MVGCSA Past, Present, and Future

The Mississippi Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association, when I tell people that my new job is the Director of Operations for this distinguished association they say, “who”? I will patiently explain to them who we are and what we do. Most golfers will react with interest in the fact that they didn’t know such an association exists. The PGA, the USGA, sure they are familiar with or even members of those organizations. Wouldn’t it only make sense that the ladies and gentlemen who care for the facilities they use have a similar organization that raises money, educates, networks, collaborates, and ensures that the future of their profession is in good hands? Well, it does exist and every so often it pays to remind the golfing public to look around while they’re teeing it up and take a moment to enjoy the natural beauty in which they get to enjoy the game. The members of the MVGCSA are the stewards of that natural beauty and they don’t take their jobs lightly.

As the incoming Director of Operations I have been blown away by the organization and dedication that the members of the MVGCSA have shown in order to grow their association. The majority of our association hold full time professions that can be very demanding this time of year and yet 132 of them showed up at our annual Green Cup tournament on May 22nd to raise upwards of twenty-five thousand dollars to put towards our Gateway Research Environmental Education Network. Not only did they show up to golf, but many of them volunteered their valuable time away from their facilities to help organize and run the event. Being a newcomer to the group I was in awe of the pride they take in putting their best foot forward.

Just nine short years ago the future of the MVGCSA was in limbo. In need of a leadership change, the association turned to Chuck Gast. Chuck has served as the Director of Operations during these hugely successful years. During a recent meeting Chuck pulled up a report from 2014 to use as an example. As I looked at the amount of files on his laptop I asked if any of those existed prior to him taking over, the answer was a quick “no”. His leadership has built a strong foundation from scratch, this foundation can now be used to capitalize on a current golf boom. Without the leadership of Chuck Gast none of this could be possible. As we bid a very grateful goodbye to Chuck we will keep an eye to the future looking for new opportunities for growth and improvement. My hope is to help the MVGCSA continue on a successful trajectory while realizing the full reach of their place in the golf industry.