Nufarm and GCSAA’s EXCEL Leadership Program awards six new graduates

The EXCEL Leadership Program, presented by Nufarm and the GCSAA, held its spring session in Raleigh and Pinehurst, N.C. Nineteen rising golf course leaders convened on April 15-17 for management and leadership training.

During the spring session, the EXCEL Leadership Program recognized six new graduates for completing the three-year mentorship and networking opportunity.

The 2024 EXCEL Leadership Program’s graduating class included:

• Aaron Cabanaw, Inver Wood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
• Charles Cecil, Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club.
• Ethan Howard, Pole Creek Golf Club in Winter Park, Colo.
• Miranda Robinson, Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
• Madison Rudsinski, Paradise Valley (Ariz.) Country Club.
• Kal Zaranec, Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho.

Photo: Nufarm

“We are all very proud of Ethan, Miranda, Aaron, Madison, Kal and Charles for graduating from the EXCEL Program, contributing to this three-year program through their active involvement and we look forward to their continued commitment to the industry by leading at their clubs, communities, the GCSAA and other allied associations,” said Jeff Eldridge, golf segment lead for Nufarm.

At Pinehurst, EXCEL Program participants learned and observed first-hand the preparation and requirements for hosting the USGA’s U.S. Open. The group also visited Nufarm’s new formulation development lab in Morrisville, N.C., to learn about the extensive process of innovating new golf course solutions.

Speakers included Certified Golf Course Superintendents (CGCS) from across the southeast, including GCSAA Southeast Regional Representative and former Golf Course Superintendent David Dettmer with TPC Piper Glen, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Todd Lawrence with Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Bob Farren with Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and Executive Vice President Pat Finlen with Denehy Club Thinking Partners.

EXCEL Program graduate and recently promoted Director of Agronomy Kyle Gentry with UNC Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill, N.C., returned to the program as a speaker to share what he had learned in his new management role and how the EXCEL Program helped him become a successful leader.

Education programming and topics included sharing career journeys, goal setting approaches, communication style approaches for win-win scenarios, being involved and engaged in your association and your local communities, preparing your courses for major tournaments such as the U.S. Open and creating a culture of excellence with your golf course team.

Applications for the next EXCEL Leadership Program class open on May 1, 2024, and will run through Friday, May 31, 2024.

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