Golf Club

Aug 20,2010

Earl Grey Golf Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence

CALGARY, ALBERTA – The Earl Grey Golf Club golf course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Valerie Hamende of the Earl Grey Grounds Department, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Earl Grey Golf Club is the 15^th course in Alberta and the 784^th in the world to receive the honor.

"Earl Grey Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Sluiter. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

“Involvement with the ACSP has been great for Earl Grey. We have improved the awareness of our staff and course members with regards to environmental practices and the wildlife on our property. We appreciate all of the assistance we received from interested members and staff, and the support we have gained from our community,” said Hamende.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Aug 20,2010

Willow Park golf and Country Club recives its Audubon certification.more info to come

July 15,2010

Pine Hills Golf Club Hosts Junior CN Championship

Mike Johnson and the Pine Hills Golf Club host the CN Future Links Western Championships July 19-22. Nestled amongst natural sand hills and cut out of the towering pines, the Pine Hills Golf Club should prove to provide both a picturesque experience and a good test of golf for some of Western CanadaÃ?Â¢??s up and coming golf talents. With the three day tournament as the focal point of the season, Mike and his staff are working hard to prepare the course to showcase this hidden gem.

May 26,2010

Olds Central Highlands Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence

OLDS, ALBERTA Olds Central Highlands Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Jason Clouston, Course Superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Olds Central Highlands Golf Course is the 13^th course in Alberta and the 769^th in the world to receive the honor.

"Olds Central Highlands Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

"I only just want to reiterate what I have read many times that the certification is achievable at any size of a golf course. The process made us much more aware of the habitat aspect of our property and our impact on the environment. The Outreach and Education projects have really gotten our members to buy into stewardship and habitat creation/preservation. Working with kids and the bird houses was very also rewarding....I get called the bird guy around town from the several years of grade 3 students we have brought out to our facility during tree swallow nesting season",Ã????Ã???Ã??Ã?Â said Jason Clouston.

GCSAA 2009 ELGA MERIT WINNER

Bruce Constable, CGCS, Superintendent at Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie, Alberta has been named the 2009 CGSAA Environmental Leaders in Golf Merit Winner for International Facilities.

The Environmental Leaders in Golf Award recognizes golf course superintendents and their courses for overall course management excellence in the areas of resource conservation, water quality management, integrated pest management, wildlife/habitat management and education/outreach. In addition, these categories are judged on sustainability, criticality, originality and technology implementation/use. An independent panel of judges representing national environmental groups, turfgrass experts, university research and members of the golf community conducted the award selection.

Bruce is a Past President and long time member and supporter of the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association. Congratulations on a well deserved award!

2009 AGSA Distinguished Service Award

Ron Hume, Superintendent at Silverwing Links Golf Course in Calgary is the 2009 winner of the AGSA Distinguished Service Award. Ron started his career working at Salmon Arm Golf Course for 4 years where his father was the superintendent and head pro. This interest prompted him to complete his diploma at the University of Guelph in the late 70's. After University, he was the assistant at Canyon Meadows Golf Course in Calgary for 8 years. His experience then led him to be the superintendent at Earl Grey Golf Course from 1980 to 1992. During his tenure here, he hosted the PGA Seniors Tour in 1983. After a year's hiatus from the industry traveling the world, he returned to re-build the Langara Golf Club in Vancouver and later that year accepted the job as superintendent at The Links of GlenEagles in Cochrane. He was at GlenEagles for 10 years during construction and establishment where he hosted the PGA's Nationwide Tour in 2003. From 2004 to 2006 he contributed his construction expertise to the Puddicombe Group helping with construction projects at Sundre Golf Club, Whitetail Landing Golf Club and Cottonwood G&CC. Since 2007, Ron has been the construction superintendent at Silverwing Links Golf Club where he has worked hands-on to open 27 holes of public golf.

Along with Ron's impressive resume, he helped establish the AGSA in 1987, served as director of the Southern Alberta Turfgrass Association for 7 years and Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation for 3 years. Ron also received his Master Superintendent status from the CGSA in 1987 plus, most recently, received a 30-year pin for his commitment to the CGSA.

Ron is not only a great superintendent; he is a gentle, honest and sincere human being. He is an extremely hard-working, hands-on superintendent who prefers to lead by example rather than sit back and teach from an office. His simple, yet dedicated approach to turf management has made Ron one of the most respected Superintendents in our province. His dedication and drive towards our industry is infectious and has been a mentor to many fellow superintendents.

Congratulations Ron!

2009 CGSA Superintendent of the Year Award

The Alberta Golf Course Superintendents Association is very proud to announce that Mr. David Boyd, Superintendent at Heritage Pointe Golf Club just south of Calgary won the 2009 CGSA Golf Course Superintendent of the Year award. The AGSA Nominating Committee chose Dave because of his support, dedication and continued contributions to both the AGSA and the CGSA. He is a proven leader in his profession and looked up to by many.

Dave has served on many committees and Boards since he started his career in 1976 working at Willow Park Golf & C.C. He has been a member of the CGSA since 1982 and was a founding member of the AGSA started in 1986. He was elected to the CGSA Board of Directors in 1989 and served as their President in 1996. Dave was also elected President of the AGSA in 2004 and has been instrumental in making the AGSA one of the strongest associations in the country, serving on various committees such as the AGSA Challenge Cup Committee, twice hosting the AGSA Championship and chairing the AGSA Property Manager's Conference in 1999. Dave's dedication and willingness to help promote the profession of the Golf Course Superintendent throughout not only Canada but the world was also seen when he represented Canada at the International Golf Summit in 1997.

Dave has continually provided some of the best playing conditions in the country throughout his career and continues to do so at his present golf course Heritage Pointe Golf Club. He has hosted many prestigious golf tournaments such as the Canadian Tour's Calgary Open on 4 occasions, the Canadian Club Professionals in 1998 and the CGSA Fall Field Day to name a few. Dave continually strives for the best playing conditions and has been a mentor to many Assistant Golf Superintendents and Golf Course Superintendents throughout the Country.

He has always promoted the Golf Course Superintendent and taken time to provide education and opinions to many others in the industry. His staff, management and members have always looked up to Dave as one the innovators and leaders in his profession and the Board of Directors at the AGSA would agree.

Dave's leadership, dedication, and professionalism made him a very deserving recipient of the prestigious CGSA Superintendent of the Year award.