Page 28 - GreenMaster summer 2023

u FEATURE u 2023 JOHN B. STEEL AWARD WRITTEN BY DEAN PILLER, AGS SUPERINTENDENT, CORDOVA BAY GOLF COURSE
A Lifetime
ELIGIBLE ARTICLE
GORDON WITTEVEEN AWARD
Celebrating
Brian Youell, MS, AGS, accepting the award in an utterly captivated room.
The CGSA John B. Steel Award commemorates the CGSA’s first President, who was also the first superintendent inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. This award is presented annually to an individual, chosen by the CGSA Board of Directors, who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession of Golf Course Superintendent. The recipient is presented with an original soap stone carving designed and carved by Bill Fach, retired Master Superintendent, and a past CGSA President. The 2022 recipient of the John B. Steel award is Brian Youell, MS, AGS.
Brian Youell, MS, AGS, of the Uplands Golf Club in Victoria BC, has been
involved in its care for the past 42 years, the last 29 years as Superintendent. During his tenure at Uplands, Brian has hosted 20 PGA Tour events providing immaculate playing conditions, earning Brian and his team countless accolades and praise from all those involved. Tour players, tour officials and PGA agronomists unanimously agree that Brian’s greens are the best surfaces they will see all year.
Brian studied Turfgrass Management through correspondence at the University of Guelph as well as Management and Leadership programs through Cornell University. He received a Diploma in Turfgrass Management, with Honours, from Fairview College. In addition to his Master Superintendent designation, Brian is also a certified irrigation auditor, Golden Gavel Toast Master,
Dean Piller, AGS. presented the award to Brian with a heartfelt speech.
and a Dale Carnegie Training graduate with the “Top Student Award”.
For twenty-two years, Brian has taught students at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific, as well as instructing in the Golf Management Program at Camosun College from 2004 to 2015. Ronya Lake, a student of Brian’s in 2011 has this to say. “What sets Brian apart as a true leader in his field is his genuine desire to see others succeed. His rare ability to see and nurture strengths in the individuals on his team permeates everything that he does. The support that he offered his students extended well beyond the walls of the classroom, or the duration of the school term.”
Brian served on the WCTA Board of Directors from 1994-1999 and
28 • CGSA • GreenMaster