Editorial Message

As I write this message, golf courses are closed. Again. I, like many of you, find this daunting. I’m the type of person who tries to find the bright light through the cracks. Since the last stay at home order was issued, one of the strategies I use, for work at least, is to watch the Today in Ontario video. I’ve watched it at least a dozen times within the last few weeks, and it inspires me.

Although the courses are closed, superintendents and their teams are still up with the dawn, performing essential duties to protect the game’s greatest asset so that when this stay-at-home order is lifted (hopefully by the time you read this), golf courses can welcome community members across this province to play, relax and connect.

In this issue we tip our hats to the crew! Steven Rabski shares his thoughts on the value of a good Equipment Manager, and we’re excited to feature a longtime member and Assistant Superintendent, Deb Dale, London Hunt & Country Club, written by Chris Lecour.

The OGSA recently held an informative session about Best Practices When Hiring Seasonal Employees with Ed Snetsinger, a lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP, one of Canada’s leading employment and labour law firms. If you missed it, don’t worry. We’ve included the session’s highlights inside this issue for you to use as a reference. Randy Booker has provided the second segment of his regenerative greenkeeping series, Mastering Microbes, and Mike Pellerin spoke with Mark Brooks, Todd Currie and Robert Clark, to get their take on Improving Plant Health and Reducing Imputs. This issue also features ONResearch and Dr. Tom Hsiang has shared some Amazing Facts About Snow Mold.

Barry Endicott takes us back to 2011, Chris Cummings shares his expert advice on Flowering Shrubs, and Doug Breen shares his ever humorous insights.

Not only do I want to acknowledge the ONCourse committee and everyone who volunteered their time to help pull this issue together, I’d also like to welcome Marc China and Joel Johnston to the team. I look forward to working with you both.

Keep well! ■

Courtney White, Interim Executive Manager, OGSA and ONCourse Editor. manager@ogsa.ca

Please continue to practice social distancing and stay safe!