by Alfie Lau

The message was clear at the AGA-BC symposium at the University Golf Club on March 25: work smarter, provide better value and create your own brand.

As the golf industry tries to work its way through a world of declining rounds, declining yields and increased costs, it would seem there's little room for optimism.  But listen to speakers like Jim McLaughlin, Ian Robertson, Andy Hedley and Jim Lee and you get the sense that there is room for growth and profits, provided you work smarter and roll with the times.

AGA-BC is currently working on plans for a 2nd golf industry symposium in as many years to be held Monday March 25th, 2013 at the University Golf Club in Vancouver. Similar to the 2012 event held at the Richmond Country Club, the symposium’s purpose is to provide a networking opportunity, educational component and interactive forum where stakeholders from all golf industry sectors can openly and frankly, learn about and discuss issues facing the business of golf.

The CGSA Environmental Achievement Award sponsored by Club Car is awarded annually to the superintendent whose submission is judged to be the best example of an activity, project or management approach that improves the sustainability of the golf facility.  Consideration is given to initiatives that demonstrate the potential for ongoing benefits, the capture of measureable results and the feasibility of the initiative being applied to other facilities.

The CGSA in concert with award sponsor Club Car is pleased to announce Robin Sadler, Master Superintendent at Silvertip Resort in Canmore Alberta as the CGSA Environmental Award recipient for 2012. 

by Davin Marr

As we approach spring and the start of another golf season, I can’t help but wonder what will be in store for the golf industry in 2013.

Excellent collaborative efforts were continued for the BCGSA in 2012 that we aspire to continue long into the future. Inter-association relationships with the WCTA, CGSA, and AGA-BC were top priority in sharing duties to strengthen delivery of services and advocating on behalf of the business of golf in BC.

All 2013 WCTA Conference education program participants will receive free entry to the BCGSA Monday Night Social and Dave Creamer Memorial Hockey Game.  For further information, please contact Ginny Tromp at admin@bcgsa.com

By Jerry Rousseau

The 18th Annual  Golf Course Property Manager’s Conference was held at the Radisson Hotel in Canmore November 25th – 27th and by all accounts, was a massive success.

By Jerry Rousseau

The Northwest Turfgrass Association, the WCTA’s counterpart south of the border, held their annual conference this year from Oct 28 through the 30th at the world renowned Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Nearly 160 people participated in this year’s event that included 2 days of golf, education and networking.   A dozen canucks made their way down the impressive Oregon coast and as expected, neither the conference nor the golf resort disappointed. 

by Davin Marr

Another year has pretty much come to a close and the BCGSA Board is continuing its efforts to provide for our membership.

The CGSA Fall Field Day (FFD) was held September 15-17 in Osoyoos and Oliver, BC with the main event staged at the Nk’Mip (pronounced Inkameep) Canyon Desert Golf Course, host superintendent Ken Bruneski.

Usually a sell-out, this year’s FFD didn’t quite reach capacity but it did see superintendents gather from across the country to take part in an educational/networking seminar and golf tournament that is the national championship for golf course superintendents.