John Lopes

Equipment Manager, The Oakville Golf Club

By Al Schwemler, Past President and Director, OGSA.

During my career as a golf course superintendent, I always believed that golf course equipment managers/equipment technicians/mechanics (whatever their title may be) were the unsung heroes in golf course turfgrass maintenance departments. Their expertise, dedication, craft, and attention to detail are the foundations of a great turfgrass maintenance team.

John Lopes has been practising his trade at The Oakville Golf Club since 2019. He has been an equipment manager for over ten years and graduated college with a certificate in small engine repairs. He is a member of the club’s joint health and safety committee and has acquired certificates in chainsaw operation, safety, and CPR. John participates in GCSAA seminars, as well as seminars provided by equipment distributors to keep current with ever-changing technologies and equipment trends. He also believes the OGSA can help equipment managers by providing more networking and educational opportunities, in addition to spreading the word that one can have a very satisfying career as an EM on a golf course.