GIE Media, Inc. announced a pair of promotions within the Golf Course Industry editorial team.
Matt LaWell has been elevated to senior editor. One of the golf industry’s and B2B publishing’s leading storytellers, LaWell joined Golf Course Industry in 2019 as managing editor. His ability to tell people-focused stories in creative ways has solidified Golf Course Industry’s position as the leading independent publication in the golf industry.
LaWell plays a key role in all aspects of creating, distributing and editing Golf Course Industry content. He’s responsible for the growth of the Superintendent Radio Network, which produced more than 80 podcast episodes in 2025, and the Fast & Firm newsletter, which is distributed three times per week. LaWell also collaborates with partners on high-value custom projects and contributes to industry-leading X and Facebook feeds. Before joining Golf Course Industry, LaWell, a graduate of Ohio University, covered the manufacturing industry and sports.
“Golf Course Industry humbly serves amazing readers and partners by providing independent, innovative and inclusive storytelling in an authentic fashion,” Golf Course Industry publisher + editor-in-chief Guy Cipriano said. “Matt epitomizes that mission. Anybody who has dealt with Matt remembers him, and it’s exciting to see him grow as we continue our print, digital, audio and social media evolution.”
To help support and expand its digital portfolio, Kelsie Horner has been promoted to digital editor. Horner joined the Golf Course Industry team as assistant editor in August 2024 following the completion of a successful internship with the publication. Horner, a Kent State University graduate, has helped increase Golf Course Industry’s ability to connect with audiences and partners in unique ways.
“Like a successful golf course operation, our parent company, GIE Media, believes in identifying, supporting and developing talent from within,” Cipriano said. “Kelsie is a terrific example of the possibilities when somebody with a great attitude, vast skillset and abundant hustle injects new ideas into an already successful team. We’re thrilled to watch her career develop and we’re confident she will help us further raise our digital game.”
LaWell and Horner are both active members of multiple professional organizations, including the Golf Writers Association of America and Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association.
“Matt, Kelsie and our talented team of editors, contributors and columnists are the most trusted and caring people in golf media,” Cipriano said. “Their passion for the industry, meaningful storytelling and helping others is evident in our print and digital pages, newsletters, social media feeds, podcasts and videos. This investment in editorial talent ensures Golf Course Industry will continue to flourish as the content and thought leader in the golf maintenance market.”