Superintendent Brandon Razo receives 2023 GCSAA Emerging Leader Award

Brandon Razo, superintendent at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill., has been a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for eight years and is currently the president of the Hoosier GCSA.

Brandon Razo (Photo: GCSAA)

The Emerging Leader Award, presented in partnership with John Deere, recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a member of GCSAA within the following membership categories: superintendent with less than five years’ experience, student, associate, or assistant, who displays continuous growth in service and leadership. A nominee must be a member in good standing, engaged in their local chapter and/or at the national level, or at the community level, as an advocate for the profession.

Razo recently started at Panther Creek after serving as superintendent at Cross Creek Golf Club in his hometown of Decatur, Ind., since 2018. He graduated from Penn State University with an associate’s degree in turfgrass science and management.

“I am very excited and grateful to receive this award,” Razo said. “It is great to be recognized. I want to thank the GCSAA board members who have helped me become more involved with helping others and to lead out.”

Razo previously served as a Grassroots Ambassador and as a chapter delegate. His GCSAA committee involvement includes the Environmental Awards and Education Task Group, Technology Task Group, Scholarship Task Group and Chapter Outreach Task Group.

“Brandon is a great example of how getting involved in the industry and community, developing as a leader, and serving others can benefit, not only the person doing so, but the entire industry,” Rhett Evans, CEO of the GCSAA, said. “This type of involvement makes Brandon a very deserving recipient of this recognition.”