Peter Gorman, technical representative for Atlantic Golf & Turf, has earned the 2020 Excellence in Government Affairs Award from GCSAA for his passion and hard work in advocating for the golf course management profession. GCSAA annually recognizes a chapter, coalition or superintendent for outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts.
Gorman, a Connecticut native, began working at Wampanoag Country Club in West Hartford, Conn., while in high school. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental science in 1996, he returned to golf and eventually became a superintendent. The 21-year GCSAA member most recently spent nine years as superintendent at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford, Conn., before joining Atlantic Golf & Turf in 2018. Gorman is a member of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents and has served as vice president of the GCSAA-affiliated chapter.
It was through the Connecticut AGCS that Gorman first became involved in advocacy efforts, working on the creation of environmental best management practices for golf courses in the state. Gorman is part of GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, which pairs superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships with them. More than 380 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.
“It’s important to find common ground and common values and work from a position of cooperation,” Gorman says of his advocacy efforts. “The more you break down barriers and the more you get to know people, you find that they are just as passionate as you are.”
On the state level, Gorman has made his biggest impact through his involvement in Connecticut water issues. When the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection offered the Connecticut AGCS a seat on its Water Planning Council four years ago, Gorman was chosen to represent the golf industry. During his time on the council, Gorman met with various government representatives, industry groups and environmental groups; testified in a public hearing at the state Capitol; and helped develop the State Water Plan, a project he devoted hundreds of hours to.
“Originally when I went to water events, I was the golf guy,” Gorman says. “Now when I go to golf events, I am the water guy.”
The Connecticut State Water Plan was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly on June 5, 2019.
“Peter is a great example of how golf advocates can make a true difference at every level,” says Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. We are fortunate to have such an engaged member, and golfers in Connecticut are the beneficiaries of his tireless efforts as well.”
Gorman will be formally recognized Jan. 29 at the 2020 Golf Industry Show, Jan. 25-30 in Orlando, Fla. He will also be featured in an upcoming issue of GCSAA’s official monthly publication, Golf Course Management magazine.
Nominees for the Excellence in Government Affairs Award were judged by the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee based on how their efforts have best served the interests of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry.
View the complete list of past GCSAA Excellence in Government Affairs Award winners.