CGSA 2025 AWARD PROGRAMS
The CGSA offers a variety of award programs to recognize the outstanding achievements of its members in their roles as professional golf course managers. These awards are one of the key ways the association showcases the vital work and dedication of golf course professionals. Several of these programs are generously sponsored—either fully or in part—by our valued industry partners. We are deeply appreciative of their support, which enables us to provide meaningful and tangible recognition to our members.
UPCOMING NOVEMBER 30, 2025 DEADLINE DATE
2025 JOHN B. STEEL AWARD – Call for Nominations
The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) is accepting nominations for the prestigious John B. Steel Award. This award honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession of Golf Course Superintendent.
Eligibility:
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Open to anyone in the golf industry
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Must be recognized in the broader golf community
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Does not need to be a current CGSA member
Who Can Nominate:
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CGSA Board of Directors
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CGSA Superintendent Members
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Regional Golf Superintendent Associations
For full criteria and to access the nomination form, please HERE.
2025 CGSA/TORO ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), in partnership with The Toro Company, proudly presents the 2025 CGSA/Toro Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award.
This prestigious award recognizes an assistant superintendent who has made outstanding contributions to their golf facility—exceeding expectations through exceptional performance, innovation, leadership, and a strong team-oriented approach.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Nominees must be assistant superintendents currently working at a golf facility.
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The award honors contributions that significantly enhance the success of the golf operation.
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Nominees should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, and collaborative spirit.
Award Highlights:
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Celebrates individuals whose achievements go above and beyond their job description.
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Emphasizes the importance of teamwork, innovation, and leadership in golf course management.
The award is proudly sponsored by The Toro Company.
Click HERE for the nomination form and full award criteria.
2025 CGSA/RAIN BIRD ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes excellence in environmental stewardship within golf course management. It honors a superintendent whose work best exemplifies a sustainable activity, project, or management approach with measurable and ongoing environmental benefits.
Eligibility:
- Must be a Superintendent or Golf Course Management member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA).
Selection Criteria:
Judges will look for:
- Demonstrated sustainability improvements at a golf facility.
- Potential for long-term impact.
- Applicability to other golf facilities.
- Quantifiable results (e.g., water savings, biodiversity improvements, reduced chemical usage, etc.).
How to Apply:
- Fill out the application form and review the criteria.
- Click HERE to access the full application and criteria form.
Award Sponsor:
- Sponsored by Rain Bird, a global leader in irrigation and water-conservation solutions.
2025 CGSA/Prairie Turf Equipment-Equipment Technician of the Year Award
Do you know an exceptional Equipment Technician who deserves national recognition?
As a CGSA member, you can nominate a fellow Equipment Technician member for the prestigious 2025 CGSA/Prairie Turf Equipment – Equipment Technician of the Year Award.
This award celebrates the outstanding achievements and dedication of a golf course equipment technician whose contributions to their facility go above and beyond expectations.
Eligibility: Nominations must be submitted by two CGSA members (any membership category).
Nomination Form and Criteria: Click HERE to access the nomination package.
This award is proudly sponsored by Prairie Turf Equipment.
Let’s recognize the talent and commitment that keeps golf courses running at their best!
2025 GORDON WITTEVEEN AWARD
The Gordon Witteveen Award, sponsored by The Toro Company, is presented to the superintendent or assistant superintendent that publishes an article in GreenMaster magazine, the official publication of the CGSA, and whose article is judged as being the best of the year by a panel of peers. Authors must be a CGSA “Superintendent” or “Assistant Superintendent” member. Articles are accepted for publication in GreenMaster up to and including the Winter issue and must be original articles not previously published.
The recipient of this award receives a $500 monetary award from Toro, an All-Access registration to The Canadian 2026 Golf Course Management Conference (GCMC) from February 24-26, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta up to $500 travel reimbursement and is presented with their award during the Awards Luncheon at The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference awards ceremony.
This award is sponsored by The Toro Company
2025 CGSA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The CGSA Scholars Fund supports CGSA Student Members pursuing education in turfgrass management to enhance their professional skills and career opportunities in the industry.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Must be a current CGSA Student Member
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Must be a Canadian Citizen
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Enrolled in:
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At least the second year of a recognized 2-year (or longer) turfgrass program, or
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A 1-year mechanic course
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Have completed at least one season working on a golf course
If a student at your course is not yet a member, please encourage them to join and apply!
For full criteria and application form: Click HERE.
UPCOMING 2026 DEADLINE DATE
2026 CGSA TURF MANAGERS’ SHORT COURSE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
For students studying at the University of Guelph Turf Managers’ Short Course
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Deadline for Submission: March 31, 2026
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Purpose: Financial support for students enrolled in the University of Guelph Turf Managers' Short Course.
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Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in the course.
Application Form: Click Here
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2025 CGSA Turf Managers’ Short Course Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Jackson Wiebenga, 2nd Assistant Superintendent, Cordova Bay Golf Course who is the first winner of the CGSA Turf Managers’ Short Course Scholarship Award.
This award is offered for students that participate in the month-long program studying at the University of Guelph Turf Managers’ Short Course.
Jackson will receive a cheque from CGSA for $1,000 .
Students interested in applying for this award next year, must be enrolled in The Turf Managers’ Short Course Certificate Program offered through the University of Guelph.
2024 CGSA Award Winners:
- CGSA/Envu Superintendent of the Year Winner - Reid Solodan, AGS, Superintendent, Canmore Golf & Curling Club
- CGSA John B. Steel Winner - Jim McGarvey, AGS Emeritus
- CGSA/Toro Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award Winner - Sean Leach, Associate Superintendent, Point Grey Golf & Country Club
- CGSA/Toro Gordon Witteveen Award Winner - Sean Brillinger, AGS, Superintendent, Heron Point Golf Links
- CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award Winner - Robin Sadler, MS, AGS, Master Superintendent, Mickelson National Golf Club
- CGSA/Prairie Turf Equipment - Equipment Technician of the Year Award Winner - Bev Lichty, Head Equipment Technician from Cordova Bay Golf Course
To read each announcement, please click the links above.
The 2024 CGSA scholarship winners are:
- - Brett MacNeil - Kwantlen University - $1,500 Scholarship
- - Cyrus Brandt - Olds College - $1,000 Scholarship
- - Gideon Foley - Penn State University - $500 Scholarship
To see a list of ALL CGSA Award winners over the years, please click here.
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NOW CLOSED
Upcoming Award Deadline Dates for June 30, 2025
NOTE: Due to the potential Canada Post strike, we are encouraging you to email your submissions this year to Lori Micucci.
2025 CGSA/ENVU SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
This is one of CGSA’s most prestigious award. The title is awarded to a superintendent who has been nominated by a Provincial Golf Superintendent Association or a CGSA member as a knowledgeable and competent member of the profession and who has been distinguished in the practice of golf course management. The winner of this award is chosen by an anonymous committee of peers.
For a copy of the criteria and nomination form, please click HERE
This award is sponsored by ENVU who is a Platinum Sponsor.
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NEW/NOW CLOSED
2025 CGSA TURF MANAGERS’ SHORT COURSE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
FOR STUDENTS STUDYING AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
TURF MANAGERS’ SHORT COURSE
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:
March 10, 2025
For a copy of the application form, please click here
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