Regional Reports

Ontario Report

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Saskatchewan Report

Full Saskatchewan Report

With the season now finished—or at least winding down for most facilities, many of us are taking time to reflect on the year: the successes, the challenges, and the lessons learned. This is an important period for superintendents and their teams to collaborate, share experiences, and evaluate what worked well and what can be improved. The off-season is also a critical time for equipment servicing and exploring new equipment innovations that can strengthen operational efficiency heading into next year. I strongly encourage everyone to use the off-season not only to plan, train, and prepare for next year, but also to take much-needed rest so you’re ready for whatever is thrown at you the moment the first tee goes into the ground.

With the holiday season around the corner and a finish to a very busy golf season here in Sask, I would like to say thanks to the golf course managers and teams around the province. Most of Saskatchewan golf courses saw an unusually warm fall after a cooler summer which many courses around the province had record years in rounds of golf played. With this warmer fall, many courses are able to get some extra work done with the above seasonal fall weather.

News

Membership News

CGSA Holiday Office Closure Notice

Please note that the CGSA Office will be closed from December 24th to January 2nd, 2026.

On behalf of the CGSA Staff and Board of Directors, we wish all of our members and their families a safe and Happy Holidays!

CGSA Mourns the Passing of Quebec Director, Alan Morton

The CGSA is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Quebec Director Alan Morton on November 5, 2025.CGSA board and staff extend their sympathy to his family.

Mr. Morton had recently joined the CGSA Board of Directors and was actively involved in several committees. In October, he participated in our Board meetings in Laval, where he contributed to the discussions and shared valuable insights from turf managers across Quebec. His thoughtful engagement was appreciated, and we were looking forward to his continued involvement.

Mr. Morton was the Superintendent at Club de Golf Valleyfield in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC. He had been a dedicated member of the association for many years, both as a Superintendent and as an Industry Affiliate.

To read the full article, click here.

CGSA Member, Robin Sadler, MS, Awarded GCSAA Innovative Conservation Award

Photo from Golf Course Industry Article

GCSAA Recognizes Environmental Stewardship published in the GCSAA magazine

"Four golf course superintendents have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards by the GCSAA. The annual awards are presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta. Seven runners-up also received recognition for their environmental efforts.

Sadler, a 22-year GCSAA member, is in his fifth year at Mickelson National Golf Club, which has been recognized as one of the top environmental golf courses in the world."

To read the full article, click here.

CGSA Member of 25+ Years, Ken Patterson Passes Away

CGSA board and staff extend their sympathy to his family.

Ken Patterson

June 28, 1963 - November 9, 2025

Statement from Centennial Park Golf Centre:

"It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague Ken Patterson. Ken was our exceptional and respected Superintendent for three decades. His turf management skills kept our greens and courses in the excellent condition we've all enjoyed and cherished. Ken will be missed by our entire Centennial Park Golf team. His generosity, humour, expertise and leadership will be impossible to replace."

To read Ken's obituary, click here.

LAST CALL: CGSA Board of Directors Nominations

The CGSA is accepting nominations for positions on the CGSA Board of Directors for consideration at the Annual General Meeting in February 2026. The meeting is planned to be an in person event as part of the 2026 Canadian Golf Course Management Conference being held from February 24 - 26, 2026 at The Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

Nomination Deadline: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:00PM EST

Nominations are being accepted for the following positions in accordance with the provisions of the CGSA by-laws:

President
Vice-President
Directors (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba)

For more information and eligibility details, click here.

To access the nomination form, click here.

Please send all applications to Kathryn Wood: kwood@golfsupers.com

Guelph Turfgrass Institute: Diploma in Turfgrass Management Class of 1985 Hosts 40-Year Reunion: Article written and pictures taken from the University of Guelph - Guelph Turfgrass Institute Article.

"This October, the University of Guelph campus was filled with laughter, stories, and familiar faces as graduates from the Diploma in Turfgrass Management Class of 1985 reunited to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Travelling from across the province, and beyond, the group gathered at Brass Taps to reconnect and reminisce about their time in the program. Many have gone on to build long and successful careers across golf, sports turf, lawn care, and sales, but their shared roots in the DTM program have kept them connected over the decades. As the group posed for a photo on campus, the sense of pride and camaraderie was unmistakable. Forty years later, the DTM Class of 1985 continues to embody the spirit of the program: a passion for turf, lifelong learning, and strong connections that stand the test of time."

"Associate Diploma, Turfgrass Management students at Brass Taps in 1985"

Craigowan Golf Club

"Class of '85 students reunited in October 2025"

The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference

New Speakers Added

CGSA is excited to host The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference in Calgary, Alberta from February 24-26, 2026. The event promises to provide an excellent experience with first rate education, endless networking and outstanding social events. For more information, visit our event website linked below.

Come and kick off the CGSA's 60th Anniversary with

Deep Roots and Bright Future.

Event Website

Social Media/Contest Winners Announcement

The CGSA is happy to announce the winner of the Early Bird Social Media Contest... Congratulations David Linstead! David has won a complimentary All-Access Registration Package as well as complimentary accommodations at the host hotel.

The CGSA would also like to congratulate the winner of the 2nd draw for 50% off the Early Bird price... Congratulations Carter Friesen!

Book Your Trade Show Booth

Over 86% Sold!

CGSA is excited to invite you to the 2026 Canadian Golf Course Management Trade Show, Wednesday, February 25 - Canada's largest gathering of golf course management professionals and industry suppliers. This is your chance to connect face-to-face with superintendents, technicians, and golf management teams from across the country. If you supply products or services to the turfgrass industry, you need to be here.

For Details and to Book Your Booth

Last Chance to Submit Your Photo: More Than Turf Photo Contest

December is your last chance to send in your photo for the chance to win the 2025 contest!

Submit your photos for a chance to win the More Than Turf Photo Contest. Maybe wildlife, course scenery, individuals working, projects, or hobbies you may have. Please make sure to include a description of your photo. Submit your photo to be eligible for the prizes and “bragging rights”.

Contest Details

New Members

Please join the CGSA in welcoming the following new members and/or members who rejoined recently:

Hayden Clarke, Airdrie AB
Sean Collins, Swift Current SK
Bobby Cook, Ottawa ON
Jared Davies, Edmonton, ON
Marcus Elvin, Brantford ON
Martin Genest, Berthierville QC
Nolan Guertin, Edgartown MA
Deyaan Harlos, Milton ON
Easton Hughes, Airdrie AB
Glenn Meheriuk, Edmonton, ON
Michael Powers, Edmonton, ON
Paul Rogalsky, Delta BC
Nicole Shaw, Waterloo ON
Scott Shugg, Cochrane AB

For any membership inquiries, contact Lori Micucci.

Thinking of Writing the CGSA Master Superintendent (MS) or Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) Exam?

With the golf season slowing down, now is a great time to consider writing either the CGSA Master Superintendent (MS) or Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) exam. There’s still time to complete the process and be recognized for achieving your designation at the 2026 Canadian Golf Course Management Conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Application Deadline

To begin the approval process, please submit your application to Lori Micucci no later than January 9, 2026.

For more information on the Master Superintendent (MS) and Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) Exams, click here.

For the Master Superintendent (MS) Application Form, click here.

For the Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) Application Form, click here.

2025 Master Superintendent Update

On October 5, 2025 the CGSA Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Professional Development and Research Committee regarding the CGSA Master Superintendent (MS) Designation. The previous time limit to proceed has been removed, while the requirement to hold the Accredited Golf Superintendent™ (AGS®) designation remains in place.

To learn more about the eligibility criteria candidates must possess to apply, click here.

For a copy of the new Master Superintendent Application form, please click here.

Industry News

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley Seeking Volunteers: TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is seeking volunteers to support the Agronomy team during the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. Offering a unique chance to get inside the ropes, this is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience at a world-class golf facility and PGA TOUR event. To express your interest in volunteering, please fill out your information here.

NGCOA Canada Launches the NGCOA Canada Foundation Following Charitable Status Approval: The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA Canada) is pleased to announce the official launch of the NGCOA Canada Foundation, following its recent approval as a registered charitable organization.

To read the full statement, click here.

Golfmax

Save More Than the Cost of Your Membership

Are you maximizing your Golfmax savings and rebates?

Members using Golfmax programs experienced average annual savings of more than $1,350 — and many saved much more!

One club saved over $42,000
40+ clubs reported savings exceeding $2,000
150+ members saved more than the cost of their membership

Significant Savings Through the Golfmax Purchasing Program

In partnership with the NGCOA Canada the CGSA, negotiates volume discounts, rebates, and value-added services through the Golfmax Purchasing Program.

Most members recover their full membership dues with the savings from just one supplier!

December Featured Suppliers

BrettYoung Fall Booking Program

BrettYoung is Canada’s largest independent seed company and a recognized leader in wholesale forage and turf, professional turf and reclamation, seed, and crop inputs — serving customers across Canada and around the world. We're passionate about providing the products that help keep your business profitable, backed by deep knowledge and experience you can trust.

Exclusive Offers for CGSA - CGSA Members Saved up to $1,908.88 in 2024!

Save an additional 2% on qualifying fertilizer products
Free shipping on orders over $3,000
Orders are invoiced with a due date of May 31, 2026 (OAC)

FALL BOOKING PROGRAMS

Explore regional offers by clicking below:

Click here for full details on the Fall Booking Program and find your local BrettYoung representative.

CGSA members saved up to $38,005.51 in 2024 with NAPA Canada!

Over 600 locations across Canada
Access to 2,000+ products tailored for golf course needs
Automatic National Account Status for all CGSA members
Average 20% savings on automotive parts and accessories

Kii Health

This time of year can bring heightened stress for many people - competing deadlines at work, year-end pressures, and the personal demands of the holiday season can all contribute to rising tension at work and at home. This month, we’re focusing on conflict resolution, a critical skill set for fostering healthy relationships and preventing small challenges from escalating into larger issues. Supporting employees in building practical communication and conflict-management skills not only helps maintain team cohesion but also strengthens psychological safety, trust, and overall well-being. For HR leaders, creating space for constructive dialogue and early intervention can make a meaningful difference in both employee engagement and organizational health as you head into the new year.

Ask an Expert: Conflict Resolution Webinar: Wednesday, December 10th at 12:00pm EST

“I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but it feels like everyone’s tired and on edge. I find myself being shorter-fused and I’ve had more than one conflict with a coworker who I already find difficult to work with. How do I handle this?”

Registration Links:

For more information on Conflict Resolution, click here.

Clear Health

Clear Health Benefits Update

November was Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada! It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, supporting those living with the condition, and promoting education on prevention and management. This Diabetes Awareness Month, Diabetes Canada is launching a new campaign to confront the stigma faced by more than four million people diagnosed with diabetes in Canada. The campaign challenges harmful myths and misinformation that lead to blame, shame, and judgment, deeply affecting the well-being of people managing this complex chronic condition every day. For more information, click here.