It was quite shocking to discover that in 2019, the share of female greenkeepers in the USA was only 1.5% and that there are only 4 female members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
In 2019, only two women were members of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA).
I dare to assume that the situation is not much better. Would I be wrong?
That’s why it’s crucial to highlight Andi Meadows’ triumph at the 2024 Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award, as it may inspire those seeking a new profession and career.
Andi Meadows, assistant superintendent at TPC San Antonio and a 4-year GCSAA member has won the 2024 Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award of $10,000 from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) through the GCSAA Foundation.
Meadows will be honored at the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego.
About the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award
Previously part of the GCSAA Scholars Competition, the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award was revamped in 2021 as a stand-alone award to recognize an outstanding non-traditional student seeking a career in the field of golf course and turfgrass management.
To be eligible, applicants need to be majoring in a field related to golf course management, planning a career as a superintendent or related profession, 23 years of age or older, and a GCSAA member.
Allan MacCurrach III and the PGA Tour fund the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award. It is named in honor of the late Allan MacCurrach Jr., who became the PGA Tour’s first staff agronomist in 1974 and was the GCSAA Distinguished Service Award winner in 1994.
He was a member of GCSAA for 31 years and was one of the first to become a certified golf course superintendent.
Andi Meadows’ background & career
Meadows started in the industry in 2006 working as an equipment operator at Diamondhead (Miss.) Country Club.
Since then, she’s held various roles at The Oaks Golf Club in Pass Christian, Miss., Gordon Lakes Golf Course in Augusta, Ga., and The Patch in Augusta (Ga.).
She completed a summer internship in 2018 at the Courses of Clear Creek in Fort Hood, Texas, and most
recently worked at the University of Texas Golf Club before joining the staff at TPC San Antonio.
In 2019, Meadows received an associate degree in applied horticulture/horticulture operations from Central Texas College and is on track to graduate in 2025 with a bachelor of turfgrass science from Penn State University.
Meadows is also working on GCSAA’s Certified Assistant Superintendent Series. She was also a member of GCSAA’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Academy in 2023.