Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, November 22, 2025
News Summary
The Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA) Conference and Trade Show held in Myrtle Beach attracted a record attendance of 2,173 participants despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. The event highlighted industry unity, collaboration, and the importance of education with numerous exhibitors and seminars. The notable awards ceremony honored two significant contributors to the field, while the inaugural Carolinas Night celebrated networking. Overall, the conference underscored a positive outlook for the future of golf course management in the region.
The Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show: A Strong Showing Despite Hurricane Struggles
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was alive with excitement from November 18 to 20 as the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA) hosted its annual Conference and Trade Show! With close to 2,200 attendees flocking to the event, the atmosphere was buzzing with positivity and a spirit of resilience.
This year’s gathering came just under two months after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in the region, leaving a significant impact on many areas, particularly in western North Carolina. Many golf courses faced damage that could keep them closed well into next year, with some not expected to recover at all. Despite these challenges, the conference attracted a record 2,173 participants, the highest attendance since 2013, proving the strength and determination of the industry.
Resilience on Display
While some regular attendees couldn’t make it due to ongoing recovery efforts from the hurricane, the collective solidarity amongst participants was palpable. This sense of unity not only celebrated the industry’s resilience but also brought a renewed focus on collaboration and support among colleagues.
The trade show aspect of the conference was particularly impressive. A record 240 companies participated, filling 419 booths and showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the golf course management sector. This surpassed previous records of 217 companies and 414 booths from years past, highlighting the industry’s relentless push forward, even in tough times.
Education and Networking Opportunities Galore
Education played a vital role at the conference, with a strong program held in collaboration with Syngenta. The educational seminars attracted 1,477 seminar seats sold, just shy of last year’s record, and underscoring the ongoing thirst for knowledge in the industry. Such initiatives emphasize the essential nature of continual learning and professional development.
Although there was a slight dip in the number of exhibitors, with 186 present compared to last year’s 192, the focus remained on the face-to-face interactions that foster long-term relationships. These connections are crucial in an industry that thrives on collaboration and sharing insights for improvement.
Celebrating Achievements
A significant highlight of this year’s event was the awards presentation. Chuck Green and Danny Allen were honored with the Distinguished Service Award for their decades-long contributions to the field. These accolades remind everyone that dedication and passion do not go unnoticed and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
In addition to the learning and recognition, the conference featured the annual golf championship, where over 360 participants took to the greens, showcasing their skills and enjoying the camaraderie that the game fosters among professionals.
Looking Forward with Optimism
The excitement didn’t end there! The inaugural Carolinas Night celebration drew nearly 1,000 attendees, providing a lively atmosphere to mingle and connect further. This unique event aimed to enhance interaction on the trade show floor, reaffirming the importance of building genuine relationships in the industry.
As the dust settled on this year’s event, the overall sentiment was one of optimism. The engagement of younger participants is seen as a vital sign for the future, ensuring a thriving path ahead for the golf course management industry amidst challenges.
With such overwhelming participation and commitment from attendees, it’s clear that the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show is not just an event; it’s a vital platform for networking, learning, and celebrating the unity of the industry. This year’s gathering was a testament to the resilience and dedication of everyone involved, setting the stage for future success both on and off the course!
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Additional Resources
- Golf Course Industry: Getting Ahead in Golf Maintenance Careers
- Golfdom: More Than 2K Attend Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show
- Wikipedia: Golf Course Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Course
- Golf Course Industry: Carolinas GCSA Conference Show Recap 2022
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
