Page 22 - GreenMaster Fall 2023

uMECHANICS CORNERuMIRANDA ROBINSON, FORMER CGSA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
A top industry
L-R Jeff Calderwood, CEO CGSA; Kyle Francis, Equipment Technician at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club; and Jody Farber, Territory Sales Manager with Foley Company.
Alberta award winners celebrating together are Garry Haynes, MS, AGS (left) from Blue Devil Golf Club, the 2022 Gordon Witteveen award recipient and Kyle Francis.
Kyle Francis, D’Arcy Ranch, Okotoks,
Alberta, was named the 2022 CGSA/ Foley Company Equipment Technician of the Year. The CGSA/ Foley Company Equipment Technician of the Year Award is presented annually to the technician whose nomination is judged to be the best example of an individual who exhibits professionalism, innovation, and a team approach to make a significant contribution to their golf facility and the golf community.
Previous to his career on the golf course, Kyle was working on heavy-duty earth moving equipment.
He decided to branch out and look for an opportunity to work on smaller equipment, with a special interest in fleet management. The turfcare department at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club in Okotoks, Alberta, just happened to be looking for a team member to lead and improve the daily operations of the facility.
Kyle was hired in the spring of 2016 and has been an ever-evolving leader, not only at his club but also throughout the Equipment Technician community in Alberta. “To say we hit the jackpot with our hire is an understatement,” says Michael Roberts, golf course Superintendent at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club.
Initially, Kyle spent much of his time learning about the turf specific equipment, while implementing regular maintenance programs. He is a highly motivated individual who quickly builds relationships that lead to a network of leading technicians throughout the province.
Kyle takes opportunities to learn, network, and grow. He attends regional, national, and international educational conferences as well as
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