Ryan Kraushofer, CGCS

Golf has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. My fondest memories are from when I was 12 years old and more interested in working on a golf course than actually playing the game. My parents would ask the owners of our local family-run golf course if it was okay for me to hang out in the clubhouse while they played. That opportunity led me to a job with small chores such as vacuuming, taking out the trash, and washing carts. That was the start of a career as a Golf Course Superintendent & General Manager, working for the same family at Westminster National Golf Course. Now, 28 years later, I’m still proudly working for the same family that opened the door to this amazing career path.

If you would have asked me 10 years ago if a guy from a low-budget public golf course would have the chance to run for the National Board of Directors, I would have said, “no way!” But after serving on our chapter board for the past nine years—including as President in 2019–20—I know it’s not about how popular your course is or if you have the biggest budget. It’s about love of the game, networking, volunteering, and dedication. That is why I know I am a strong fit to serve on the GCSAA Board of Directors.

I am deeply passionate about the GCSAA and its mission, especially the opportunities it creates to strengthen and expand career pathways for the next generation of turfgrass professionals. Helping grow and support these career development initiatives is something I view not just as a responsibility, but as an honor that fuels my dedication to our association’s future. I have hosted over 24 First Green events over the last 10 years and introduced more than 2,000 kids to the game of golf and the golf profession. I’m a strong public advocate, having secured more than 10 TV interviews and 26 minutes of television time to promote our industry. I’ve also been a proud leader for the National Golf Day community service project in Washington, D.C. This year alone I put in over 30 hours of planning for the service project, as well as organizing and hosting The First Green field trip at Langston Golf Course in 2024. Over the past three years, I have also personally raised more than $24,000 to support our service project needs.

As Rhett Evans would say, it’s time to “Lead Out”! With the support of my wife and my employer, I believe it is my turn to Lead Out, to Support, and to Grow our association to be the very best it can be. I would be truly honored to be re-elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors and continue serving the membership and the game we all love.