Sunrise Opening Session at 8 a.m., with a ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of GCSAA members and empowering attendees to catch their wave and ride it wherever it may take them.
The session’s keynote speaker, two-time world-champion big wave surfer Paige Alms takes “catch your wave” literally — it’s her job, after all. Alms’ experiences riding some of the world’s most dangerous waves provides the basis for an exciting exploration of what can be accomplished when you embrace the impossible and ride the waves of your own life.
In addition to Alms, the session will also offer recognitions for the accomplishments of outgoing GCSAA president Jeff L. White and introduce the 2024 GCSAA Board of Directors. GCSAA Col. John Morley Award Winner Pat Finlen, CGCS, and 2025 GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship Winner Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS, will also be celebrated, along with GCSAA Golf Championships winner Mike Gianopoulos.
Following the Sunrise Opening Session and the opening of the 2025 GCSAA Trade Show, the hits keep on coming with a look at the future of the industry during a roundtable session titled “Working Together for Golf’s Future: Insights from USGA and GCSAA Leadership” at 11 a.m. on the GCSAA TV stage on the trade show floor. The session, moderated by Golf Digest Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde, features GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans and USGA CEO Mike Whan.
Evans and Whan will explore topics including workforce development programs, professional education, industry advocacy and the evolving role of data and technology. The session highlights GCSAA and USGA’s valuable working partnership, a partnership which Evans says is an example of the kind of collaboration that maintain the industry’s success and long-term sustainability.
“Golf’s continued success relies on collaboration across all sectors of the industry,” Evans says. “We’re fortunate to work alongside the USGA and other partners to address challenges and leverage opportunities that benefit the game as a whole. The conversation is designed to not only share insights from our organizations but to foster dialogue about the shared responsibility we all have in shaping the future of golf.”
Abby Olcese is GCM's online editor.