Golf course superintendents are tasked with far more than keeping our courses in healthy and enjoyable playing conditions—they must do so in a sustainable manner that minimizes negative impacts on the environment.
For those who accomplish both goals with especial care and skill, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and Golf Digest, in partnership with Syngenta, present the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA). Four golf course superintendents have been selected as recipients of the 2025 awards.
“Golf course superintendents are committed to environmental sustainability and producing enjoyable playing conditions,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “The ELGA recipients are great examples of being able to combine these goals. We are proud of their accomplishments.”
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The annual awards have been presented since 1993, and since 2018, the ELGAs are based on environmental best management practices and honor specific areas of focus.
Kevin Goss, a 16-year GCSAA member, received the Communications and Outreach Award, which recognizes effective communication of conservation strategies with facility employees, golfers and other members of the community. Goss has been the superintendent at the nine-hole public Sugar Greek G. Cse. in Villa Park, Ill., since 2009. Goss is intentional about explaining the course’s environmental initiatives through presentations, magazine articles, posters and social media posts.
In 2024, Sugar Creek completed a streambank naturalization projfect, which made many positive contributions to the watershed and local ecosystem. Goss gives tours to explain the positive impact of local wildlife on golf courses, and he designs posters about local wildlife, native plants and environmental projects to keep golfers informed at the clubhouse. “Not everyone will run across our online media, but posters are seen by almost everyone that comes in,” he said.
Justin Brimley accepts the Natural Resource Conservation Award.
GCSAA
Recognizing effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients—as well as position prevention—The Healthy Land Stewardship Award was given to Jim Pavonetti, a 30-year GCSAA member who has been the superintendent at Fairview C.C. in Greenwich, Conn., for 18 years. Through a data driven approach, Pavonetti and his team have reduced pesticide usage by 10 percent, environmental impact of chemical programs by 25 percent, aquatic herbicides by 90 percent and irrigation by 20 percent.
“I am incredibly thrilled and honored to receive the Healthy Land Stewardship Award,” Pavonetti said. “As the golf course superintendent of Fairview Country Club, this recognition means so much. It reflects the passion and teamwork of our staff and members who care deeply about keeping our course sustainable and our property naturally beautiful.”
This is Pavonetti’s third ELGA, having been named the Natural Resource Conservation Award recipient in 2024 and the Innovation Conservation Award recipient in 2023.
The 2025 Innovation Conservation Award was given to Robin Sadler, a 22-year GCSAA member and superintendent at Mickelson National G.C. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The award recognizes unique and innovative strategies for conservation. Sadler’s sustainable initiatives are numerous and include eco-friendly algae control with solar power, grass clipping separator, irrigation with reclaimed water, biodiversity and sustainable honey harvesting, and reducing carbon and noise pollution by shifting to a lithium-powered cart fleet.
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“Mickelson National Golf Club is truly honored and humbled to receive this award,” Sadler said. “We are incredibly proud to be part of an industry that values environmental responsibility, sustainable stewardship, and innovative conservation. Sustainability in golf course management is more than just a responsibility, it is an opportunity to protect our natural resources, to enhance biodiversity, and to set a precedent for future generations.”
Finally, the Natural Resource Conservation Award was given to Justin Brimley of Crystal Springs G. Cse. in Burlingame, Calif., in recognition of his effective strategies for water and energy conservation and sound wildlife management. The course’s 110-acre property is surrounded by native habitat certified with the Audubon Sanctuary Program and Habitat Control. Brimley’s conservation efforts include using technology to avoid wasting water and creating more sustainable conservation areas under trees and more native areas to use less water.
This is Brimley’s second ELGA award, as he was the 2022 Healthy Land Stewardship recipient.
To learn more about the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, visit gcsaa.org/awards.
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
