The National Golf Club of Canada hosted the 2009 Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation Fundraising Tournament.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Advisory Reports
OMAFRA Turfgrass Management Report
OMAFRA Nursery & Landscape Report
Guelph Diploma Graduate Wins 2009 Future Superintendent of the Year Award
The Future Superintendent of the Year Award is presented to a full-time student member of Canadian Golf Superintendents Association who is completing their graduating year in a CGSA recognized turf management program. The nominees who are considered for this award are interviewed by a three person panel comprised of a representative of the Toro Company (the award sponsor), the industry (an architect, owner, superintendent, etc.) and the CGSA.
Cameron Kusiek, Assistant Superintendent of the Wolf Creek Golf Resort, in Ponoka, Alberta is the 2009 winner of the CGSA-Toro Future Superintendent Award. Kusiek completed his Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management at the University of Guelph in 2009. Prior to this he attended the University of Alberta studying for his B.Sc.
Cameron has been working at Wolf Creek Golf Resort over the past eight years and just recently was promoted to Assistant Superintendent. He has been involved in every aspect of golf course maintenance and construction. For the past three years he has been a supervisor on weekends. During the recent expansion at Wolf Creek to 36 holes Cameron was fortunate to play an active role in the construction and grow-in stages. “Under Rod Whitman’s tutelage (course architect), I assisted in the shaping and finishing of a variety of greens, tee boxes and fairways, even designing my own green complex. As a result, I have become proficient at operating many pieces of heavy machinery (bulldozer, excavator, scraper, articulating dump truck, backhoe and loader). Along with Rick David (Wolf Creek Superintendent) and Tyler Patroch (Assistant Superintendent), I helped design the course drainage and irrigation systems for the new 18 holes and I was also responsible for their installation. “
Kusiek was raised in Alberta and says a number of individuals have contributed to his overall success. “The University of Guelph faculty has really been helpful in that they encouraged me to step out of the box and open my eyes to the broad nature of the turf industry.” He also names David and Patroch among those that were most influential, but he is quick to state that his father “has supported and encouraged me to pursue my dream and has always been there when I needed him.”
Among Cameron’s other achievements are: being chosen as the 2008 top recipient of CGSA Scholarship Award and the recipient of the Ontario Agricultural College Deans Honour List and Associate Diploma and winner of the 125th Anniversary Scholarship Award.
While attending the University of Guelph he took a larger leadership role. He acted as Director of the 5th Annual Turfgrass Conference in the fall of 2007. In 2008-2009 he was Co-president of the Class Executive and Turf Club as well as Student Representation on the Diploma Progrtam Committee. During the fall of 2008 he was tournament organizer of the 4th Annual University of Guelph Turf Club Golf Tournament.
As winner of this year’s award, Kusiek will travel to Scotland and take part in a six week training and work experience program. He will also participate in a trip to Toro Headquarters in Minneapolis. The University of Guelph will receive a personal computer from the Toro Company and the CGSA will host his attendance at the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show in late February and early March in Toronto.
Congratulations to all the nominees for this year. They demonstrated dedication, a passion for the profession and a wealth of knowledge, all of which will certainly help them prosper in this industry.
Also, thank you to the Toro Company – a strong supporter of the profession – for partnering with the CGSA to invest in the future of the industry.
Turf Managers’ Short Course Continues into a Fifth Decade
The 41st offering of the Turf Managers’ Short Course (TMSC) continues its tradition of providing academic and industry turf expertise to turf professionals. This highly valued four-week certificate program is held at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, University of Guelph from February 1 to 26, 2010. Explore issues facing today’s professional turf manager: turf identification and management; soils; management of insects and diseases; irrigation techniques; construction and drainage. Turf managers and staff will gain expertise and competencies in practical and applied turf management.
“The career success realized by graduates of the Turf Managers’ Short Course over the past forty years has made it one of the most recognized turf management courses both within Canada and internationally,” says Rob Witherspoon, Director, Guelph Turfgrass Institute.
“The Turf Managers’ Short Course is a unique learning experience which provides the
expertise of both industry and academic instructors,” adds Pat Shaver, Manager, Program Development, Office of Open Learning, University of Guelph. “Students receive the most current scientific research and practical and applied turf management practices and techniques.”
For more information on this unique classroom experience
Visit the course website
Download the TMSC brochure
Call: 519-767-5000
Email: info@open.uoguelph.ca
Industry Calendar
Coming Events:
October 5 - McClumpha Memorial Golf Tournament, The Summit Golf Club
October 7 - GBGSA Closing Event, Muskoka Bay Golf Club
October 19 - GLAGS Closing Event, Highland Golf Club
Check out the calendar link above for more details on these events.