GCGC Superintendent Receives Professional Certification

Jason Koester CGCS Receives Professional Certification

Lawrence, Kan. (April 4, 2025) – Jason Koester, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Grinnell (Iowa) College Golf Course, has completed the renewal process for maintaining his elite status with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Koester has been at Grinnell since 2008.

A 25-year GCSAA member, he initially achieved his certification in 2005. Only about 900 golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold top-level status as a certified golf course superintendent.

“This program requires the highest set of competencies in golf course management through testing and practical application, and we are proud of the association’s Class A members who have advanced and continue to hold the highest level of professional recognition as a certified golf course superintendent,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “We congratulate Jason on retaining the CGCS designation.”

To become a CGCS, a candidate must have at least three years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, met all GCSAA Class A member requirements, passed the proctored online exam covering agronomy, business and environmental management; completed the communication and leadership requirement; and undergone a successful attesting of the golf course.

“Being a certified golf course superintendent shows dedication to our great profession, commitment to continued learning and hard work,” Koester said. “CGCS is more than four letters behind your name. It demonstrates setting a goal, accomplishing it, and maintaining a high level of professionalism in the golf course industry and turfgrass maintenance.”

In order to maintain certified status, superintendents are required to complete a renewal process every five years. Koester has completed these renewal cycles since initially becoming certified.

To learn more about the CGCS program, visit gcsaa.org/CGCS.

About GCSAA

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 20,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.

 

The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.

/by

Adjustments to Fairways and Rough

You will see some adjustments to our fairways and rough as the growing season gets underway. We want the course to be fun, yet challenging to most of our golfers.  Some golfers call this “protecting the golf course” or “ensuring course integrity”. There is an ever-changing balance to this, but some guiding factors are:

  • Mother Nature:
    • We have an aging, single-row irrigation system so the fairways are being slightly redirected to align with the irrigation system.  We have had reduced rains the past few summers and this will help improve water conservation while improving turf conditions.
    • Mother Nature has also removed many of our trees the last few years between the derecho and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
  • Avoiding Forced Carries:  We don’t want a topped tee shot to be further punished.  We will attempt to keep the turf in front of tee boxes as groomed as possible
  • Reducing Input Costs:  Fuel, chemical, and labor costs are all increased in more tightly mown areas.  Reducing our total acres of fairways will help us operate more efficiently.

We ultimately want our golfers to have more fun and memorable experiences.  We encourage golfers to play from a tee box (or even a yardage) that they find the most rewarding.  As course conditions change, this may have you hitting from a easier or more difficult tee area.

/by

Volunteer Cleanup Day

Saturday, March 15th

We will have a volunteer cleanup day on Saturday, March 15th from 9 am – Noon.  All ages and abilities are welcome to help cleanup around the course.  Bring yourself, gloves, and appropriate attire.  We look forward to seeing you with this “many hands, light work” project!

Students from Grinnell High School help with some spring clean up at the Grinnell College Golf Course March 26, 2024. (Photo by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College)

/by

Opening Day 2025

Friday, March 7th

We will be opening for the season on Friday, March 7th.  You can book your tee times at golf.grinnell.edu or by calling the Pro Shop at 641-269-3590.  We will remain open for the season, but the Pro Shop will be closed if the high temperature is below 45 degrees.

We look forward to seeing you on the course!

PS – Don’t forget to check out our new rate structure.

/by

Titleist Loyalty Rewarded Program

Buy 3 Dozen, Get 1 Dozen Free

Titleist will be offering their Loyalty Rewarded Promotion again this March. Loyalty Rewarded offers your golfers a special Titleist offer of “Buy 3 Dozen, Get 1 Dozen Free” of personalized or stock dozens of Pro V1, Pro V1x, Pro V1x Left Dash, and AVX. This year, Pro V1, Pro V1x, and Pro V1x Left Dash Enhanced Alignment will also be available as part of this promotion. Note: Pro V1 and Pro V1x will only be available in White models.

Fill out this linked form to complete you order.  Orders must be placed by March 30th to qualify for this offer.  Please email the Pro Shop with any questions.

/by

Teeing Up for an Exciting Year at GCGC

Make sure to check out our rates!

 

 

 

/by

New Rate Structures at GCGC

Teeing Up for an Exciting Year at GCGC – New Golf Pass Structure

Grinnell College Golf Course is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. From reinvesting in enhanced playing conditions to introducing new programming, we’ve been working hard to create a space that patrons can enjoy year-round.

Now, we’re excited to share our new simplified rate structure designed to make golf at GCGC more accessible and convenient for everyone! By transitioning away from multiple rate classifications, we’re making it easier than ever for area golfers to enjoy all that our course and clubhouse have to offer.

Our “Return to Golf” introductory offer has been a tremendous success over the last four years, but we know that having varying rates could sometimes be confusing. This new approach streamlines everything while maintaining the welcoming environment we strive for.

We’re excited to continue growing, improving, and sharing our passion for golf with the community with the below rate structure:

  • Single Membership
    $500
  • Cart Lease
    $250
    Unlimited cart utilization for a single rider.
  • GHIN Handicap Fee
    $30

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Youth On Course to provide $5/round golf to youth enrolled in this national program.

Have your own cart? Please reach out to golfcourse@grinnell.edu for trail fees and cart storage rates.

/by

Club Regripping

‘Tis The Season For Club Regripping

Our certified staff are ready and available to get your clubs regripped. We have many grips in stock and can order from all major brands including Winn, SuperStroke, Pure, Golf Pride, Lamkin, Iomic, and many more!

Want this to be in the form of a gift certificate? Feel free to reach out to the Pro Shop at 641-269-3590 or via email and we get one made for you!

/by

Snowflake Soirée

Saturday, January 25th

Come join us for our inaugural Snowflake Soirée on Saturday, January 25th.  We want to raise a glass to celebrate our loved ones, friends, and community!  Cost is $50/person for the meal and entertainment.  Cash bar will be available.

We’ll provide the libations starting with a cocktail hour at 6:30 pm

  • Espresso Martini Ice Luge
  • Themed winter drinks
  • Mocktails

We’ll provide the food with a series of small plates starting at 7:30 PM:

  • Crudite Trays
  • Stuffed Mushrooms Florentine
  • Bacon Wrapped Dates with Smoked Almond
  • Short Rib Taco with Crispy Shallots
  • Potato Stuffed Ravioli with Ginger Sauce
  • Asparagus in Phyllo
  • Tiny Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
  • Eggplant Roll with Walnut
  • Crab & Coconut Dip with Plantain Chips
  • Raspberry Cheesecake Shooters

We’ll provide the music

  • Live music during the cocktail hour and food service
  • DJ starting at 9 pm until the last snowflake falls

You provide:

  • An apetite
  • A celebratory spirit
  • A pair of dancing shoes to replace your formal ones!

We encourage guests to “Dress to Impress” for this occasion

Please RSVP at your convenience:

Snowflake Soirée RSVP

Please enter a number from 1 to 10.

/by

GCGC Tailgate

Saturday, November 23

Both Iowa and ISU are both away on the 23rd.  We will have the games on all of our TV’s. Bring a tailgate dish to share and wear your favorite cardinal & gold or black & gold.  The Iowa game kickoff is at 11 AM and the ISU game is still TBD.

   

/by