Peter McDonough
About Peter McDonough
A golf course superintendent’s job is much more than overseeing growing grass, mowing greens and fairways and raking bunkers these days.
Environmental stewardship is a must, and retired Keswick Golf Club superintendent Peter McDonough has been a guiding light for environmental projects and issues in Virginia for more than 30 years.
David Norman, executive director of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association, says McDonough “has always been a leader in government relations, advocating for Virginia’s golf industry.”
Crowning Moment…
In 2016, McDonough received the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
“The superintendent’s profession is about science and art. Keeping up with education that’s available through many outlets is critical. Communication with leadership at your facility is paramount. Relationships with family, friends and peers is what keeps you grounded. Dedication to this profession is what drives golf course superintendents, and it’s an amazing group of people.” — McDonough
Achievements & Media
Special thanks to the USGA, PGA Tour, VSGA, MAPGA, WVGA and inductee family members for contributing photos and videos to this project.
Statistics
Date of Birth: March 11, 1962
Graduate Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Amherst Mass
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent
Keswick Hall and Golf Club 1991-2022
Accomplishments and Awards
» President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship from the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (2016)
» Sustainability Leader Award from the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners
Association (2015)
» AgriBusiness Environmental Award from the Virginia AgriBusiness Council (2013)
» Environmental Stewardship Award from the Virginia GCSA (2011)
» Virginia Turfgrass Council Award from the VTC (2011)
» Excellence in Government Relations Award from the GCSAA (2008)
» Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department
of Natural Resources (Runner Up 2003)
» Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia GCSA (2003)
» President’s Award from the Virginia GCSA (2002)
» R.D. Cake Memorial Award from the Virginia Turfgrass Council (2000)
Activities
» President of the Old Dominion GCSA (2000)
» Primary Founder and First President of the Virginia GCSA (1999-2001)
» Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary, Keswick Hall and Golf Club (2002)
» Commonwealth of Virginia Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), State Emergency Drought Plan
(2003)
» Virginia Government Relations Committee (2006-2022) Committee Chair (2006-2016)
» Commonwealth of Virginia TAC establishing Reclaim Water regulations for Virginia (2005-2007)
» Commonwealth of Virginia TAC establishing Groundwater Recharge regulations (2011-2012)
» Spearheaded and managed the creation of the Virginia GCSA’s Environmental Best
Management Practices Manual (2009-2012)
» Member of GCSAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed stakeholders group (2010-2012)
» Served with Virginia Agricultural Business Council’s Agriculture United Group on the
Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements (2009-2011)
» Participated and helped advance the Chesapeake Bay bill for all Virginia Golf Courses to have
nutrient management plans to codify its commitment to water quality protection in the Bay
(2011)
» Golf Industry spokesman on National Golf Day, Washington, DC (2012)
