The University of Guelph's Superintendent In Residence
The Superintendent in Residence (SIR) program is a unique program where an experienced industry professional is invited to spend a few days on campus with Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management and Turf Managers Short Course students. Students have the opportunity to interact with the SIR both inside and outside of the classroom through various activities such as presentation, informal discussions, and social outings. In addition to spending time with the students, the Superintendent in Residence is invited to give a public lecture covering their career path and an additional topic of their choosing. The SIR presentation is usually attended by U of G turf students, faculty, instructors and local industry professionals. The SIR program is designed to increase student exposure to real-world professionals, expand our student professional network, as well as improve our curriculum based on feed-back provided by the SIR at the end of their stay. The SIR presentation topic has historically been left open to our guest as an opportunity for them to speak on anything of their choosing. Don't be surprised if there are additional topics or words of wisdom thrown into this highly anticipated talk.
Past Superintendents in Residence
- 2005 - Rhod Trainor, Hamilton Golf Club, Ancaster, ON, Canada
- 2006 - Paul Robertson, Victoria Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada
- 2007 - Mark Kuhns, Baltusrol Golf Club, NJ, USA
- 2008 - Gordon McKie, St. Andrews Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland
- 2009 - Blake McMaster, Royal Montreal Golf Club, Montreal, QC, Canada
- 2010 - Jeff Carlson, The Vineyard Club, MA, USA
- 2011 - Ken Siems, Jinhai Lake Golf Club, Beijing, China
- 2012 - Keith Bartlett, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 2013 - Tom Brodeur, TPC Boston, Norton, MA, USA
- 2014 - Stefan Nilsson, Vallda Golf & Country Club, Gothenburg, Sweden
- 2015 - Doug Meyer, Beaconsfield Golf Club in Montreal, QC, Canada
- 2016 - Lucas Andrews, Dye's Valley Superintendent at TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL, USA
- 2017 - Thomas Bastis, California Club of San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA, USA
- 2018 - Dean Graves, Chevy Chase Club, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- 2019 - Cory Janzen, Westmount Golf and Country Club, Kitchener, ON, Canada
- 2020 - Jason Haines, Sunshine Coast Golf Club, BC, Canada
- 2023 - Chris Tritabaugh, Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, MN, USA
- 2024 - Dan Dinelli, North Shore Country Club, Glenview, IL, USA
- 2025 - Jayson Jackson, Port Royal & Ocean View Golf Course, Bermuda
- 2025 - Martin Nilsson, Copenhagen, Denmark
The 2026 Superintendent in Residence
Martin Nilsson is the former Head Greenkeeper at Royal Copenhagen Golf Club, where he led one of Europe’s most ambitious transitions to golf course management without plant protection products. Working within a highly regulated public park governed by UNESCO, Natura 2000, and Danish conservation law, and welcoming more than seven million visitors annually, Martin helped transform a short-season course into a venue delivering high-quality, near year-round playing conditions. A Board Member of the Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations, he is recognized for purpose-driven leadership and environmental stewardship.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION-
-Doors will open at 5:00 pm on Wed Feb 25, 2026
-Doors will close and the presentation will begin at 6:00 pm.
-Cash bar will be open prior to and upon conclusion of the presentation.
-Be sure to register. There will be limited space.
-This event is FREE for registered attendees thanks to the support of our Industry Partners.
We thank you for your participation.
Venue: Cutten Fields
190 College Ave E, Guelph, ON
Free parking available on site
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to our sponsors!
NOTE: We accept nominations for future SIRs via email (gti@uoguelph.ca) or through the online inquiry form on this website.
