What Does It Take to Become a CGCS?

The Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation is the highest level of professional certification in our industry, held by less than 2% of all superintendents. It is a rigorous process that ensures a superintendent has demonstrated expertise in agronomy, business management, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

To be eligible, a superintendent must:

✅ Have at least three years of experience as a golf course superintendent.

✅ Hold a Class A membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

✅ Complete four key components of the certification process:

1. Leadership and Communication Attesting – Demonstrating management and leadership skills.

2. Examinations – Passing comprehensive tests on agronomy, business management, and environmental management.

3. Education and Experience Portfolio – Documenting professional development and course management strategies.

4. Onsite Course Attesting – Having two CGCS-certified superintendents evaluate course conditions and maintenance practices.

The Course Attesting Process

On Friday, I will be hosting Jeff Whitmire, CGCS (Williamsburg Club) and Trevor Hedgepeth, CGCS (Kinloch Golf Club) at Brickshire Golf Club for my onsite course attesting. This is the final step in the certification process, where experienced, certified superintendents evaluate my work firsthand, ensuring that the course meets the high standards required for certification.

During the attesting process, they will assess:

✔️ Overall course conditions – Greens, fairways, bunkers, and roughs.

✔️ Turf health and playability – Agronomic programs, fertility, and maintenance practices.

✔️ Environmental stewardship – Water management, resource conservation, and sustainability efforts.

✔️ Facility management – Equipment maintenance, staff organization, and budget considerations.

A Lifelong Goal

Achieving CGCS status has been a goal of mine since my time at Horry Georgetown Technical College, and to be on the verge of accomplishing it is incredibly rewarding. This designation not only reflects dedication to excellence in golf course management, but also a commitment to continual learning and improvement.

I’m looking forward to this final step and sharing the results soon!