This award supports outstanding non-traditional students pursuing a career in golf course and turf management
Lawrence, Kan. – Brian Seltzer, student at Penn State University and two-year GCSAA member, is the winner of the 2026 Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award of $10,000 from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) through the GCSAA Foundation. Seltzer will be honored at the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans.
Seltzer’s appreciation for golf course management started in childhood, after watching a maintenance team prepare an entire property before sunrise. He spent summers working at local golf courses and realized he enjoyed creating quality playing conditions just as much as he enjoyed playing the game itself. His fascination for golf course management has turned into a career path.
Prior to attending Penn State University, Seltzer obtained a degree in mathematics and economics at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. During that time, he worked part time as a greenskeeper at Owl’s Nest Resort in Thornton, N.H. After working a few non-golf related jobs, Seltzer came back to the industry with an internship at Denver Country Club, which expanded his perspective of the profession, and what it takes to lead a team and manage course operations.
“One of the things I value most about this profession is the people and the tight-knit network. Being involved with GCSAA has shown me how willing superintendents are to share knowledge and support the next generation,” Seltzer said. “I’m excited to continue learning from those around me and hope to one day give back by mentoring others entering the industry.”
Seltzer is currently a turfgrass intern at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Mass., the same golf course where Allan MacCurrach Jr., the namesake of this award, gained his exposure to the game as a caddy.
“Receiving the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award is a tremendous honor because it represents recognition from an industry that I care deeply about and hope to spend my career serving,” Seltzer said. “It’s especially meaningful knowing it comes from leaders and professionals who understand the hard work, dedication and passion required to pursue a career in golf course turf management. I’d like to thank John Kaminski, Ph.D., at Penn State, and everyone who has taken the time to teach, encourage and invest in me along the way.”
Previously part of the GCSAA Scholars Competition, the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award was revamped in 2021 as a stand-alone award to recognize an outstanding non-traditional student seeking a career in the field of golf course and turfgrass management. Applicants need to be majoring in a field related to golf course management, planning a career as a superintendent or related profession, be 23 years of age or older and be a GCSAA member to be eligible.
The Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award is funded by Allan MacCurrach III and the PGA TOUR. It is named in honor of the late Allan MacCurrach Jr., who became the PGA TOUR’s first staff agronomist in 1974 and was the GCSAA Distinguished Service Award winner in 1994. He was a member of GCSAA for 31 years and was one of the first to become a certified golf course superintendent.
MacCurrach Jr. found his passion for turf after he had a wife, a child and another degree in accounting, and he lived the struggle of trying to obtain a second degree with a full plate of existing responsibilities. His unconventional professional path ultimately became the driving force behind establishing the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award to help others on similar career paths.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 20,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
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