Three Recognized for Excellence in Government Relations by GCSAA

Michael Maffei, Peter McDonough and Richard Staughton, have been selected to receive the 2008 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Excellence in Government Relations (EGR) Awards for their exceptional commitment to advocacy.

Maffei is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Morefar Golf Course in Brewster, N.Y. McDonough is the GCSAA Class A superintendent at the Keswick (Va.) Club, and Staughton is the CGCS at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club in Woodstock, Ga.

"Richard, Peter and Mike have done much to elevate the profile of the golf course management industry," said GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, CGCS. "They have done a tremendous job advocating and informing government officials about the efficient use of water our industry exhibits."

The awards will be presented January 31 during the Opening Session of the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Orlando. EGR Award nominees were judged on how their efforts have served the interests of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry. Members of the GCSAA Government Relations Committee conducted the evaluation.

Maffei serves the golf course management profession by being a tireless advocate and effectively communicating golf industry views on legislative and regulatory issues. He has spearheaded many legislative efforts, effectively organized industry coalitions, and was instrumental in forming the New York State Turfgrass Association's annual Turfgrass Advocacy Day.

McDonough, a strong voice for the profession, has been integral in shaping Virginia's water laws through efforts to educate lawmakers on golf course management and water conservation practices. Most recently he directly helped develop state regulations on water reclamation and reuse.

Staughton has worked diligently for the past three years with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Georgia GCSA Water Task Force, chapter members and state officials to improve water conservation in the state, including creating and implementing unprecedented statewide water best management practices for golf courses.

For more about the GCSAA, visit www.gcsaa.org.