J. Paul Robertson from Victoria Golf Course in Victoria, British Columbia has been named the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year for 2020.
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.
“Paul is one of the most respected golf course superintendents in British Columbia. His contribution to the industry is exemplary,” said CGSA president Darren Kalyniuk.
“Paul led the change on the CGSA/BCGSA dual billing initiative and has been a huge supporter of the CGSA. He will go out of his way to help colleagues without being asked, is genuine, caring, giving and thoughtful,” said Kalyniuk.
“Paul remains dedicated to continuous self-improvement through continuing education and then his willingness to share information amongst peers, either in person or via technology, which makes him highly regarded amongst his colleagues,” he added.
“He works extremely hard to better the superintendent image and to give back in any way he can. It was my distinct pleasure to personally notify Paul about this award and to hear his excitement. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Paul,” said Kalyniuk.
Those qualities made Robertson a natural for the award, according to Brian Rosenberg, head of Bayer Environmental Science Canada.
“This year’s recipient, J. Paul Robertson has been recognized by his peers for his hard work and leadership within the industry and we congratulate him on being selected to receive this distinguished award,” said Rosenberg.
“Bayer is proud of the long-term partnership we have forged with the CGSA and their membership and look forward to our continued collaboration. Congratulations Paul,“ added Rosenberg.
Robertson said he is humbled as this year’s recipient.
“Thank you to the members, board and staff of the CGSA for selecting me as your CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year. When I think back to all those recipients before me, I am humbled,” he said.
“We are an industry full of exceptional professionals, outstanding local and national supporting associations like the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, with the freedom to pursue our dreams in the greatest country in the world. What more could anyone hope for,” said Robertson.
As the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year winner, Robertson will receive an “All-Access” registration to the Canadian Golf Course Management Virtual Conference with a companion, 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; anda trip for two to attend a Bayer educational opportunity that would include golf.
Robertson has been a CGSA member since 2008. He served as the BCGSA President in 2018 and was the CGSA Gordon Witteveen winner in 2015 and donated the money won to the CGSA Scholarship fund. He has sat on numerous committees for both the CGSA and the BCGSA.
For the past 20 plus years, he has brought some of the highest standards to Victoria Golf Club, from conditioning, training, technology, and innovation.
He has hosted the Golf Canada 2014 World Junior Qualifier (2014), Canadian Mid-Amateur National Championship (2018), the PGA of Canada Championship (2016), PGA of BC Head Professional Championship (2018), the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Cup (2007) and the PNGA Senior Women’s (2011).
He will be recognized on March 2, 2021 during The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference.