The Ontario Golf Superintendents'
Association (OGSA) is an Association made up of golf course superintendents,
assistant superintendents,
golf course suppliers, owners and architects.
The OGSA was formed
in 1924 to benefit the superintendent in Ontario. Its main purpose
is to provide up-to-date information on the needs
and problems facing
the superintendent and to elevate the status of the profession to benefit
all members.
The OGSA works to
accomplish
this with a trade magazine published six times per year called Green is
Beautiful, monthly general information
flyers and an educational seminar
held every fall with Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
We host our own Golf Course Management
Conference and Trade Show held every winter, usually in January. There are also informal meetings and golf
tournaments held throughout the year. We also provide our
membership
with an up-to-date membership roster.
To contact members
of the OGSA Board of Directors and the Executive click here.
To review the OGSA
by-laws
which govern us please click here.
Map
President’s Message
Winter 2010
As I write my
first President’s message, it’s hard not to reflect on the last eight
years that I have been involved with the OGSA. I remember Jim Flett
calling me and asking if I would like to be nominated to run for the
Board of Directors. At the time I was very busy with the Georgian Bay
Golf Superintendents Association, but Jim took the time to discuss the
importance of the OGSA and being engaged with your provincial
association. Jim was a big influence in helping me make the decision to
become a director and I’m so glad I did. Along the way you work with so
many great individuals who volunteer their time to make our profession
better. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each president
who I served under; Jim Flett, Mark Piccolo, Rob Ackermann, Paul Scenna,
Robert Burrows, Sean DeSilva, Jeff Stauffer and Randy Booker. Thanks so
much for your support, leadership and friendship over the years.
Speaking of past presidents, the OGSA held
the 2nd Past Presidents’ Luncheon at Credit Valley Golf and
Country Club on January 14th. The afternoon was filled with
some great camaraderie, stories of the past and a good discussion on the
association’s direction into this new decade. Thanks to all the past
presidents that attended and a special thank you to our host Jeff
Stauffer for organizing the day.
I had the opportunity to attend the Golf
Association of Ontario Awards Ceremony and Annual General Meeting at
Maple Downs Golf & Country Club on January 30th. The Golf Association
of Ontario (GAO) has built their new home at Wooden Sticks Golf Club and
has signed a new lease agreement for the next 15 years. Although
membership numbers where slightly down the association financially ran
a surplus. One great thing is that our player development program is
really in great shape, having our province win 6 of the national
championships in 2009. In other news the GAO was able to hire their
provincial coach for this year to continue to run programs and work with
our golfers. The GAO donated funds to the Ontario Turfgrass Research
Foundation. OTRF President David Kuypers was on hand to accept the
cheque and graciously spoke of our profession and why we need continued
research in our industry. A special presentation was given by the Royal
Canadian Golf Association on their new branding named “Golf Canada”.
Over the last year they have built some strong relations to help them
market and sell their branding and will be working with all provinces to
unveil and promote it. Look for the new Golf Canada Cards that any
provincial member can purchase for special privileges.
Continuing education is an important part of
being a golf course superintendent. I hope you had a chance to
participate in the 2010 Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and
Trade Show. By attending this show you have shown that you are committed
to improving your profession, career and facility. Socializing with
colleagues and building new relationships are part of the process,
providing a learning opportunity as we get ready for another golf
season. The Awards Luncheon showcases our scholarship winners. in the
past year. Congratulations to our recipients Michael Herbert Newton,
Alex Barratt, Tyler Windfeld and Michael Trainor. The 2010 show is a
joint effort between the CGSA and the OGSA. I would like to thank Ken
Cousineau and his staff at the CGSA for all the hard work they have done
to make this show a success. Thank you to the Conference Co-Chairmen,
Jarrod Barakett and Chris Andrejicka and their committee on a job well
done!
The golf industry in Ontario looks strong
with associations being governed by individuals that truly care about
the future of the game of golf. The growth and viability of the game is
everyone’s responsibility. Make sure you check Calendar of Events
on our website for association updates. Sign up for some events
this year and take advantage of what your association has to offer.
I am very honoured and humbled to be the 55th
President of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association. At
anytime, please feel free to contact me with concerns, comments or
suggestions. All the best for a successful 2010 golf season!
Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association
Jeff Alexander
President
President's Message Winter
2010
President's Message Fall
2009
President's
Message Summer 2009
President's
Message Spring 2009
President's Message
Winter 2009
President's Message Fall 2008
President's Message,
July 2008
President's Message,
May 2008
President's Message, Feb
2008
President's
Message, Dec 2007
President's Message,
Oct 2007
President's Message,
Aug 2007
President's Message,
July 2007
President's
Message, May 2007
President's Message, Feb
2007