Cape Breton Highlands Links is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Lavis as Superintendent of the iconic seaside golf course, a Stanley Thompson masterpiece and one of Canada’s most celebrated public golf destinations.
Located within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Highlands Links is renowned for its dramatic coastal setting, rolling terrain, and timeless design originally envisioned by Thompson in 1941. The Superintendent role is central to preserving the course’s historic character while delivering exceptional playing conditions that meet the expectations of golfers from around the world.
Dan Lavis brings more than three decades of experience in golf course maintenance, construction, and agronomic leadership. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph’s Turf Managers’ Short Course and the Golf Course Technician Program at Seneca College. Early in his career, he trained at Board of Trade Golf & Country Club under renowned superintendent Gord Witteveen, before earning his first Superintendent appointment at Kleinburg Golf & Country Club at the age of 24.
Lavis later spent 16 years at Ingersoll Golf & Country Club, further developing his expertise in course conditioning and operations. In 2006, he was appointed Construction Supervisor and Superintendent for the development of Tarandowah Golfers Club, working closely with architect Dr. Martin Hawtree. Since its opening, Tarandowah has consistently ranked among Canada’s Top 100 golf courses, recognized for its demanding inland links style and exceptional playing conditions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dan Lavis to Cape Breton Highlands Links,” said Doug Breen (Regional VP & Chief Agronomist, GolfNorth Properties). “His experience, passion for course conditioning, and appreciation for the unique landscape of this property make him an excellent fit. Over the course of his career, Dan has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, collaborative team management, and innovative agronomic practices tailored to challenging environments. We are confident that he will play a key role in maintaining the high standards our guests expect while respecting the ecological significance of the national park.”
Matthew Mackenzie, General Manager of Keltic Lodge at the Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands Links, added, “This appointment represents an important step forward as we continue to elevate the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links as one of Canada’s premier golf destination resorts. Dan’s experience and vision, combined with the natural grandeur and history of this course, give us tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. We are excited to see the impact he will have on this renowned property.”
As Superintendent, Lavis will oversee all aspects of golf course maintenance and operations, including turf health, environmental stewardship, staff leadership, and long-term planning. A strong emphasis will be placed on sustainable practices, consistent with Parks Canada’s commitment to environmental protection and responsible land use.
“I am excited to join the team at Cape Breton Highlands Links,” said Lavis. “This course is a true Canadian treasure. I look forward to working closely with the staff and community to preserve its heritage, enhance playing conditions, and ensure that it continues to offer a memorable experience for golfers for generations to come.”
Cape Breton Highlands Links is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Canada and is regularly recognized among the world’s leading public courses. Known as a true “mountains and ocean” layout, the course offers breathtaking vistas, nearly 85 years of history, and a playing experience unlike any other.
GolfNorth Properties, headquartered in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, is a leading golf and resort management company founded in 1994. GolfNorth operates 44 golf properties across Canada, including Cape Breton Highlands Links and the Keltic Lodge, and is recognized nationally for its expertise in golf property management and operations.
