On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, golfers around the world will have an opportunity to recognize some of the most important—and often least visible—professionals in the game: golf course superintendents and their teams.
International Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the men and women responsible for preparing, maintaining and protecting the playing fields that make the game possible. Golfers can participate by simply saying “thank you” when they see a superintendent or member of the maintenance crew, sharing a message or photo, or joining the conversation on social media with #ThankASuper. In the United Kingdom and Europe, #ThankAGreenkeeper is also being used.
The 2026 celebration is particularly meaningful as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) marks its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926, GCSAA represents approximately 20,000 members in more than 78 countries and provides education, advocacy and professional resources for those who manage golf courses.
The organization introduced Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day in 2014. The 2025 campaign generated more than 20 million social-media impressions worldwide, demonstrating the growing recognition of the profession.
African American Superintendents Have a Proud History
For African Americans, the story of golf course management is particularly significant. Long before diversity and inclusion became common conversations within the golf industry, Black men and women were maintaining courses, caring for turf and contributing to the development of golf while frequently facing segregation and limited professional opportunities.
According to GCSAA’s Mid-Atlantic regional resources, Black golf course superintendents have historically represented approximately 7 percent of all superintendents. The organization also recognizes the broader challenges created by golf’s history of racial exclusion.
One of the earliest and most important figures was Joseph Bartholomew, a Louisiana golf pioneer who began as a caddie and eventually became a greenskeeper, golf course builder and designer. In 1922, he built what GCSAA describes as the first public golf course built by an African American man. Yet, despite helping create courses, Bartholomew was often prevented from playing on them because of segregation. His story illustrates an important contradiction in American golf history: Black professionals could be entrusted with the difficult work of maintaining and even creating golf courses while being denied equal access to the game.
Another landmark figure is Bill Powell, founder of Clearview Golf Club. After serving in World War II, Powell returned home and encountered discrimination when he attempted to obtain financing for a golf course. With financial assistance from two Black physicians and his brother, Powell and his wife, Marcella, established Clearview Golf Club.
Opening its first nine holes in 1948, Clearview became a historic achievement. It is recognized as the only golf facility in Ohio designed, built, owned and operated by an African American. The course was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Powell’s legacy continued through his son, Larry Powell, who began mowing fairways at Clearview at age eight and eventually became its superintendent. Bill and Larry Powell became the only known African American father-son members of GCSAA. Larry also served on GCSAA’s diversity task group and was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
The Powell family’s influence continues today through the Larry Powell Scholarship, established by GCSAA and the GCSAA Foundation to support students from underserved populations pursuing careers in golf course and turfgrass management.
In August 2026, GCSAA announced Tizayi Sithole as the recipient of the Larry Powell Scholarship. Sithole is pursuing a master’s degree in turfgrass science management through Penn State World Campus while serving as an assistant superintendent at the Country Club of New Canaan in Connecticut.
More Than Keeping the Greens Green
Today’s superintendent is much more than someone who cuts grass.
Modern golf course management requires expertise in turfgrass science, soil health, irrigation, water conservation, pest management, environmental stewardship, budgeting, personnel management and technology. Superintendents increasingly use sophisticated data, autonomous equipment and artificial intelligence to make decisions about course conditions and sustainability.
They are also responsible for managing teams and balancing the expectations of golfers, owners, clubs and communities—all while dealing with weather, environmental regulations and the constant demand for exceptional playing conditions.
For African American superintendents, that professional responsibility also carries a historical dimension. Their presence represents the continued evolution of an industry in which Black workers and professionals have contributed for generations, often without receiving the recognition they deserved.
Say Thank You
Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day provides an easy opportunity for golfers to acknowledge that contribution.
Throughout September, golfers can visit ** ThankASuper.org** to share a message, photograph or video of appreciation. They can also participate on social media using #ThankASuper or #ThankAGreenkeeper.
Most importantly, golfers can take a moment the next time they see a superintendent or maintenance team working on the course.
Give them a wave. Offer a smile. Say thank you.
Every beautiful fairway, healthy green and well-maintained tee box has a team behind it. And on September 8, the golf community has an opportunity to recognize the professionals who work behind the scenes to keep the game—and its history—on course.
For more information about Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day and the profession, visit GCSAA.org.
