Hollingsworth, a 14-year GCSAA member, obtained the golf industry’s highest level of recognition for superintendents by completing the rigorous two-year certification program in September. Of the 7,500 Class A GCSAA members, only 25 percent earn the CGCS distinction, with only 43 of those 1,875 CGCS members located in South Carolina.
To qualify for GCSAA’s certification program, a candidate must have at least three years experience as a golf course superintendent, be currently employed in this capacity and meet post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing education points. The candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated through the development of a portfolio consisting of their responses to skill statements, case-study scenarios and submission of work samples; an on-site inspection of their golf facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering: equipment, irrigation systems, materials and technology; golf course and grounds; human resources, rules of golf, financial and administrative systems, regulatory and programmatic systems, crisis management, project management and ethics and values.
“I have a strong desire to improve myself and to continue to learn,” said Hollingsworth. “Going through the certification process forced me to think about our golf course operation, seek ways to improve and review some ideas that I hadn't thought about in a while. I also learned from visiting certified superintendents how they manage their golf courses, staff, and operation that I will use daily to care for Dataw’s courses.”
“The Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation is one of the most highly-regarded professional certification programs in the golf industry and we are very proud of Brian’s commitment to earn this certification,” said Ted Bartlett, general manager of Dataw Island. “This program requires the superintendent to demonstrate a higher standard of competencies in golf course management through testing and practical application. Brian’s knowledge and ongoing continuing education as a CGCS insures that Dataw Club members will consistently enjoy superior course conditions.”
The Gadsden, Ala. native joined the Dataw staff in April of 2005 as the director of golf maintenance and directs the overall operation of the golf maintenance department through the preparation of budget and capital expenditures. His other day-to-day responsibilities include facilitating member communication and public relations through articles written for club publications; actively participating in meetings, speaking engagements with the Dataw Island Golf Association (DIGA), Dataw Island Women’s Golf Association (DIWGA) and other club groups; forming long range plans for both Dataw’s golf courses; ensuring environmental compliance with state and federal regulations; implementing the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program to achieve and maintain certified status; maintaining high standards of environmental awareness and ethics; and coordinating, planning and scheduling golf course work weekly with the superintendents who are responsible for implementing those plans.
Hollingsworth is a graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soils, and also holds a masters degree from Auburn in turf grass management.
About Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org for more information.
About Dataw Island
Located just outside of the antebellum town of Beaufort, S.C., Dataw Island combines a life of privacy and luxury. Recognized as one of the top coastal residential communities in the Southeast, this secluded 870-acre gated community offers residents the best in South Carolina Lowcountry living. Adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and lush marshes, the Dataw community provides residents with the finest amenities in the southeast; two of the finest Lowcountry golf courses, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, championship croquet lawns, indoor and outdoor pools, community and fitness center, boat marina and a wide selection of dining options. For more information, contact Dataw Island at (866) 683-2829 or visit www.dataw.com.
