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Ottawa Hunt Club’s Ruhs named CGSA/Envu superintendent of the year

     The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Envu have announced Eric Ruhs of the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa as the CGSA/Envu superintendent of the year for 2023.

     The announcement was made at the CGSA’s Fall Field Day.

     The award recognizes a member of the CGSA who has held the position of golf course superintendent for a minimum of five years and who has distinguished her or himself through dedication to the profession, performance as a golf course superintendent and contributions to their profession and their community.

     “Eric has dedicated his career to the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club where he started working in 1984 and became superintendent in 1987,” CGSA president Dustin Zdan said. “Through this dedication he provides superior playing conditions on a consistent basis and yet remains humble. He has mentored many in the industry who are now CGSA members. I hope all of you will come out and support Eric in Montreal in February 2024 when we recognize him for winning this prestigious award.”

     Colin White, marketing manager at Envu, said, “The entire team at Envu are extremely pleased that Eric Ruhs has been selected as the 2023 CGSA/Envu superintendent of the year. Over his 36 years at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, Eric has provided impeccable playing conditions for his members and supported the turfgrass industry. We look forward to interacting with Eric at a number of Envu and CGSA events over the next year. Congratulations, Eric.”

     Dean Baker, superintendent at the Burlington Golf & Country Club, noted, “Eric is considered a trail blazer in the Ottawa area for the work he has done throughout his career. He has volunteered countless hours to his local turf association, OVTA, to which he also served as president. His name and voice are well heard in advocating for turf research and environmental stewardship.”

     In addition to his title, Ruhs will receive:

     Ruhs has been a CGSA member since 1985. He has been in attendance as part of the CGSA contingent during several National Golf Day events in Ottawa. Here he met alongside others in the golf industry and shared the value of the sport and role of the superintendent with members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.  He has been the superintendent at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club since 1987. He graduated at the top of his class of 85A at the University of Guelph in 1985. He was young when he assumed the role of head superintendent, and the best advice he received from his two mentors, Dave Garland and Doug Rothwell, was, “you can do this.”

     Ruhs will be formally recognized during the Canadian Golf Course Management Conference and presented with his award during the award luncheon in Montreal on Feb. 27, 2024.

     This award is funded by Envu – a platinum sponsor of the CGSA.