Bev Lichty, head equipment technician at the Cordova Bay Golf Course in Victoria, B.C. has been named the CGSA/Prairie Turf Equipment “equipment technician-of-the-year” award winner for 2024.
The award, co-sponsored by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and Prairie Turf Equipment, 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.
As the winner of this award, Lichty will receive an “all-access” registration to the Canadian 2025 Golf Course Management Conference (CGCMC) in Niagara Falls Feb. 25-27, 2025. He will also receive four nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Suites in Niagara Falls as well as transportation to the conference location.
Dean Piller, superintendent of the Cordova Bay Golf Course, who nominated Lichty, said, “Bev Lichty has all the qualities and skill sets that make him an outstanding equipment technician, and his value to our operation goes well beyond keeping the equipment in excellent condition. A unique skill that Bev possesses is his innovative intellect and his ability to take an idea and fabricate a variety of tools and equipment to help us with our daily maintenance tasks. If there is something that should be easier to do, Bev will come up with an idea and make it a reality.”
CGSA president John McLinden said Lichty “is known for being calm, hardworking and incredibly kind and helpful. His positive influence on the maintenance department has taken the facility to the next level.”
Cory Froehlich, managing partner at Prairie Turf Equipment, said every success golf course relies on the expertise of a skilled equipment technician.
“There is no doubt that Bev deserves this accolade, and we are immensely proud to support his accomplishments,” he said.
Prairie Turf Equipment is the exclusive sponsor of the award.