The spirit of friendship, community and unity amongst Canadian golf operators has been at the heart of the NGCOA Canada since its very beginning, and the story of how the NGCOA Canada came to exist is an invigorating study in how passion, initiative, and friendship can build a powerful and progressive community for the good of an entire industry.
It all began in 1993 when a handful of Ottawa area golf course owners, led by Mark Seabrook, embarked on a vision of establishing an owners group similar to that operating in the United States. These operators believed that sharing information, keeping open lines of communication, and using collective buying power to negotiate for better pricing and stronger discounts from suppliers was the best way to run more profitable and efficient golf operations.
Turns out they were right.
Under the leadership of a devoted board of directors and Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the NGCOA Canada, the association has experienced tremendous growth in membership, benefits, regional chapters, finances and staff in a short time period.
In addition, the NGCOA Canada now commands substantial credibility in the industry with respect to government advocacy, media relations, suppliers, golfers, other golf associations, and golf course operators.
With the head office still in Ottawa, the NGCOA Canada has expanded across the country where members now benefit from 8 regional chapters and representation on the NGCOA Canada Board of Directors by operators from all of these regions.
