Celebrating the Legacy of the Canadian Turf Research Foundation
via release Oct 10, 2025
It is with both pride and a touch of sadness that we reflect on the remarkable journey of the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) as it prepares to conclude its operations supporting turfgrass research across Canada and the United States.
Since its foundation in 1976 by visionary leaders from the Canadian Golf Superintendent Association (CGSA), such as Robert Heron, Robert Trevis, Larry Brown, Ashley LeGeyt, Walter Gooder, and James Wyllie, the CTRF has been a cornerstone in advancing scientific knowledge and best practices in turfgrass management. The CTRF was born from a shared passion by individuals who united for a cause greater than themselves: to fund research that would enhance the quality, sustainability, and safety of turfgrass.
Throughout its history, the CTRF has been guided by dedicated individuals like former RCGA green section head, the late Teri Yamada, executives Ken Cousineau and most recently Paul Schofield. The CGSA and Golf Canada continued the foundational work, jointly managing the CTRF with rotating leadership and contributing strategic oversight. Leaders from these groups brought passion and professionalism to the Foundation’s operations.
More recently, the CTRF’s success was powered by collaborative funding and support from leading golf and turf organizations nationwide. Contributions flowed from the regional bodies including the Western Canada Turfgrass Association, Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation, Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association, Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation, Quebec Turfgrass Research Foundation as well as Manitoba and Atlantic provincial bodies.
The CTRF, as a registered charity, has dedicated almost five decades to raising funds and sponsoring groundbreaking research projects. The CTRF’s financial commitment to turfgrass research is impressive; in directing support towards researchers with over $2M in funding and this research has profoundly enriched communities, recreation, and environmental stewardship across Canada.
Turfgrass is unique as the only plant specifically cultivated for play and supports the very fabric of our communities, providing the green surfaces that allows sports and recreation for all ages—from golf courses and soccer fields, to playgrounds, lawn bowling greens, and backyards. The CTRF reminded us of the importance of turfgrass and promoted the environmental benefits like cooling urban air, generating oxygen, trapping pollutants, sequestering carbon and filtering rainwater. These greenspaces are more than just aesthetic; they are essential for our quality of life.
CTRF’s commissioned research has been pivotal in enhancing awareness and leadership regarding the natural environment, health, and economic benefits of turfgrass. The Foundation has consistently promoted excellence in developing sustainable and environmentally responsible turf management methods. By sharing research findings at seminars, conferences, with brochures and digital outreach, the CTRF has effectively educated government bodies, turf managers, the media, and the public, ensuring inform decision-making and promotion of best practices.
Summarizing the full scope of CTRF’s accomplishments could fill volumes, but the essence lies in its unwavering dedication to supporting turfgrass research that benefits communities, ecosystems and industries. Through its efforts, the Foundation has helped shape environmentally responsible turf management practices that balance recreational enjoyment with sustainability goals.
While the CTRF’s journey is drawing to a close, its legacy endures in every golf course, sports field, park and home lawn across Canada. The research it supported continues to inform best practices, ensuring turfgrass remains a vital resource that enhances our environment, economy, and quality of life.
Supporting the CTRF has always meant supporting healthier, greener communities and better recreational opportunities for all. Though the Foundation will no longer operate, the spirit of collaboration and commitment it inspired will live on through the people and organizations dedicated to preserving and advancing turfgrass science.
Play on!
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Paul Schofield
Golf Canada
Dustin Zdan
Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
Peter Sorokovsky
Western Canada Turfgrass Association
Travis Unger
Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation
Doug Campbell
Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association
Benoit Huot
Quebec Turfgrass Research Foundation
Jerry Rousseau
Former Executive Secretary
Jim Ross
Acting Executive Secretary