Olds College Teams Excel at 2021 Turf Bowl

February 8, 2021, Olds, AB – Olds College students competed in the annual TurfBowl, an annual event hosted by the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America.

The annual test, which takes place at their international conference, is a competition based test inviting undergraduates of Turfgrass programs from all over the world. 

In preparation for the Turf Bowl, the teams require special focus upon warm season turf species and the various challenges of southern growing environments. Altogether different from those we manage in Canada, different turf species, maintenance practices, even units of measurement, extends what they’ve already learned about at Olds. 

This year for the virtual event, our two degree teams finished in the top ten.  Our 3rd place team of Robbie Munroe, Denver Hart, Quaid McBean, and Matt Piers, trailed closely behind winners Purdue and Penn State.  In 7th place, Joel Masikewich, Luther Jurke, and Cody Little were bested by defending champs Cal Poly, University of Nebraska, and Michigan State. 

Complete Turf Bowl standings can be found here: https://www.golfindustryshow.com/education/student-activities/turf-bowl 

“After our 6th competition at Turf Bowl, we’ve had three top ten finishes. Very pleased that our grads have proven themselves among the best capable of managing turf not just only in Canada, but anywhere in the world,” stated lead turf management instructor, Jason Pick.

Preparations for the competition include bi-weekly team video conference, coupled with an online training program created in the Moodle digital learning platform.  Breaking up the study guide and delegating into various areas of strength, we approached each learning category strategically.  Students began studying in November for the February event, working together on case studies, essays, in the prescribed topic areas together.  Their ability to self start, pursue study outside traditional classes while working in their internships, shows true dedication which is reflected in the results. 

Most notably, we are deeply grateful for the sponsorship by Syngenta Canada. Jason Steadwell and Syngenta have funded our participation since 2016, allowing us the opportunity to travel and compete, and illustrating clearly Syngenta’s commitment to promoting education in our industry.  

Team #26, 7th place

Luther Jurke, BASc. has been in the golf industry for 6 years. He is the Senior Intern at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, and in his final year of Olds College’s BASc. in golf course management.

Joel Masikewich, BASc has been in the turfgrass industry for 12 years in various positions throughout Alberta. He is currently Golf Course superintendent at Meadowlands Golf Club in Sylvan Lake where he resides with my wife and son. Joel is in his final year of the BASc. 

Cody Little, BASc. is Golf Course Superintendent of Springbank Links, in Calgary, AB., long time staff member promoted in 2020. Prior to taking his position at Springbanks was Principal of Landscape Design and Home renovations based out of Calgary. 

Turf Bowl Team #26, 3rd Place

Matt Piers, BASc. I started working in the golf industry in 2013 just as a summer position, and then started going to school in 2017. In total I've been working on a golf course for 8 years now. Matt recently accepted a new position as the Assistant Superintendent at Springbank Links Golf Club, and will be finishing his BASc in 2021. 

Quaid McBean, BASc. is from Chestermere Alberta, currently the Assistant Superintendent at Lakeside Golf Club. I have been in the industry for five years and I am currently in the 4th year of my turfgrass management degree at Olds College.

Robbie Munroe, BASc. - Began his career in Turf and Golf Course Management just three years ago, currently on the leadership team at Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver.  Robbie joins his classmates graduating in the BASc. class of 2021.  

Denver Hart, BASc. - is the assistant superintendent, also from Capilano Golf & Country Club, in West Vancouver.  Previously completing his diploma from University of Guelph, Denver brings a wealth of experience to the team having interned at Baltustrol and Los Angleles Golf & Country Clubs.