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The season continues to fly along, it doesn’t seem like any year seems slower. Overall Manitoba has had some very good grass growing weather this season. The exception being some areas that have seen massive rainfalls leading to overland flooding. Several golf courses have experienced multiple flooding events this summer around the province, for those individuals it has been a challenging summer.
If anyone in your area has been affected, please check in with your fellow Superintendents and see if anything can be done to help and for those affected don’t hesitate to reach out to your peers for a conversation or ask for help. The sharing of insight and knowledge along with our support of each other is what makes our profession strong.
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Fall is here, and for some of us, the first frost arrived this past weekend. There's always a different feeling when those cold mornings show up. They signal that another golf season is beginning to wind down and that winter preparations are right around the corner.
I think it's safe to say that most of us in Alberta are ready for the fall push and the months ahead. For some, this summer was certainly one for the record books. Edmonton and the surrounding area saw seemingly non-stop rain, shattering precipitation records and creating challenges that many superintendents had never experienced before. Meanwhile, the southern part of the province received less moisture and enjoyed some favourable golfing weather through July and August, giving golfers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy their courses.
| | CGSA Past President, John Scott, AGS, Highlighted in Guelph Turfgrass Institute Alumni Spotlight: | |
"John Scott graduated from the University of Guelph's Diploma in Horticulture program in 1985 and has built an outstanding career spanning more than four decades in the Canadian golf industry. After beginning his career at Royal Montreal Golf Club, Scott went on to serve at Rivermead Golf & Country Club, Rawdon Golf Club, and Elm Ridge Golf Club before joining Summerlea Golf & Country Club in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, as Superintendent in 2002. Over the past two decades, he has earned a reputation for exceptional course management, strong leadership, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of turf professionals."
Click here and scroll down to read the full Alumni spotlight featured in Guelph Turf News.
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Syngenta releases newest episode of The Green report featuring CGSA member Robin Sadler, MS, AGS; pulled from the Golf Course Industry:
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"Innovative sustainability at a pioneering Canadian golf course is the focus for the new episode of Syngenta’s YouTube docuseries, The Green Report.
Located in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies, Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta, made history as the first facility in Canada to achieve GEO Certified status for sustainable golf. The episode follows master superintendent Robin Sadler, who reveals how data-backed conservation and modern technology drive the course’s day-to-day operations."
Click here for the full article.
| | | | CGSA Monthly Member Spotlight | | Jarrett Rempel, AAGS, Assistant Superintendent at St. Charles Country Club | For the full Q&A feature with Jarret Rempel, AAGS: Click Here | |
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Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in golf course management?
A: What started out as a summer job turned into a passion for being outdoors, working with my hands and being able to see what we are accomplishing on a giant canvas, that is the golf course.
Q: What's a moment in your career that stands out as particularly rewarding?
A: When we opened the Mackenzie nine up for play after being closed for 14 months to renovate and restore, it was very rewarding. That was our first nine that we renovated and the one I had the most hands-on involvement with. The whole construction project that we have been going through for the last 4 years has been very challenging but also very rewarding and a cool experience to be apart of. I also got to go volunteer at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills. Was a very cool experience to be apart of.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you/fun fact?
A: I’m trying to play every golf course in Manitoba. I have currently played 101 of the active 124 golf courses that I am aware of.
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Please join the CGSA in welcoming the following new members and/or members who rejoined recently:
For any membership inquiries, contact Lori Micucci.
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Steve Carberry, Student Oliver BC
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Blair Duggan, Superintendent PEI OceanView Golf Resort Summerside PE
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Cole Forbes, Greens Keeper Brule Point Golf Tatamagouche NS
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Tim Negus, Greens Team Blairhampton Golf Course Minden ON
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Peter Rose, General Manager Blomidon Golf Club Corner Brook NL
| | 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.
| | 2026 Photos submitted by Garth Sjolie, Nanaimo Golf Club | | Photo Credit: Lynn Wicker, Horticulturist at Nanaimo Golf Club | | Photo Credit: Lynn Wicker, Horticulturist at Nanaimo Golf Club | | 2026 National Tournament Program | |
The 2026 National Tournament Program is now into September, and the CGSA is proud to recognize the superintendent members hosting these prestigious events with a commemorative plaque in appreciation of their contributions and commitment to excellence.
We’ve added lots of photos from recent plaque presentations to this issue, and we’ll continue to share more member profiles and photos showcasing the exceptional work being done by our members and their teams at host facilities. Click this link to view the latest highlights.
To view the 2026 National Tournament Schedule, please click here.
| | CGSA Manitoba Director Dustin How, MS, AGS (right) presenting Daniel Ciekiewicz (left) with his CGSA National Tournament plaque during the Manitoba Open. | | CGSA Vice-President Cameron Kusiek (left) and CGSA Alberta Director Chris Prodahl (right) congratulating Wade Peckham (middle) for hosting the CPKC Women's Open. | | CGSA Vice-President Cameron Kusiek (right) presenting Chris Nelson (left) with his CGSA National Tournament plaque during the Rogers Charity Classic. | | Photo above Left to Right: Tiffany Gordon, President of the PGA of Canada, Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada presents Michael MacGillivray, Superintendent at Bayview Golf & Country Club and the Host of the 56th PGA Assistants' Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf with his National Tournament plaque. | | Photo above is CGSA Vice-President Cameron Kusiek (left) who is presenting National Tournament plaques to Ryan Cassidy (middle) and Robin Sadler, MS (right) during the 121st Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship – Mickelson National, Calgary. | | Photo above is CGSA Ontario Director, Colin Young (right) presenting Paul Scenna, MS (left) with his National Tournament plaque during the closing ceremony of the 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship – Toronto Golf Club – July 24, 2026. | | Ryan Vlahek (left) receives his CGSA National Tournament plaque from Sam Brown, Senior Coordinator, Amateur Championships & Rules with Golf Canada. Sam presented the plaque to Ryan during the closing ceremony of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Am Championship, presented by BDO. Photo courtesy of Golf Canada. | | Industry member Todd Fanning (left) and Team Manitoba make history and win their first ever Inter-Provincial Championship at the Canadian Men's Senior Championship. Photo courtesy of Golf Canada. | | Photo above is Golf Canada Board Director Ron Lloyd (left) presenting Scott Brook (right) with his National Tournament plaque during the closing ceremony of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO. Photo courtesy of Golf Canada | | 2026 CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award (EAA) Deadline: September 30th, 2026 | | |
For 2026, the CGSA Board of Directors has introduced a new two-step nomination process for the CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award (EAA).
The new nomination process for the CGSA / Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award invites a broader range of voices to help spotlight exceptional environmental leadership in golf course management. Nominations can now be submitted not only by CGSA members, but also by colleagues, employers, and industry partners who have witnessed a superintendent’s environmental stewardship firsthand.
Click here for more information on the new process and to access the nomination forms.
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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.
September 30th Deadline Date:
November 30th Deadline Dates:
For more information, click here or contact Lori Micucci.
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CGSA and BrettYoung Extend Multi-Year Partnership
The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and BrettYoung are pleased to announce the renewal of their multi-year partnership, continuing a strong relationship that supports connection, networking and professional development within Canada's turf management community.
As part of the renewed agreement, BrettYoung will continue as a Bronze Sponsor of the Canadian Golf Course Management Conference (CGCMC) Opening SociALL for the next three years. To read the full release click here.
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Turf&Rec: Volunteering at PGA Tour stop, Article pulled from Turf&Rec, written by Dr. Sara Stricker:
For one unforgettable week, my entire world revolved around sand.
As the communications and projects manager for the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, I spend much of my time teaching, writing, and showcasing the incredible work being done across the turfgrass industry. But until this year, I had never actually worked on a golf course.
When TPC Osprey Valley put out the call for volunteers to help prepare the North Course for the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, I tentatively put my name forward to join the agronomy team.
To read the full article and rankings, click here.
| | New Offering: The Guelph Turfgrass Institute has partnered with the University of Guelph's School of Continuing Studies to deliver the Turfgrass Systems Management (TSM) online certificate. Registration for fall semester is now open, with courses beginning September 14. The fully online, flexible format makes it an excellent option for working professionals looking to build their knowledge while continuing to work. | | |
2% Discount at Invoice on Professional Turf Products:
BrettYoung is a major supplier of turf products throughout Canada with distribution in Winnipeg, MB; Saskatoon, SK; Leduc, AB; Calgary, AB; Vancouver, BC; and Ontario. NGCOA Canada members receive a 2% discount at invoice on professional turf products.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
- Agronomic Testing
- Fertilizer
- Accessories
- Soil Amendments
- Erosion Control Products
- Equipment
- Control Products
- Turf and Native Seed
Click here for more information.
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With summer coming to an end and fall just around the corner, most of us are trying to get back into our “routine” and finding some sort of healthy work-life balance in the process. The stress associated with adjusting to new and more demanding routines can impact mood, sleep and overall wellness. We all struggle!
Click here for the Identifying Job-related Stressors worksheet, from our CMHA NotMyselfToday program, shares some valuable insight on addressing job-related stress and how you can start managing your overall stress level.
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AUGUST SPECIALS
All YEAR ROUND SPECIALS
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!
If you are not currently a subscriber to Venngo, please contact Lori at lmicucci@golfsupers.com to be added to the list.
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Contact Us
Lori Micucci, Manager, Member Services ex. 27
Kathryn Wood, Chief Executive Officer ex. 23
Barb Manifold, Events and Administration ex. 25
Karen Collins, Membership and Events Coordinator ex. 26
Jenn Rozek, Communications Manager (jrozek@golfsupers.com)
Guylaine Richard, Education ex. 29
Terri Solodan, (tsolodan@golfsupers.com)
PH: 1-800-387-1056
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