Serving the golf course superintendents community as your president for two years has been an honour that is both rare and deeply meaningful. Since I started with the OGSA board in 2018, the association has seen incredible growth and engagement. I’ve truly enjoyed the chance to work with such a fantastic group of golf course superintendents who care about this industry. It’s been exciting to see the progress we’ve made together, both on the board and across the association. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside past presidents Cory Janzen, Jason Boyce, Tim Muys, Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, and Owen Russell—each contributing to the strength and direction of our association. Together, we’ve navigated significant milestones: weathering the challenges of Covid, mourning the loss of our longtime Executive Director Sally Ross, and welcoming Courtney White into the role with great optimism. We celebrated our 100th anniversary with enthusiasm and co-hosted the Canadian Turfgrass Management Conference, which brought together over 550 delegates and 340 suppliers—making it the largest turfgrass management event in Canada in recent memory.

As an association, we’ve grown in both size and impact, reaching a record membership of 1,019 in 2025. With that growth, our conferences and networking opportunities have expanded, offering more value and connection than ever before. This momentum reinforces the importance of unity when we come together as a profession. We’re better positioned to support turfgrass research, advocate for the tools and resources superintendents need, and champion fair compensation and benefits that reflect the complexity and importance of our work. Superintendents and their teams play a vital role in the golf industry, managing diverse responsibilities, adapting to environmental challenges, and consistently meeting high expectations. Our collective voice is strong, and it’s essential that we continue to use it to advance our profession.

We extend our sincere thanks to our supplier partners for their continued support of the OGSA and its members. Whether through sponsorship, active participation in our events, or helping to elevate the profile of superintendents, your contributions are deeply valued. These partnerships are essential to the success of our association and the advancement of the turfgrass profession. We truly appreciate your ongoing commitment and collaboration.

I’d also like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Owen Russell for the time, dedication, and professionalism he has brought to the OGSA board. Owen’s impact on the association, his fellow board members, and the industry as a whole has been truly remarkable. His steady leadership, ability to see the bigger picture, and thoughtful influence have played a key role in the momentum we’re experiencing today. Owen consistently leads with kindness and integrity, and no matter how busy things get, he always makes time to support others. We’re grateful for the role you’ve played in helping us reach new heights.

With that, I’m excited to invite you to the OGSA Turfgrass Management Conference at the Blue Mountain Conference Centre, January 20–22, 2026. It’s a fantastic venue for learning, connecting, and team building, and the OGSA team is putting together a great lineup of speakers. For the first time in recent memory, we’re introducing an education stream focused on equipment management—designed for both dedicated equipment managers and superintendents who wear multiple hats. You’ll be able to choose sessions that best support your professional growth. We’re proud to offer this new stream and look forward to serving this important part of our membership. This conference is one of the best ways to engage with peers, build your team, and stay sharp in a constantly evolving industry. I look forward to seeing you in Collingwood!

After a long and dry season, I wish you a restful fall and winter. I look forward to serving you as the past president in 2026.

Sincerely,
Ian McQueen

OGSA President,

Superintendent, St. George's Golf & Country Club