Callum Haughn has dedicated almost 25 years to the field of professional turf management, becoming known in the industry through his passion, expertise, and commitment to customer success. His journey began with an interest in golf, which quickly evolved into a lifelong career focused on the science and art of turfgrass management.
Early Life and Education
Callum was born and raised in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He still resides on the South Shore today, in Martin’s River, with his wife Juliette and sons, Tucker and Theo. Growing up, Callum’s grandfather had a passion for maintaining one of the town’s best gardens and properties. Perhaps this was the spark that gave him the passion to develop a green thumb.
After high school, Callum followed his interest in golf to Holland College, where he graduated from the Professional Golf Management Program. It was during his time at Holland College that he realized his love for turfgrass management, and he pursued that interest through the University of Guelph and the University of Minnesota, obtaining both Turfgrass Management and Turfgrass Science certificates. Combining his academic background with stints at several golf courses between Ontario, Nova Scotia and PEI provided a strong foundation for a successful career.
Professional Career
Although Callum’s journey commenced at his hometown golf course Osprey Ridge, where he worked as a member of the turf crew, it wasn’t until he ended up at Fox Harb’r Resort that he developed his dedication and the beginning of his deep understanding of turfgrass. This was the real beginning for Callum, and from there he went on to hold management positions at several golf courses.
Callum unlocked his true passion for helping others grow turfgrass when he took a job in Professional Sales with the Halifax Seed Company. Callum was able to help the company realize massive growth over a 6-year period, reaching the top of the Professional Turf Sales Community in Atlantic Canada.
The highlight of Callum’s Professional Turfgrass journey came after leaving Halifax Seed, when he took over as head superintendent at Anderson’s Creek Golf Club in Cavendish, PEI, helping to lead the golf course back from an extremely rough Spring. Dropping in at the end of June, with a packed tee sheet everyday, 40% of the greens being dead, and over 70% of the irrigation system nonfunctioning, it was just the challenge he was looking for.
Upon completing his 6-month contract, Callum opened his own company, called Haughn Turf, and quickly became the first and only Syngenta Turf Specialist based in Atlantic Canada. This contracted position allowed Callum the chance to further expand his learning and network of turfgrass professionals, travelling to all 4 Atlantic Canadian provinces assisting golf course superintendents with their disease and insect issues.
Since completing his time with Syngenta, Callum now focuses on everything turfgrass related. He maintains a clientele of year-round consulting customers, is available for specialised jobs, speaks at educational opportunities, consults with high end homeowners and works with sales companies to help them realize success.
Most recently, Haughn Turf led the construction of the new 15th hole at Antigonish Golf Club, marking the first project in the golf course construction and renovation space.
Contributions and Achievements
Throughout his career, Callum has been pushing to help many aspiring and current turf managers, sharing his knowledge through any means he can. He spent over a decade as a member of the Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) board of directors, holding positions as the long time Turf News editor, as well as the Nova Scotia Director. He has been a member of this association for almost 20 years.
He has also been selected for several high-level training programs, such as the GreenStart Academy, Superintendent University, and many other industry related specialised training programs.
Inspiration and Vision
As Callum reflects on his career, his primary goal is and has been to inspire the next generation of turf managers. He believes that a career in turf management is not just about maintaining grass but about creating great outdoor spaces that so many are missing in today’s world. His message to aspiring professionals is simple: “Stay curious, ask questions, think for yourself and keep learning. This industry is hard work, which requires a deep passion and connection to nature, embrace that.”
Callum continues to be a respected voice in the Atlantic Canadian turf management community, advocating for education, recognition, sustainability, and innovation. He hopes that one day his legacy is in the individuals he inspired to pursue excellence in their own turf management careers.
