As the season comes to an end on the east coast, we turn our attention to course shut down and fall projects. Most courses are either closing November 1st or 11th, if they haven’t closed already. We are in that last push and trying to stay focused and not lose steam at the end of a long season can be a challenge. I have been communicating with my staff that we have had a great season so let’s dig in and get to the finish. Late September and early October were wet in our area and stayed wet. Anyone like us that has a lot of corporate scrambles in the fall struggled with turf wear. 





Winter has showed up in a hurry here this past week, with a few inches of snow falling and sticking around with the temperature hovering around zero. It looks like we’ll be getting some sunshine and warmer weather next week so everyone can finish up any winter prep or fall projects they might not have gotten a chance to wrap up yet. 

Register Now and Take Advantage of Early Bird Pricing for The 2027 Canadian Golf Course Management Conference and Tradeshow:

Marcio Melo, Assistant Superintendent at The Royal Montreal Golf Club

For the full Q&A feature with Marcio Melo, click here.

New Members

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

For any membership inquiries, contact Lori Micucci.

• Carson Bertrand, Student & Greenskeeper Mountain Woods Golf Club Moncton, NB
• William Keais, Student University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
• Will Melnyk, Student University of Guelph, Barrie, ON
• Kieran Pratt, Student Aurora, ON
• Kyle Trumper, Student University of Guelph Aurora, ON

CGSA's Latest Accredited Members

Please join the CGSA in congratulating the following members on renewing their professional designations!

RENEWAL OF THE MASTER SUPERINTENDENT (MS) DESIGNATION

Jason Winter, MS, AGS, Master Superintendent with the City of Brantford in Brantford, ON, has successfully recertified his Master Superintendent (MS) designation.

RENEWAL OF THE ACCREDITED GOLF SUPERINTENDENT (AGS) DESIGNATION

Reid Solodan, AGS, Superintendent at Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, AB, has successfully recertified his Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) designation.

Congratulations, Jason and Reid, on this outstanding achievement!

For more information on how you can achieve a CGSA designation and track your continuing education credits, please click here or contact Lori at the CGSA office, ext. 27.

More Than Turf Photo Contest

We know many of our members are talented photographers, and we want to showcase your work! Submit your favorite photos for a chance to win prizes - and, of course, bragging rights.

2026 Contest Categories

📸 Animals

📸 Landscape

📸 Sunrise/Sunset

Prizes Include:

• Your winning photo professionally framed
• CGSA gift pack
• Featured recognition in CGSA publications

Each month, submissions will be featured in GreenMatter and on CGSA social media channels. One winning photo, selected by the Communications & Editorial Committee, will also appear in each edition of GreenMaster. The grand prize winners will be announced in January 2027.

Click here to view the 2025 submissions for some inspiration!

How to Enter:

Email your photos to: cgsa@golfsupers.com

* Submitted photos may be used in CGSA publications, marketing materials, and promotional content.

Recent 2026 Entries

Photos above above submitted by Scott Coulter

Photo Submitted by Scott Coulter

Photo Submitted by Garth Sjolie - Going to work past Departure Bay Nanaimo

Photo Submitted by Keith Lyall of Sun Peaks Resort - 17th green after the first cut in April

Photo Submitted by Chris Whittaker: #IYKYK! You get to 'work' in some of the nicest places at the best times of the day. 

Photo Submitted by Keith Lyall of Sun Peaks Resort

Photo Submitted by Keith Lyall of Sun Peaks Resort

Photo Submitted by Keith Lyall of Sun Peaks Resort

2026 National Tournament Season a Success!

Another successful national tournament season has ended!

As the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) celebrated its 60th Anniversary, the 2026 CGSA National Tournament Recognition Program kicked off in May with our first presentation at the 56th PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada, presented by Callaway Golf, in Ontario. The program wrapped up in October with our final presentation at the 51st PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada, presented by Callaway Golf, and the 2nd PGA Head Teaching Professional Championship of Canada, both held in British Columbia.

Throughout the season, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) proudly recognized 26 members for hosting national championships and events across the country. To explore member profiles and photos from these events, including the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, click here.

To read the full write-up, click here.

Golf Canada staff member Liz Hoffman (left) and Paul McLean (right) present Colin Young, CGSA Ontario Director (middle), with his National Tournament plaque during the Canadian Collegiate Invitational – Women’s Championship.

Photo courtesy of Golf Canada

Golf Canada staff member Steven Young (left) and Madeline MacMillan (right) present Jared Hystad (centre) with his National Tournament plaque during the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO.

Photo courtesy of Golf Canada

CGSA Past President Jim Flett, AGS (middle) presenting Drew Rachar (left) and Kurt Mohaupt (right) with their National Tournament plaques during the e Canadian Collegiate Invitational Men's.

Photo courtesy of Golf Canada

CGSA Manitoba Director Dustin How, MS (right) presenting Shawn Major, AGS (left) with his CGSA National Tournament plaque during the Canadian Men's Senior Championship, presented by BDO. Photo courtesy of Golf Canada

Photo courtesy of Golf Canada

CGSA 2026 Award Programs - Apply by November 30, 2026

The CGSA offers a variety of award programs that recognize the achievements, leadership, and contributions of its members in the golf course management profession.



These awards provide an opportunity to showcase the exceptional work of golf course professionals and highlight their dedication to their facilities, teams, the environment, and the golf industry.

Several of our award programs are sponsored in whole or in part by valued industry partners. We sincerely appreciate their support, which enables the CGSA to provide meaningful recognition to deserving award recipients.



We invite you to nominate a deserving colleague or apply for one of the 2026 CGSA awards. Review the award programs and deadline dates below to find the opportunity that best fits you or a fellow CGSA member.

November 30th Deadline Dates:

• John B. Steel Award
• CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award - Step Two
• CGSA/Toro Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award
• CGSA/Prairie Turf Equipment - Equipment Technician of the Year Award
• CGSA Student Scholarship Awards
• Gordon Witteveen Award (GreenMaster articles submitted including the Winter issue) 

For more information, click here or contact Lori Micucci. 

Industry News

CGSA and NGCOA Canada are encouraging golf courses across the country to take part in a global movement for sustainable golf through a partnership with the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.

GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf is an international non-profit organization entirely dedicated to advancing sustainability and climate action through golf. GEO works collaboratively with golf facilities, associations, and major tournaments worldwide to provide practical programs, reporting tools, and trusted certification. Their goal is to help the sport become a leader in sustainability while improving operational efficiency and public perception.

Learn from others. Inspire others.

Click here to learn more about highlights and case studies from GEO Certified facilities to draw some inspiration!

BrettYoung Expands Professional Turf & Reclamation Business into Atlantic Canada: BrettYoung is expanding its Professional Turf & Reclamation (PTR) business into Atlantic Canada, establishing a coast-to-coast presence and bringing its portfolio of professional turf products, technical expertise and customer support to turf managers throughout the region. This expansion represents an important step in BrettYoung’s continued investment in the Canadian professional turf and reclamation industry.

To lead this expansion, we are pleased to welcome Callum Haughn to the BrettYoung Professional Turf & Reclamation team as Regional Account Manager – Atlantic Canada, effective December 1, 2026.

Click here to read the full release.

Aquatrols Hires New Territory Manager; Article pulled from Golf Course Industry: Matt Mamone has joined The Aquatrols Company as territory manager in Western Canada. He brings more than a decade of turf management experience and a background in plant nutrition, fertility program development, and sales and business development.

Most recently, Mamone served as a plant nutrition specialist with Shuttle14 in Western Canada. Prior to that, he spent nearly seven years at Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort in Victoria, BC, including nearly five years as golf course superintendent.

Click here to read the article.

Press Release: Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 2027 Brings Turfgrass Professionals Together :

GUELPH, ON –Turfgrass professionals from across Ontario and beyond are invited to attend the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (OTS) 2027, taking place Wednesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 18, 2027, at the University of Guelph. 

Hosted in partnership by the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, Canadian Sports Field Association, and Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, this annual educational event brings together professionals working in golf course management, sports fields, lawn care, parks and recreation, landscape horticulture, and other turfgrass-related sectors. The symposium offers opportunities to learn about the latest research, explore practical management strategies, and connect with colleagues and industry experts. The 2027 program will feature an exciting lineup of speakers covering a diverse range of topics, including soil science, turfgrass disease management, integrated pest management, sports field operations, golf course design, irrigation, weather forecasting, and outdoor recreation facility management. 

Click here to read the full release.

Clear Health

When discussing mental health and mental illness, the words we use matter.

Effective workplace communication ensures employees have the information they need to succeed, fosters a positive work environment, and reduces misunderstandings and inefficiencies. When discussing mental health and mental illness, the words we use matter. Thoughtful, accurate, and compassionate language can help reduce stigma and create a more inclusive, supportive workplace. Please click here for the Language Do’s and Don’ts from our CMHA Not Myself Today partner program that you may find helpful.

Tip of the Week: Feel like you could have said things better? Follow-up to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

Homewood Health

Homewood Health (Pathfinder Comprehensive) is now the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association's new Employee Assistance and Workplace Mental Health Program. This is an Add on Member Benefits for $60 plus tax.

If you would like to sign up for this benefit, please contact Lori Micucci at the CGSA office.

New Digital Platform Feature Spotlight

Smart Care Navigation & Personalized Support: Getting the help you need starts with one simple step.

Smart Care Navigation helps you find the support that best fits your mental health, wellness or work life needs. Simply answer a few questions to receive personalized recommendations.

How it works:

• Download Homewood’s mobile app and create an account
• Launch Smart Care Navigation from your dashboard
• Answer a few questions
• Get expert recommendations
• Match with the right support

Your personalized dashboard brings everything together in one place, from care plans and appointments to recommended content, making it easier to stay informed and track your progress.

Download the NEW App to Access Support

VENNGO Perks

Make the Most of Your CGSA Membership with Venngo MemberPerks!

Venngo MemberPerks is a complimentary member benefit program that gives CGSA members access to exclusive discounts and special offers on everyday purchases, services and experiences. It’s another way CGSA helps members save money and get more value from their membership.

Need Help Getting Started?

Not sure how to access or use your Venngo MemberPerks benefit? Watch the step-by-step walkthrough video to learn how to set up your account and start exploring available offers.

English Walkthrough:

• https://vimeo.com/1055352385/c4cf2fe361?share=copy

French Walkthrough:

• https://vimeo.com/1076158853?share=copy

For additional assistance, contact the Venngo Support Team through the Venngo Help Centre.

Click here for more information.