Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation Announcement

Released on behalf of the CTRF
Mississauga, ON, Canada

CGSA Assumes CTRF Administrative Function

The CTRF has announced that it has turned over the administrative and operational components of the Foundation to the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) effective April 29, 2010. CGSA welcomes the opportunity to play a more integral role in the activities of the CTRF. The decision to appoint the CGSA was made at the CTRF Annual General Meeting on April 13th, 2010.

The Royal Canadian Golf Association had been responsible for the CTRF administration for the past decade. In a letter dated April 1st, 2010 from the Executive Director and CEO of the RCGA, Scott Simmons, the RCGA indicated that, "... the RCGA remains fully committed to supporting the mandate and the activities of the CTRF going forward, and ... as per previous years, to provide financial support." The RCGA agrees that the mandate and function of the CTRF is better aligned with that of the CGSA.

George McLeod, CTRF Chair and RCGA representative to the CTRF stated following the AGM that he was looking forward to the new working relationship with the CGSA. "I am excited to have the CGSA commit to work with the CTRF Board of Directors and its partner provincial and regional organizations to ensure that the valuable role of the Foundation continues and is strengthened over the course of the next several years. A stable long-term funding source will be an important next step in ensuring that the necessary research is conducted in Canada in a timely fashion."

Ken Cousineau, CAE, Executive Director of the CGSA has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the CTRF by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. "I am looking forward to working with the Foundation's Board and with our partner organizations and stakeholders both nationally and internationally to establish a new mandate for the CTRF and to establish the organization's strategic direction going forward."

Since its inception in the early 1990's, the CTRF has invested more than $2 million in turfgrass and golf course management research on behalf of all components of the industry. Much of the funds invested have been contributed by turfgrass organizations that exist at the provincial and regional levels. These organizations are predominantly made up of golf course superintendents and golf course management related companies.

About CGSA
The CGSA represents approximately 1,500 individuals involved in golf course management across Canada. Through information sharing and the provision of premier educational opportunities the CGSA remains committed to fostering excellence in golf course management and environmental sustainability.

About CTRF
The CTRF is a charitable organization whose mandate it is to raise funds to invest in research activities related to turfgrass and turfgrass management as well as more effective, environmentally sustainable golf course management practices.