The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Bayer Environmental Science (Bayer) are pleased to announce Mr. James Beebe from Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Priddis Greens, Alberta as the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year for 2019.
The CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year award recognizes a member of the CGSA who has held the position of golf course superintendent for a minimum of five years and who has distinguished her or himself through dedication to the profession, performance as a golf course superintendent and contributions to their profession and their community.
“CGSA is incredibly proud to bestow this recognition to James; he epitomizes leadership and professionalism in his role as Golf Course Manager. I’m one of dozens of golf industry people that have worked with James at Priddis Greens, and all will tell of his great mentorship and humble leadership. I’ve also had the pleasure to work alongside James during his time on the CGSA Board of Directors and his dedication to both the CGSA and to the role as a superintendent is something to emulate. I’m extremely lucky to call James not only a colleague but a friend. Calling James personally to notify him of the award will remain a great memory of my time as President. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, James.”
Greg Austin, CGSA President
“The Bayer Environmental Science team would like to congratulate James Beebe as the recipient of the 2020 CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year. James is well known for his support of the turfgrass industry and his commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of turfgrass managers.”
Colin White, Bayer Environmental Science Canada
“It is truly a great honour to be recognized as the CGSA Superintendent of the year. I feel very thankful to have been surrounded by incredibly supportive people throughout my career without whom this award would not have been possible.
Receiving this prestigious award from the CGSA & Bayer is made special because of my long-standing relationship and friendships with the wonderful people in these two organizations.”
James Beebe, Golf Course Manager, Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club
As the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year winner, James will receive the following:
Attendance at and participation in the 2019 Fall Field Day from October 9-11 including golfing both days at Cabot Resort. This includes registration fee, travel costs, car rental, if necessary, and hotel accommodation for up to three nights;
James and his wife Janet will receive an “All-Access” registration to The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference, 4 nights’ accommodation at the Westin Ottawa Hotel and transportation to the conference from March 2-5, 2020;
A site visit with a written agronomic report from a Bayer Green Solution Specialist;
Including a $5,000 Bayer plant protection package for the golf course; and
A trip for two to attend a Bayer educational opportunity that would include golf.
James has been a CGSA member since 1992. He served as the CGSA President in 2016 and was the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) President in 2004. James has received several awards and recognitions including the CGSA Environmental Achievement Award in 2005, the AGSA Walt Gooder Distinguished Award in 2017, GCSAA/Golf Industry Environmental Leader Award in 2006, as well as making Priddis Greens the first Alberta golf course to be a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1998. He has sat on numerous committees for both the CGSA and the AGSA.
James graduated from Seneca College in 1989 with a diploma in Golf Course Technology. His early work experience took him from Riverside Golf Club in Saskatoon, to East Essex Golf Club in England from 1989-1991. In 1991 James moved to Alberta where he worked at Woodside Golf Course for two years. He then honed his skills in a role at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club before moving to Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club. Still into his young career, James elected to return to school and attended Penn State University where in 1995 graduated as valedictorian with an Associate’s Degree in Golf Course Turfgrass Management. In 1996 James was promoted to Golf Course Superintendent at Priddis Greens.
Over the last 25 plus years James has been known for providing elite playing conditions for his membership and has hosted three LPGA events, including the 1999 Du Maurier Classic, 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, and most recently the 2016 CP Canadian Women’s Open. “James has made an impression on the Golf Industry. His continual drive to provide members, guests, and tournament players the best possible conditions day in and day out is amazing, but it is his passion for promoting the position of golf course superintendent that makes him who he is.”
Cameron Kusiek, Golf Course Superintendent, Carnmoney Golf Club and AGSA President
Mr. Beebe will receive the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year award on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 during the Awards Lunch at the Westin Ottawa Hotel as part of The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference.
Congratulations to James on being named CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year for 2019!
