Message from the President
August, 2024
As I sit down to write this message, I find it hard to believe it is already August. Every year I feel the same thing, that time goes by too fast, and I don’t remember where the season has gone. We went from an early spring right into summer, and it feels like our teams have not had the chance to breath or relax. Staff have been out dragging hoses and keeping turf alive for weeks while golfers everywhere get to enjoy the excellent conditions. I have learned over the years that everyone tends to get a little tired mentally this time of the season. The long days and weekend shifts begin to wear on us as August arrives. It is a good time to remind ourselves that taking a break to enjoy the summer is ok. Taking a long weekend, or an extra day off to spend with family and friends will do wonders for our health. Allowing our staff to recharge this time of year will give them the extra strength mentally and physically to push through this final stretch of warm weather.
Despite all of this, it’s during this time that we find ourselves especially grateful for the strides in technological advancement, and in turfgrass research to help us do what we do best. It’s why the OGSA uses part of the funds raised through membership dues to support the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation in its endeavor to continually support and move the turfgrass industries forward.
In the last 20 years, the OGSA and its members have donated over $300,000 to the OTRF to support turfgrass research. We are pleased to share that we are adding to this total with another annual donation of $20,000, which will be presented at their sold-out fundraising tournament on August 26th at Rosedale Golf Club.
Our membership renewal is October 1 and I encourage you not only renew but evaluate who on your team is not a member, sign them up to be a part of this great association. As we grow, we will have the ability to increase programs and services as well as funding for the research that we rely on to support our mandates as superintendents and your team will benefit from the networking and professional development opportunities we provide.
The OGSA and the CGSA have been working throughout the summer to build the framework for what promises to be the best conference for golf course management in Canada. The conference takes place in Niagara Falls again this year, all under one roof, and this time we are welcoming colleagues from across the country. This year’s event will also include an equipment mangers education series, a women-in-turf networking breakfast event, and the largest industry tradeshow in Canada. This will be the biggest conference in the history of our two great associations so come celebrate with us in Niagara Falls. Early bird rates are available, so take advantage of the savings and bring your team.
It’s exciting to see that the OGSA golf events are now some of the main networking and social events of the year. I want to thank the sponsors of these events. With your continued support of the association, we are able to provide our members with first-class networking opportunities. The Assistant’s tournament, held at St. Thomas Golf & Country Club and hosted by Wade Beaudoin, Dylan Oderkirk & Jordan Satchell sold out once again, and the OGSA Championship, held in Muskoka sold out in 7 days. I am looking forward to connecting with you at these events.
Before I close, I’d like to invite you to reach out to myself, the OGSA office or any of the board members with suggestions for how we can better serve you, the members. We review our strategic plan once a year and often pivot as we move through the year. We are also interested in hearing from members who would like to volunteer their time with the OGSA as a committee member on ONCourse, or as a board member.
I hope you all have a great end of season!
Sincerest regards,
Ian McQueen, OGSA President, Superintendent at St. George’s Golf & Country Club