Town and Country Club’s Chad Braun honored with GCSAA’s 2026 Edwin Budding Award

Chad Braun, the equipment director at Town and Country Club in St. Paul, Minn., is the winner of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) 2026 Edwin Budding Award.

The Edwin Budding Award, named for the inventor of the lawn mower, is given annually to an equipment manager or related innovator, technician or engineer who has made a significant impact on the golf course and turf industry. 

Braun is a 13-year GCSAA member who was born in Fort Riley, Kan., but spent most of his life in Minnesota. Originally, he gained an appreciation for mechanics from his father, Ken, a member of the U.S. Army who served in Vietnam and was a tank mechanic.

“He is my No. 1 mentor. He made me what I am today,” Braun said. 

Before making a name in the golf industry, Braun aspired of being a fleet manager and run a public works garage for a municipality or county. He also attended a technical college. He has spent much of his life at golf courses, starting to Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, Minn. He was there for more than two decades. There, he would become well-known regionally and nationwide, and that continues today. 

“When I got into golf, I didn’t know a lot about it. I learned,” he said. “I’m the type of person who if you want to fix something, you’ve got to learn how it functions.” 

Six years ago, Braun moved into his current role at Town and Country Club. He’s become a familiar name in social media among equipment managers, sharing his knowledge. Braun has also been a presenter at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. 

“Chad has always been willing to share his knowledge and experience with his fellow GCSAA members, which has made a positive impact on the wider industry,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.” 

In January, Braun will formally receive the award during the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans. When he first was told that he was named the Edwin Budding Award, Braun said he was surprised.

“I’m quite shocked. I know a lot of folks who received this in the past,” said Braun, “and I’m very humbled, that’s for sure.”