News Golf
Sept. 23 will be Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day in Canada, around the world

As a healthy outdoor activity that can adhere to social distancing, golf has seen a worldwide resurgence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sept. 23, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), in conjunction with other global superintendent groups, is recognizing those who help keep the game going and enjoyable with “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” encouraging all those who love golf to thank their course’s superintendent.

In addition to CGSA, other groups taking part in the global event include the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Australia Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) and The Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA). Together, the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration will include a commercial that will begin rotation on the Golf Channel and other media outlets, and social media messages, touting the many ways that superintendents make the game more enjoyable and sustainable. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags “#ThankASuper” or “#ThankAGreenkeeper depending on their country’s nomenclature.

“Golfers rely on excellent course conditions for their enjoyment of Canada’s No. 1 participation sport, and superintendents work hard each day to fulfill that need,” Jeff Calderwood, executive director of the CGSA, said. “This year in particular, they have played a key role in developing additional safety protocols that ensure golfers can enjoy their favourite sport in such a healthy environment.”

As courses reopened after the early months of the crisis, the demand for golf was clear. In Canada, golf rounds were up in June and July by 24 per cent and 26 per cent, respectfully, with that trend expected to continue through the remainder of the golf season.

In addition to dealing with new pandemic procedures, superintendents continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful with environmental stewardship as a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.

CGSA President Darren Kalyniuk explained, “Golf is such a healthy and positive activity. And superintendents really take that to heart, so Thank A Superintendent Day is a great way to recognize the men and women who lead our industry. The CGSA is proud to be a partner with our fellow national associations around the world in this global celebration of our profession.”

To learn more about CGSA and the role superintendents play in the enjoyment and sustainability of the game, visit https://golfsupers.com/.