The 2021 golf season is just around the corner and we hope you are looking forward to the upcoming tournament season beginning in May. The schedule will officially be released after completion of the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, March 9th. Registration will open for ALL events the following week. We have a great line up of events which include Championships, Golf Supply House Series, Pro-Ams, and Pro-Pro Team events!
The Tournament Eligibility Form will be available shortly to submit online. This form is required to be filled out by every member playing in a PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournament this year. You will receive an email communication when the form is available.
Association News
Mentorship Program - Mentors Still Needed
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program provides guidance and direction to first year Members of the Association (Apprentice Professionals). Developed in conjunction with the Assistants’ Board of Directors, the objective of the Mentorship Program is to create a group of Members who are passionate about their careers, the industry and Association, leading to long-term commitment to the golf industry.
IMPORTANT: Members must have their Class ’A’ status within the Association in order to be a Mentor. We are in need of Mentors in all geographical locations of the province. We want to ensure the best support possible for our new Apprentice Professionals and this will be accomplished by pairing a Mentor with a Mentee that lives in a close proximity.
Expectations of Mentors…
Commit to your Mentor/Mentee relationship(s) for a minimum of 2-years
Be accountable for your Mentee and provide continuous support on an ongoing basis as needed
Set parameters of the relationship with the Mentee and create a plan for goals/objectives on what both parties want achieve
Attempt to meet in person with your Mentee twice (Spring & Fall). Example: This can be accomplished over a round of golf
Provide feedback to the office by completing the Mentor Evaluation Form when required
Top 100 Points… All Mentors will receive 5 Top 100 Points max. for their involvement in the Mentorship Program. These points are awarded annually in September. All Mentors must execute the action items as indicated and submit the Evaluation Form before being eligible to receive the points. Form… If interested in being involved, please the button below to submit the "Become a Mentor" formby March 5th, 2021. After the form has been submitted, you will be added to the Mentor list (if eligible) and MAY be assigned a Mentee in March of this year (depending on total number of Mentors/Mentees, and geographical location). Please ignore this form if you have already expressed interest in being a Mentor.
Tournament News
Tournament Committee – Spots Available in 2021
The Tournament Committee Chairs would like to announce that three spots are open to join the Committee in 2021. The Tournament Committee meets a minimum of two times per year and is responsible for all tournament operations, rules and regulations, eligibility, and more.
If you’re interested in joining, please click the link below (login required) to submit a form on why you wish to be involved, your past experience playing in PGA of Alberta tournaments and other association tournaments, past committee involvement (any PGA of Alberta Committee if applicable) and anything else you would like to highlight on why you should be selected to join.
Deadline to submit your interest is March 8th (end of day). Members that are selected to join the Committee will be informed after the AGM in March. Anyone that submits a form but is not selected for the Committee in 2021 will be put on a reserve list moving forward.
Top 100 Points- Please remember that each member receives 5 Top 100 points for being a part of a Committee.
Graham DeLaet - Spring Seminar Day 1 Keynote Speaker
In our third Keynote Speaker reveal for the 2021 Digital Spring Seminar on Feb. 22nd & 23rd presented by Gordon Food Service & E-Z-GO, we will take a look at Graham DeLaet!!
Graham DeLaet Bio Known to be one of the game’s best ball strikers, Graham had a milestone year on the PGA TOUR in 2013, placing 8th in the FedExCup Playoffs, and ending the year with a breakthrough performance in his first Presidents Cup International team appearance.
2017 saw Graham record 6 Top 10’s, including a personal Major’s best with T7 at the PGA Championship, where he made a huge move in round 3 posting 6-under through four holes.
In 2016, Graham had the honour of representing Canada in the Olympics, as Golf returned to the Games for the first time since 1904. So far this season, Graham has recorded four top ten finishes.
Graham was born in Weyburn, SK with a passion for hockey, fishing and, of course, golf. He attended Boise State University and is very passionate about Broncos football. He is also a huge hockey fan – and an avid Calgary Flames fan.
Graham and his wife Ruby are dedicated to supporting children’s causes, and in 2014 launched the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation. Since launching the Foundation, Graham and Ruby have raised over $1 million for their charitable initiatives. Click here to learn more about Graham DeLaet on his website or follow him on social media >
PGA of Alberta Partners with BPG Buying Group in 2021
The PGA of Alberta is delighted to announce a partnership with BPG Buying Group as a new Presenting Sponsor of the Pro-Pro Scramble classic in 2021! The Pro-Pro Scramble will be held in the Edmonton area this upcoming season and features two PGA of Alberta Professionals competing in a team scramble format.
"The BPG Buying Group is thrilled with this partnership and opportunity to work with the PGA of Alberta and all their members" said Martin Boucher, BPG General Manager. "BPG represents over 175 PGA of Canada members and we work everyday to simplify Professional’s day-to-day operations as well as to help them increase their bottom line. At BPG, we believe this sponsorship is the first step to a long and prosperous partnership with the PGA of Alberta members".
Founded in 1980, the BPG Buying Group is a network of dynamic, competent, and fully experienced professionals working towards the growth of the players and the game of golf. For more information on BPG, click here to be directed to their website or contact their representatives below.
EDUCATION OFFERING - BPG is running a webinar on March 3rd, 2021, on "The New Retail Reality" which is open for registration to all PGA members.During the webinar, BPG will cover the following with the help of industry experts; Review the 2020 season, analyze the opportunities for 2021, planning and preparing your season, discussing hiring the right people, and more. CLICK HERE for more information and how to register.
Mike Loftus - Member Services & Western Canada Representative T: 587-578-7464 E: [email protected]
Cobra’s new RADSPEED Clubs now Available in Canada!
Association News
2021 Annual General Meeting & Board Nominee Bios
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 starting at 10:00am.The AGM will be held virtually this year through Zoom due to COVID-19.
Board of Directors Election (9 Nominees)
There will be four (4) spots open for election in 2021 for the Board of Directors. Voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 16th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 9th.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (20 Nominees)
There will be six (6) spots open for election in 2021 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 16th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 9th.
Click Read More below to view this year’s Nominees (login required).
Golf Show News
2021 Virtual Golf Show
The PGA of Alberta is hosting a Virtual Golf Show that will be held virtually from Early/Mid March and running for an entire month!
This is your opportunity to showcase your facility and start your 2021 sales season off early. We want to gain exposure from golfers across the province, and beyond; we will be collecting valuable information from the golf community for 2021 to share with you. Having this virtual event will reach not only golfers in the province but will reach across the country.
Booth spaces will be a flat rate of $99 + tax(plus $100 donation of green fees or gift cards for prize giveaways!). or $199 +tax without donation. Your virtual showcase allows you to feature:
Golf course images and offerings
Gateway to your online Pro Shop (Shopify)
Link to your clubs website
Access to online club promotions for consumers
The Virtual Consumer Showplatform allows you to:
Collect email database
Conduct online contests
Advertising on social media platforms
Supporting the PGA of Alberta
Offerings that you can promote
Junior golf at your club. Growing the game is most important to all. Do you have junior golf camps, clinics or lessons at your club? There will be a Jr. Golf section on the virtual site where you can promote all things junior.
Lessons Section. Send in a Pro tip video to be featured on the lesson page!
Any deals you have at your club or facility for the upcoming season.
Questions? Please contact the Show Manager Ashley Van Kroonenburg; [email protected] or 587-574-1770.
Education News
2021 Spring Seminar Keynote Speaker - Kraig Kann
In our second Keynote Speaker reveal for the forthcoming 2021 Digital Spring Seminar on Feb. 22nd & 23rd presented by Gordon Food Service & E-Z-GO, we will take a look at... Kraig Kann!!
Kraig Kann Bio As former lead anchor and studio host for NBC Sports’ Golf Channel, Kraig attained his lifelong dream of becoming a network broadcaster. He then progressed to Chief Communications Officer for the LPGA where he was part of a dynamic leadership team that raised the organization to new levels of prosperity. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur mastering his own brand.
Kraig founded Kann Advisory Group in 2016, making good on a goal of managing his own business on a belief that his definition of success would be realized by sharing his experience and delivering value to others. The unique combination of C-suite strategist and media entertainment has positioned him as a unique voice delivering custom workshops, seminars and keynotes focused on leadership, message delivery and personal and professional brand development.
Thought leadership offered in his blog has contributed to attention from PR News, Sports PR Summit and Forbes, who have identified him as a keynote speaker, featured industry panelist, communications council member and content contributor in areas of public relations, brand marketing, public speaking and strategic communications. He remains relevant in broadcasting, hosting weekly shows on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, hosting his podcast “Tracks To Success” and serving as a faculty member in the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.
Click here to learn more about Kraig Kann on his website or follow him on social media >
Learn more about the history of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta by taking a look at our past Presidents. Look back in time to our very first President, Sandy Robertson in 1964, all the way to our current President Greg McGarry of Glendale G&CC. In total, there has been 28 Presidents for the PGA of Alberta, all setting the course of action and representing the Association during their Presidency.
PGA of Alberta and Golf Supply House Extend Partnership
The PGA of Alberta is happy to announce a continued partnership with Golf Supply House for the next two seasons. They will continue as the Title Sponsor of the Golf Supply House Series which consists of 6 one-day and 2 two-day stroke play events held throughout the season. See the results from last year’s events by clicking here.
Golf Supply House has been a Champion Partner of the PGA of Alberta for over 20 years! They have sponsored various Association events throughout the partnership and also support our annual Buying Show now held in Calgary at the BMO Centre.
"I cannot imagine conducting business in Alberta any other way, sponsoring the PGA of Alberta is something we are extremely proud of and will continue", said Dan Harrison, Principal and Director of Sales at Golf Supply House. "I look forward to putting COVID behind us so we can attend the GSH Series in 2021".
In 2019, Golf Supply House was the recipient of the Jack Skellern Patron of the Year award for their continuous support of the Association and the advancement of Professional Golf in Alberta. It is their commitment to the Association and Members that has forged a strong and meaningful relationship and has made them such a strong partner for over 20-plus years.
About Golf Supply House… Since its founding in 1960, Golf Supply House has grown to become a leader in the Canadian golf wholesale business. After successfully adding Evnroll putters, Bettinardi & GSH have teamed up in Canada. GSH both stocks and offers the Canadian industry brands individual clubs would have to import in their absence. For this reason, in addition to their attendance and support for every zone from coast-to-coast their commitment to the Canadian industry is on full display!
They bring top brands such as Easy Picker, Fusioncast, Signs and Designs, Standard Golf, Evnroll & Bettinardi Putters, PuttOut, Pelz Player & Raflewski Tour train aids, SuperStroke, Iomic, Winn, Lamkin Twisted Frog, Pride Sports, RZN Golf Balls, and many others, to every part of the country through their knowledgeable network of sales representatives and distributors. Click here to view their catalogues.
Golf Supply House focuses on the details, large and small, to help their customers achieve their goals, be it increasing Pro Shop sales, designing a new scorecard, or refreshing their facility and course with updated signage, furnishings, or course accessories.
For more information on products, click here to be directed to their website OR contact your local Sales Rep below:
Jim Durkin - Sales Support Alberta T: 705-730-2977 E:[email protected]
Dan Harrison - Principal, Director of Sales T: 705-795-7753 E:[email protected]
Education News
2021 Spring Seminar Keynote Speaker - Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan
In our first Keynote Speaker reveal for the forthcoming 2021 Digital Spring Seminar on Feb. 22nd & 23rd presented by Gordon Food Service & E-Z-GO, we will take a look at... Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan!!
Performance Consultant to the NHL, NBA and Olympians Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan lives by her philosophy of embracing challenges and pushing boundaries to achieve your highest potential. She was the first female performance consultant for the New York Rangers, the New York Knicks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Edmonton Oilers. Her passion for motivating audiences to reach their fullest potential has received praise from international corporations and sports organizations alike, including Visa, Johnson & Johnson, the NHL, and the NBA.
Amirault-Ryan has worked at five Olympic Games with the gold medal winning teams of the Women’s Hockey Team, Cross Country Ski Team, and Speedskating Team. The Canadian Olympic Committee appointed her as the lead of sport psychology for the entire Olympic team at the 2010 Vancouver, 2012 London, and 2014 Sochi Olympics.
For her ground-breaking work, Amirault-Ryan has received awards such as the Globe and Mail’s Top Power 50 List, WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Companies worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies Walmart, VISA, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, and Royal Dutch Shell, have hired her to motivate them to achieve sustained high performance.