Craig Smith, a veteran communicator with more than three decades of experience at the highest levels of the golf industry, has been named the new director of communications and media relations for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Most recently a communications consultant and owner of his own public relations and communications firm, Smith spent nearly 20 years of his career as the director, media relations, for the United States Golf Association (USGA), where he played a key role in the media operations and communications that surround the USGA’s 13 annual national championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.
“We feel fortunate to add someone with Craig’s expertise and experience in the game of golf to the GCSAA team,” says GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “He is well-known and well-respected in the golf industry, has a stellar reputation among the golf media and, most importantly, he knows our members and the work they do. We’re confident he’ll continue to build on what we’ve already accomplished in regards to communications and outreach.”
A graduate of MoravianCollege in Bethlehem, Pa., Smith began his communications career as the sports information director at LafayetteCollege, an NCAA Division I program in Eaton, Pa. He joined the USGA in 1989, and in his 19 years with the organization ushered in a number of innovative programs related to media operations at USGA championships. In 2009, he joined the Cliffs Communities in Greenville, S.C., as its senior director, public relations, before creating his own communications and public relations firm, Double Eagle, in 2010.
Smith is a member of several professional associations, including the International Association of Business Communicators, the Golf Writers Association of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America. He has also served as a board member for the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Smith officially begins his duties on 27th May.
GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org