GCSAA reveals Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award winners

Grassroots advocacy in golf management took center stage as directors of agronomy Chris Ortmeier at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, and Clinton Tingen, CGCS, of Sandhill Crane Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., were named recipients of the Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award recognizes superintendents who excel in legislative advocacy and relationship-building with members of Congress. The award is part of GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, which currently includes more than 500 members dedicated to elevating the profession’s voice on Capitol Hill. Recipients are invited to participate in National Golf Day in Washington, D.C., where they can further influence policy affecting the industry.

Ortmeier, a 19-year GCSAA member, has leveraged his background in turfgrass management and leadership roles at Champions Golf Club to advocate on issues such as pesticide regulation and labor policy. By hosting congressional staff and engaging in direct dialogue, he’s helped ensure lawmakers understand the operational realities and challenges facing golf facilities.

Tingen, who transitioned from military service to golf course management, joined the Grassroots Ambassador Program in 2020. He quickly discovered that many policymakers were unaware of the industry’s reliance on seasonal labor and the impact of federal tax codes that exclude golf from certain economic relief programs. Tingen’s efforts have focused on educating lawmakers, particularly on water use and sustainability, and correcting misconceptions that often affect legislative decisions.

Superintendents like Ortmeier and Tingen are vital in representing the interests of golf facilities, which contribute $84 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support nearly two million jobs, according to the association. The GCSAA stated their advocacy helps shape policy on critical issues such as water conservation, labor and environmental stewardship — areas where the golf industry is increasingly under scrutiny.

Recent advocacy success stories highlight how direct engagement — such as course tours and policy briefings — can influence legislative outcomes, from water use regulations in Arizona to labor provisions at the federal level. These efforts ensure that the unique needs of the golf industry are considered in broader policy discussions.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, the role of grassroots advocacy in golf course management will only grow in importance. Ortmeier and Tingen show that building relationships with policymakers is essential for the industry’s long-term sustainability. GCSAA’s ongoing commitment to advocacy ensures that golf professionals have a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact their operations and the communities they serve.

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