Ryan Standifird and Kurtis Wolford win GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Awards

Ryan Standifird, golf course superintendent at Longbow Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz., and Kurtis Wolford, director of golf course maintenance at both Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael, Calif., and Campus Commons Golf Course in Sacramento, Calif., have received Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Awards from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). 

The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented in partnership with The Toro Co., recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated growth in advocacy and advancement of the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda through congressional outreach and relationship development with a member of Congress. Through Toro, the winners receive a trip to take part in the annual National Golf Day event in Washington, D.C.  

The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador program, which matches GCSAA members with congressional offices to build strong relationships between them. More than 600 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.  

Standifird, a 21-year GCSAA member, joined the Grassroots Ambassador program in 2019. He previously worked in Utah, where pressing water issues motivated him to join fellow superintendents for a meeting with Governor Herbert to discuss the golf’s important role in the state. After moving to Arizona, Standifird saw the variety of issues impacting his facility and local association. He decided to become an ambassador to help strengthen the industry’s voice.  

He was first paired with Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), and met virtually with Biggs, who is an avid golfer, to discuss water management. Standifird maintained regular communication with Biggs’ staff to keep them informed of legislative matters that directly affected golf.  

Standifird was later reassigned to work with Rep. Greg Stanton (R-Ariz.) and has also had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Mark Kelly’s (D-Ariz.) office alongside fellow ambassadors, industry partners and association leaders where they demonstrated how local golf courses are promoting sustainable resource use while contributing to Arizona’s economy. They presented the state’s Best Management Practices and water conservation strategies. They were also able to highlight the First Green Program, sharing what the program does for both students and educators, as well as for the future of the game.  

“Serving as a Grassroots Ambassador has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to be part of meaningful conversations, strengthen relationships between golf and government and advocate for policies that sustain and grow our industry,” Standifird said. 

Wolford, a 23-year GCSAA member, has dedicated his career to maintaining exceptional playing conditions while fostering environmental stewardship. He has served as president of the Sierra Nevada GCSA and the California GCSA. While serving on the chapter board, a fellow superintendent, the late Jim Husting, CGCS Retired, encouraged Wolford to step into government relations.  

Later, Wolford cofounded the Sacramento Golf Industry Water Task Force. He has since participated in numerous California State Golf Days and served on the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee. At the national level, Wolford served on the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee from 2022 to 2024. Through the Grassroots Ambassador Program, which he joined in 2018, he’s been able to build relationships with federal representatives, most recently Reps. Josh Hoover (R-Calif.) and Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.). He visited their offices in Washington, D.C., during National Golf Day, and discussed H-2B workforce challenges and environmental regulations.  

“The greatest lesson I’ve learned is simple but powerful: tell your story. When I explain how a policy will affect my team, my budget or the families who rely on our courses, lawmakers listen. They need constituents to show them the human side of legislation,” Wolford said. “It’s not about politics; it’s about protecting an industry that sustains communities. Golf course management is more than turf and tees — it’s about leadership, responsibility and advocacy.” 

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