Robin Sadler is the master superintendent at Mickelson National. He loves the game of golf and says he’s been involved in the industry since he was 14 years old. “My roots go back to Strathmore Golf Club as a kid,” said Sadler. “Really, one day realizing you love working outside and you love the environment and just everything involved with golf.” Sadler is a 22-year member of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America. He’s worked at Banff Springs and Silvertip in Canmore. Five years ago, he agreed to join Mickelson National, and he says passion for the environment has followed him every step of the way. “I feel fortunate that we’re in an industry that values environmental stewardship,” he said. “Environmental responsibility, sustainable practices and the opportunity to enhance the environment, wildlife and biodiversity.” Innovative Conservation Award Since joining Mickelson National, Sadler has come up with several eco-friendly initiatives to help the environment. From solar-powered algae control to reclaimed water irrigation, biodiversity initiatives and a lithium-powered cart fleet. And all of that hard work has paid off. This year, Sadler won the Innovative Conservation Award. Mickelson National beat out Pei Tou Kuo Hua Golf and Country Club in Taipei, Taiwan. Sadler says it’s a huge honour to be recognized as one of the top environmental courses in the world. “It’s something we’re very proud of; it’s incredible,” he said. “It’s a worldwide award, and we’re so proud it’s global.” Leading the way Mickelson National continues to lead the way in this country when it comes to the environment. In 2024, it became the first GEO-certified facility in Canada. General manager Miles Mortensen says that, too, was a great honour. “To be the first in Canada speaks a lot about Robin’s drive, our drive and our passion to be good leaders in the environmental space,” he said. “Golf needs us, and it’s going to be very exciting in the near future for us for sure.”
