Competition for golfers from each country set for October 2017
Lawrence, Kan. (Oct. 4, 2016) – We know that Canada and the United States have educated and talented golf course superintendents, but we will find out which country’s superintendents will rise to the occasion when the inaugural CanAm Cup is played Oct. 23-24, 2017, at two premier golf clubs in the Northeast.
More than 200 total golfers from each country’s national golf course superintendents’ association will take part in a flighted competition to be held over two days at Baltusrol Golf Club (Upper and Lower courses) in Springfield, N.J., and Canoe Brook Country Club (North and South courses) in Summit, N.J.
“There is more interaction between golf course superintendents from Canada and the U.S. than ever before, and this friendly rivalry will give us a chance to strengthen the camaraderie we have built over the years,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), one of the sponsoring organizations for the event. The other is the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA).
“I think we have hit on something great for our two organizations,” said James Beebe, CGSA president. “Our superintendent associations were forged on cooperation and learning from each other. Now, we will get to do that more than ever before while enriching our long-standing annual Fall Field history with this event.”
The event, which looks to build on the rich history of the CGSA Fall Field Day that has been held in Canada annually since 1966, will also feature continuing education and offer an opportunity to visit New York City, as well as team networking receptions.
“I would be excited to play,” said reigning GCSAA national champion Shawn Westacott, the superintendent at Meridoe Golf Club in Carrolton, Texas. “It would be a great way to build relations and have a competitive spirit. And those are some fantastic venues. Count me in.”
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org. or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
About CGSA
In 1966, Canadian superintendents organized themselves to form the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association. Now with close to 1,500 members, CGSA hosts the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show each year and organizes frequent regional education seminars and webinars. It helps sponsor research projects through its participation in the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation and produces a number of publications including its official national publication, GreenMaster. CGSA also has an Employment Referral Service called Super Search which assists employers and employees in filling vacant positions. CGSA is an active participant, along with six other national golf associations, in the National Allied Golf Association.
In 1998, CGSA established a Master Superintendent Designation Program, to identify progressive superintendents and to formulate standards of excellence in the golf course management profession. This program was renewed and strengthened in 2006. In addition, a second designation, the Accredited Golf Superintendent (AGS) was added in 2006. Both of the programs are based on the National Occupational Standards that were adopted by the CGSA in 1998. Eligibility for the designations is limited to superintendent members of the CGSA and both require the successful completion of a written examination.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
