Golf Course Builders Association of America

GCBAA Meetings Committee members Chris Lineberger, Glen Olson, and Justin Apel are joining fellow industry partners this week at the Industry Advisory Council Meeting in New Orleans as planning continues for the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

These meetings bring together leaders from across the golf industry to collaborate, share ideas, and help shape one of the most important annual events in golf course management and construction. The GCBAA is proud to have a seat at the table representing the golf course construction industry and advocating for strong educational, networking, and partnership opportunities for our members.

We appreciate the continued collaboration with GCSAA and allied associations as planning efforts move forward for 2027.

Proud to stand alongside GCSAA as partners in supporting the game we all love. ⛳️

GCBAA is committed to strengthening the golf industry—because when we work together, we move the game forward.

Together, we keep the game going.

The Golf Course Builders Association of America, has generously donated $30,000 to the GCSAA Foundation to support the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign. GCSAA will turn 100 on Sept. 13 and has established the endowment honoring GCSAA’s founder, with a goal of raising $1 million to fund innovation for the next 100 years. Learn more: https://www.gcsaa.org/who-we-are/media/news/2026/04/21/gcbaa-supports-gcsaa-foundation-s-col.-john-morley-centennial-campaign

A great reminder of how connected the golf industry truly is—GCBAA President-Elect Jon Truttmann and our GCBAA Foundation President John Holmes unexpectedly crossed paths halfway around the world at the European Institute of Golf Course Architects gathering in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wherever golf is being talked about, we want to be there.

Happy Birthday to GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel! 🎉

To the one on the right leading the blue suit squad—clearly a coordinated effort… minus the name badge, which decided to go rogue 😂

Even with a crooked badge, you're keeping the ship steady, the train on the tracks, and making sure this whole operation doesn’t miss a beat. Whether it’s planes, trains, or automobiles—we know you’ve got the wheel.

Here’s to another year of sharp leadership, strong teamwork, and keeping the blue suit crew mostly in formation 😉 Enjoy your day, Justin!

We’re excited to share an update from our Foundation, including new leadership and initiatives that will help advance our shared mission.

GCBAA - Congratulations to our 2026 GCBAA Foundation Board of Directors! Email from Golf Course Builders Association of America     Meet your GCBAA Foundation Board of Directors!   GCBAA Foundation Announces New Board Leadership and Strategic Direction for 2026 and Beyond

Join us in celebrating a big milestone for GCBAA! This March marks **15 years as Executive Director** and **20 years of service** for Justin Apel.

Justin’s leadership, passion, and tireless work ethic have helped shape GCBAA—expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and always showing up for our members. From navigating COVID to the countless efforts behind the scenes, his impact is felt across the industry.

Cheers to 20 years and 15 at the helm—we hope you’ve had a little fun along the way, Justin! Thank you for all you do for GCBAA!

Executive Director Milestone 2026 Congratulations to Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director on 20 Years of Service and 15 Years as Executive Director. Thank you for all you do for the GCBAA!

Yesterday we were glad to take a break from our Executive Meeting to walk some of the ConExpo grounds and spend time with our members.

It’s National Safety Day and the GCBAA Executive Board met alongside CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

In true industry fashion, we even participated in a Guinness World Records attempt for the most high-visibility vests in one place — it was a fitting atmosphere as safety was a leading discussion throughout the meeting and a key part of President Jon O’Donnell’s initiative to strengthen and support our membership. Making sure every employee goes home safe at the end of the day will always be our top priority. 🦺

What a week at the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show! 🌴

From the GCSAA Centennial Celebration with ~5,000 attendees, to the GCBAA Winter Meeting, GCBAA Board Dinner at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club, Syngenta Health in Action 5K/2K, member & chapter receptions, packed seminars (~8,000 seats filled!), over 500 exhibitors, ~12,500 attendees at the Trade Show and endless networking—Orlando may have been colder than usual, but the energy was 🔥.

See you all in New Orleans, LA in January 2027!