With the calendar now flipped to 2026 I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season filled with cheer. As most of the country is well into their off-season, aside from our west coast friends, I also hope that you have been able to start recharging your batteries.

Alberta experienced a fairly mild start to the winter with very little snow fall prior to mid December. Fortunately, a blanket of snow covered most of the province prior to the temperature plummeting. As the days start to get longer and everyone returns from holidays, it is crazy to think that we are less than three months away from some courses in the southern part of the province from opening.  



“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear, Atomic Habits



I came across this quote recently, and it has become the basis of my off-season planning. As turf managers, we’re no strangers to setting ambitious goals. We want firmer greens, healthier turf, better playability, and improved sustainability. But as the quote reminds us, goals alone don’t get us there. Systems do. And winter is the perfect time to build them.

The CGSA Announces the 2025 Gordon Witteveen Award Winners

Mickelson National Golf Club Continues to Lead the Way When it Comes to Environment by Glenn Campbell at CTV News Calgary

Ken MacKenzie, AGS Emeritus Receives 2025 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award Presented by the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) Canmore, AB

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.

Request for Online Donations

The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) is seeking donations for the Online Auction. An excellent opportunity to promote your product or service to over 1000 golf industry delegates and members. The Online Auction will be held online during The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show from February 24 - 26, 2026. Proceeds from the Online Auction are used to support advocacy and scholarships. Items will be added to the auction site as they are donated and will be promoted often to delegates and members before the conference. 



For more information, to donate an item or see the list of items donated so far, click here.

Book Your Trade Show Booth

Over 90% 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.

The photos below were submitted by Dean Piller, Superintendent at Cordova Bay Golf Course. To view all of Dean's submitted photos for the month of December, please click here.

Prorated CGSA Membership is Back - Save 50% for New Members

Do you have a staff member who is not yet a CGSA member? Now is the perfect time to sign them up.

Starting now, CGSA membership dues are prorated for new members. When they join now, they will pay 50% of the 2025–2026 membership dues.

Added Incentive:

If the new member registers for our upcoming conference, The Canadian, taking place February 24–26, 2026, they will receive a $160 savings on the All-Access registration with a special promo code (please contact Lori for the code).

Bonus!

Have the new member include your name as a referral, and your name will be entered into a prize draw.

⏰ This promotion expires February 26, 2026.

For more information, click here.

Upcoming 2026 Award Deadline Date

2026 CGSA TURF MANAGERS’ SHORT COURSE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:

The CGSA Turf Managers’ Short Course Scholarship Award was instituted by CGSA to support students studying at the University of Guelph in the month-long Turf Managers’ Short Course.

NEW IN 2025: The CGSA Board of Directors has approved one scholarship in the amount of $2,500 in scholarship funds for the 2026 academic year.

• Deadline for Submission: March 31, 2026
• Purpose: Financial support for students enrolled in the University of Guelph Turf Managers' Short Course.
• Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in the course.



Application Form: Click Here

New Job Posting Requirements Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000

These new requirements represent a significant shift in recruitment requirements for “publicly advertised job postings.” Effective January 1, 2026, employers with 25 or more employees must:

• Disclose compensation: Include the expected salary or salary range. If a range is provided, it cannot span more than $50,000. This requirement does not apply to positions where expected salary, or the top of range, exceeds $200,000 per year.
• Disclose AI use: Indicate if Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to screen, assess, or select job applicants.
• Remove “Canadian experience” requirements: Job postings must not include any requirement for Canadian work experience.
• Notify candidates promptly: Inform all interviewed candidates of hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.
• Maintain records: Retain recruitment records—including job postings, application forms, and information provided to interviewed candidates—for three years after the job posting is removed.



To read the Ontario Regulation 476/24 made under Employment Standards Act 2000, please click here. 

Member Benefits

As a member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), you have access to professional development, events, education, networking opportunities, member recognition accreditation programs, huge savings and more.



• CGSA Club Membership – Saves You and Your Golf Course Money
• CGSA/NGCOA Canada Golfmax Purchasing Program
• GEO - Sustainable Golf in Canada
• Awards and Recognition Programs
• CGSA Accreditation Program
• Networking & Events – The Canadian Conference, Fall Field Day, Summer Shamble and the National Tournament Program
• Live Learning Centre FREE to all CGSA Members
• Access to the GreenMaster Magazine & E-Newsletter, GreenMatter and On-The-Fringe
• Kii Health Santé CGSA Member Assistance Program - Add Member Benefits for $50
• Job Search, Surveys, Advocacy and much more.

CGSA's Latest Accredited Member

Please join the CGSA in congratulating the following member on receiving their designation:

Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) Designation

• Matt Blackburn, AGS, Superintendent at Chester Golf Club in Chester, Nova Scotia, has become CGSA’s latest member to earn the Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) designation.

Congratulations, Matt!

For more information on how you can achieve and track your designation, please click here or contact

Lori at ext. 27 at the CGSA office. 

CGSA's Accreditation Program

Take your career to the next level with the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) accreditation program — the benchmark for excellence in golf course maintenance across Canada. By being a CGSA member, you're already on your way to earning a designation that sets you apart in your profession. In fact, you might be closer than you think!

Why Pursue CGSA Accreditation?

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, the CGSA offers designations that recognize your expertise, commitment, and leadership in the industry:

• Accredited Assistant Golf Superintendent™ (AAGS)
• Accredited Golf Superintendent™ (AGS)
• Master Superintendent® (MS) – the highest honour in Canadian golf course management

Each program is built on the National Occupational Standards (NOS), which reflect the full scope of competencies and skills needed to succeed as a golf course superintendent.

For more information on the designations and requirements, please click here. For questions and more information, contact Lori Micucci.

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!

January Featured Supplier

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:

• WEST CANADA
• EAST CANADA

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

Workplaces are entering 2026 facing a growing range of complex and often sensitive challenges, from managing health accommodations and return-to-office mandates to supporting employees through change and uncertainty. For HR leaders, navigating these situations effectively is not just about policy compliance; it’s about protecting employee well-being, maintaining productivity, and reducing risk for the organization. This month’s focus on navigating challenging work situations explores practical ways to respond with confidence, compassion, and consistency, helping you support employees when it matters most while strengthening trust, resilience, and stability across your workforce.

Navigating a Challenging Work Situation Webinar: Wednesday, January 14th at 12:00pm EST

“I wake up every Monday feeling tense, nauseous, and full of dread. I’m constantly expected to do more with less and criticized when I can’t meet expectations that feel vague and impossible. I feel so on edge. What do I do?”

Registration Links:

• English
• French

For more information on Navigating a Challenging Work Situation, click here.

Clear Health Quarterly Benefits Update

As we approach the end of another year, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and trust in Clear Health Benefits (CHB). This season reminds us of the importance of health, wellness and community values we strive to uphold in every service we provide. This newsletter highlights key updates, industry insights and practical tips to help you stay informed and prepare for the year ahead.

To view the CHB Quarterly Newsletter, click here.

VENNGO January and All Year Specials

JANUARY SPECIALS

• January Contest - Invite your Family
• January Fitness
• New Year - New You
• 202 Perks with a Purpose

All YEAR ROUND SPECIALS

• Health Specials
• On the Go - Locations
• e-Card Savings
• Entertainment Savings
• Travel Savings

VIDEO ON HOW TO USE MEMBERPERKS

To see the benefits of using Memberperks, please click here.

Check out the newest MemberPerks and discover even more ways for you and your family to have fun and save this month.

Log in to your MemberPerks account to explore all the latest offers and exclusive deals available all year round!