This is my first CGSA Report as the Alberta Director, and heading into the start of the golf season, there’s a familiar buzz around golf courses across the province. After a strange winter, the grass is starting to wake up, teams have been assembled, and a lot of time and energy is going into employee onboarding and training. This time of year, always gets me reflecting.

I find myself thinking about first impressions. What the start of the season feels like for people coming into this industry, and how those early days can shape their view of the job and the work we do. 



Spring has been very cool in the Atlantic Provinces. There have not been many days above ten degrees in April. The turf has been very slow to get going, and any fall aeration holes are slow to fill in. There are some people with a few thin spots on greens that are exposed. At Chester Golf Club our holes on the coast are at least a week behind the ones inland. We have applied product heavy in pigment to help draw some heat and move them along. Also, as mentioned in Calgary, it acts as a bit of sunscreen in low temperatures and high light conditions as well. 

CGSA’s 3rd Annual Summer Shamble - Less Than A Month Away!

Reminder to Pay Your CGSA Membership Dues by May 31 for a Chance to Win

2026 CGSA Turf Managers' Short Course Scholarship Award Winner - Sam Dodington

Longstanding CGSA Member Dennis Pellrene, MS, AGS Emeritus, Generously Contributes to the NTRF

Article pulled and written by NTRF

We’re proud to recognize a truly meaningful contribution to the National Turfgrass Research Foundation (NTRF).

Long-time industry leader Dennis Pellrene has made a generous stock transfer donation—an inspiring act rooted in gratitude and forward-thinking.

To read the full article, click here.

CGSA Member Charles Herder of 59 Years Receives a CGSA Certificate of Recognition

With a remarkable 59-year tenure at the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, Charles has been part of the association since 1967 and is recognized as one of its founding members. As the longtime owner of Balmoral Golf Course, a family-run course established by his father, he helped carry forward its legacy. Charles' daughter Carla McCann is now the course superintendent and a CGSA member herself. Charles still visits the course regularly, reflecting a lifelong dedication to the game and the community.

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

For any membership inquiries, contact Lori Micucci.

Upcoming Award Deadline: 2026 CGSA/ENVU SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

The CGSA/ENVU Superintendent of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious honours in the Canadian golf course management profession. This award recognizes a superintendent who has been nominated by a Provincial Golf Superintendent Association or a CGSA member for their expertise, competence, and distinguished contributions to the practice of golf course management.

The recipient is selected by an anonymous committee of peers, ensuring the award reflects the highest professional standards.

• Deadline for Submissions: June 30, 2026
• Nomination Form & Criteria: Click HERE

This award is proudly sponsored by ENVU, a Platinum Sponsor of CGSA.

More Than Turf Photo Contest is Back!

We know we have members that are avid photographers and we want you to share your photos. Maybe wildlife, course scenery, individuals working, projects, or hobbies you may have. Submit your photo to be eligible for the prizes and “bragging rights”. Each month we will share a few photo submissions in GreenMatter or social media. The winning photo will be selected by the Communications and Editorial Committee and announced in January.

There are 3 categories for 2026 - Animals, Landscape and Sunrise/Sunset.

Email your photos to cgsa@golfsupers.com for your chance to win!

*Photos may be used in CGSA publications or promotions

2026 Upcoming National Tournament Program

As part of its ongoing commitment to recognizing the vital role of golf course superintendents, the CGSA proudly sponsors the National Tournament Program for members hosting these prestigious events.

Superintendents play an essential role in the success of every tournament, ensuring that golf courses deliver fair, consistent, and high-quality playing conditions for all competitors.



To view the 2026 National Tournament Schedule, please click here. Be sure to watch for upcoming member course profiles and photos highlighting the outstanding work of our host facilities.

Industry News

Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Becomes First GEO Certified Golf Course in British Columbia: Congratulations to Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Superintendent Andrew Hart and the maintenance team on becoming British Columbia's first GEO Certified® facility. This marks an exciting milestone for Sustainable Golf in Canada as more CGSA and NGCOA Canada members continue progressing along the pathway towards certification.

To read the full release, 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!

May Feature Supplier:

Exclusive 1.5% Manufacturer Rebate on Rain Bird Irrigation Products :

Rain Bird provides complete irrigation solutions to golf courses across the globe and is proud to be the exclusive irrigation provider in the CGSA in partnership with the NGCOA Canada Golfmax Purchasing Program.

Renewed Partnership = Improved Member Benefit

Building on a relationship that began over 30 years ago, this partnership renewal PAYS YOU with CGSA member EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURER REBATES of 1.5% on the following Rain Bird products:

Golf Products include the following categories:

• Central Control Systems,
• Rotors and Swing Joints,
• IC System™,
• Field Control Systems,
• Valves and Valve Boxes,
• Pump Stations
• Filters

Click here to learn more and claim your rebate.

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s 75th annual Mental Health Week is coming up! This year’s theme is Come Together, Canada. We live in a time where we’re more digitally connected than ever, yet many people in Canada are feeling lonely. More and more, screen time is replacing time spent together in person. And while online connection has its place, it isn’t always enough.

For more information on mental health, click here.

Strong workplace relationships are a key driver of employee well-being, engagement, and performance. But they don’t always develop naturally, especially in today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure work environments. For HR leaders, the quality of relationships across teams can influence collaboration, trust, retention, and even how effectively employees navigate conflict or change. When relationships break down, the impact can show up quickly in productivity, morale, and psychological safety.

This month, we’re focusing on building better relationships at work, including practical ways to strengthen connections, improve communication, and create a more supportive, resilient workplace culture.

Building Better Relationships at Work: Wednesday, May 13th at 12:00pm EST

“My relationships at work feel like a mixed bag. I feel like I have a great friendship with some people and can’t connect at all with others. I wonder if my colleagues feel the same - our team just doesn’t really feel like a team. It feels almost cliquey. How can we build better, healthier working relationships?”

Registration Links:

• English
• French

For more information on building better relationships at work, click here.

VENNGO Perks

May Special: Save up to 40% on home and auto insurance with Co-operators.

The co-operators introduced a group-specific code for CGSA members.

The code is: Savings4

To learn more or get a quote online, click here or call 1-800-387-1963.

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

If you are not currently a subscriber to Venngo, please contact Lori at lmicucci@golfsupers.com to be added to the list.