Melrose Foundation gives $2M to GCSAA for its 100th anniversary

The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation donated $2 million to the GCSAA Foundation in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The gift is the largest single donation in the foundation’s history.

The gift continues a relationship that began in 2012, when Ken Melrose made a $1 million contribution to establish the Melrose Leadership Academy. His later contributions created the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, supported GCSAA’s First Green STEAM-education program and grew additional educational and professional-development opportunities. With this gift, the foundation’s total support of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization has reached $5.5 million. 

The Melrose Leadership Academy enables golf course superintendents to attend the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, where they can participate in education sessions, meet industry leaders and network with peers. The Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides equipment managers with a similar program, including education and networking opportunities.

The impact of these experiences reaches beyond the individual participants. They return to their facilities ready to lead their teams, share what they have learned and contribute to the advancement of the golf course management profession and the golf industry. This reflects Melrose’s belief in servant leadership and in giving people the tools to carry forward and share with others. 

“Ken believed deeply in people and in creating opportunities for them to learn, grow and then pay it forward,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “As GCSAA begins its second century, we are deeply grateful for this extraordinary gift and committed to putting it to work in ways that will make the greatest impact for our members, advance the profession and strengthen the golf industry. It is a powerful continuation of Ken’s legacy of service.” 

GCSAA marked its 100th anniversary on Sept. 13. The Melrose gift was announced Oct. 8 during the association’s Celebration of a Century events at its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. and in Kansas City, Mo. GCSAA also dedicated its new Centennial Plaza, which features plaques bearing the names of GCSAA supporters and award recipients, including participants in the Melrose Leadership Academy and Melrose Equipment Management Experience. 

The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation was established by Ken Melrose, former CEO and chairman of The Toro Company. Melrose joined Toro in 1970 and was named CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2005 and as chairman in 2006. Later that year, he formed Leading by Serving to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations. 

When the Melrose Equipment Management Experience was formed in 2019, Melrose said, “I believe that GCSAA is the best organization to deliver the education and training that will not only benefit golf course management professionals, but their facilities and the game.” 

Melrose passed away on May 3, 2020. The foundation continues to support GCSAA programs that include the Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience.