Do you have any upcoming tournaments or events at your club? Create some excitement by purchasing Hole in One Insurance through the PGA of Alberta HIO program! In partnership with Foster Park Brokers Inc., the HIO program provides members and non-members the opportunity to purchase affordable HIO insurance for your club, corporate and charity events!
What Denominations Can I Purchase? Any denomination from $1,000 to $50,000 per hole can be purchased online. Should you wish to purchase more than $50,000 per hole, please contact [email protected] for a custom quote. On coverage up to $100,000, PGA of Alberta members will always receive the best possible premium from Foster Park Brokers.
How Do I Purchase? Coverage can be easily purchased on the PGA of Alberta website with the following steps:
Login to the website and select ‘My Hole In One’ under ’Manage Account’ or ’My Account’
Select the ’Create New Event’ button
Follow the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the easy purchasing process. It’s as simple as that!
*If you are a non-PGA of Alberta member and interested in purchasing, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (see contact info below).
What are the Benefits of PGA of Alberta HIO Program?
Competitive industry rates
Easy to purchase online
Purchase for one event OR for an entire season worth of events at once
Modify your events by contacting the office based on any changes that occur throughout the season
Fees/Premium waived if tournament is cancelled due to inclement weather
No dealing with the insurance company directly
Supporting the Association
Important Items to Note Electronic scorecards are acceptable as long as they can still be signed by the winner (digital signature acceptable).
Elevated flag/holes will NOT be permitted for HIO Insurance. However, clubs are still able to purchase insurance as long as the ball drops and stays in the hole after coming to a rest. There are NO requirements for a specific depth of the hole.
Questions? If have any questions on how this program can work for you, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (E: [email protected] OR P: 403-256-8894 / TF: 1-888-866-6140).
Association News
Draw Available for the PGA of Alberta Junior Masters on September 2 & 3
The PGA of Alberta Junior Masters sponsored by Sundog Eyewear & TourTee is a 36-Hole invitational Junior Golf event organized each year by the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta. Celebrating its 31styear in 2021, this event was initiated to provide elite level competition to a limited field of Alberta’s top junior golfers.
This year we have 55 Junior Boys and Girls with a highly competitive golf background competing at Wolf Creek GR in Ponoka this week on September 2nd & 3rd. The Boys Division Champion from 2020, Carter Code (Glencoe G&CC), will be back to defend his title while the Girls Division will crown a new Champion this year!
Fox & Manz Take Home The Hardware at G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball at Heritage Pointe GC
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball Events sponsored by G&G Golf Company, hosted at the immaculate and pristine conditioned Heritage Pointe GC. Our competitors enjoyed an amazing day on the course with the summer weather returning and some excellent scores on the Leaderboard! We had a massive field of 52 teams encompassing 104 total players in the Main-Draw.
Our Winning team today was: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) & Jacob Manz (Speargrass GC) who carded an absolutely scorching 10-under par 62 with a ridiculous 7 Birdies & 1 Eagle on the front-9 for an 8-under par 28 and followed it up on the back-9 going 2-under par for a total of 34.
In sole possession of Second Place was the team of: Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) & Cullen Wanvig (Winston GC) who carded an outstanding 8-under par 64 going 34-30 on the front and back 9’s respectively with 7 Birdies and 1 Eagle on the card today.
In a three-way tie for Third Place was the teams of: Matt Freeman & Brady Karlson (Canyon Meadows G&CC), Josh Fleming & Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) & Darrell McDonald (Mill Woods GC) and Brent Chapman (Northern Bear GC) who all carded excellent rounds of 7-under par 65’s today.
In a three-way tie for Sixth Place was the teams of: Scott Smith (Pinebrook G&CC) & Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre), Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA) & Dale Tomlinson (Winston GC) and Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & Matthew Mah (Cardiff G&CC) who all carded great rounds of 6-under par 66’s today.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a three-way tie for Ninth Place was the teams of: Host Professionals, David Robinson & Jared Nicolls (Heritage Pointe GC), Bryce Halverson (Valley Ridge GC) & Craig Gibson (Sirocco GC) and Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) & Jeff Murdoch (PGA of AB Member) who all carded solid rounds of 5-under par 67’s today.
Thank you to our Sponsor: G&G Golf Company & Host Facility, Heritage Pointe GC for putting on such an incredible event!
MacKinnon & Shapka Best Field at G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball Ladies’ Division at Heritage Pointe GC
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball Ladies’ Division Event sponsored byG&G Golf Company, hosted at the stunning and immaculately conditioned Heritage Pointe GC. Our competitors enjoyed an amazing day on the course with the summer weather returning and some excellent scores on the Leaderboard!
Our Ladies’ Division had a full field with 6 total teams today: Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC) & Crystal Shapka (Calgary G&CC), Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC) & Gina Nelson (Magrath GC), Shannon Raina (Glencoe GC) & Kim Valleau (Winston GC), Lisa Rosengarten & Judy Forshner (Glencoe G&CC), Amy Popkes (Carnmoney GC) & Ronda Carter (Blue Devil GC) and Tiffany Gordon (Carnmoney GC) & Shelley Charlton (Pinebrook G&CC).
After a battle on the course today, our Ladies’ Division Champions are: Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC) & Crystal Shapka (Calgary G&CC) who carded a great 74 with 3 Birdies today.
In second place today was the team of: Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC) & Gina Nelson (Magrath GC) who kept the heat on our eventual Champions all day, only falling short by 1-stroke to finish at 75.
Thank you to our Sponsor:G&G Golf Company & Host Facility, Heritage Pointe GC for putting on such an incredible event!
Play Ability Test News
PAT #5 Draw - Alberta Springs on September 2
The draw is posted for the fifth and final Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Alberta Springs in Red Deer on Thursday, September 2nd. Tee times begin at 10:00am. Good luck to the 28 competitors going for their card!
Congratulations to our 2021 Junior Scholarship Recipients
Each year the PGA of Alberta is proud to award four Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates. Two of the Scholarships are awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members and the other two are awarded to competitive junior golfers in Alberta who meet specific criteria. We are pleased to award the following individuals the 2021 scholarships:
Thank you to everyone that applied this year. We wish everyone the best of luck in their post-secondary education.
The Education Committee is thrilled to continue season 2 of our Podcast series featuring various PGA of Alberta members. Our next guest will be Mr. Bob Weeks of TSN who is a renowned reporter and analyst in the sporting world. He will be giving some insight on a variety of topics including; the retention of the golf boom from the past year, how golf as adapted for the average person, his thoughts on a fun/social approach to golf, and the most recent Olympics in Tokyo. Troy Mills has graciously agreed to host Bob as he also shares his golf experiences not only as a reporter but a player as well.
After a sunny day at Leduc GC, Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) stood a top of the leaderboard at the sixth Golf Supply House Series event this season. Today’s event had a field of 33 professionals who were treated to a flawlessly conditioned golf course and beautiful fall day.
Kevin carded a 4-under 67 today to secure a 3 shot victory over the field. Kevin came out with 1 Birdie and 1 Bogie on the front 9 to shoot a respectable even par 35. He then caught fire on the back with 5 birdies and just 1 bogie to finish with a 4-under 32. This marks Kevin’s first victory of the season after finishing in the money at the PGA of Alberta Championship, Club Pro Championship, and 3 pervious Golf Supply House events.
Finishing in a tie for second was David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC) and Marcus Clift (Coloniale GC) after shooting great rounds of 1-under 70. Both David and Marcus battled through the day to finish as the only other pros under par.
Rounding out our top 5, finishing in a tie for fourth was Dustin Risdon (Dustin Risdon School of Golf) and Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) shooting an even par 71. Both professionals carded 35-36 with 4 birdies on the card.
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today; Craig McArthur (Glendale G&CC) with Birdies on holes 3 and 5, Marcus Clift (Coloniale GC) with a birdie on 4, Matthew Mah (Cardiff G&CC) with a birdie on 7, and Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) with a birdie on 15. David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC) and Jeff Tell (The Ranch G&CC) also won skins today with eagles on holes 9 and 18 respectively. Congrats to all the players who earned a cheque today.
Thank you to our Sponsor: Golf Supply House, who make events like this possible!
Today was the second Seniors’ Division event of the season at the flawless Leduc GC. Players were treated to a beautiful fall day and even better course conditions.
Taking home the trophy today was Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) who shot a very respectable 1-over 72. Andre carded a 35-37 with 3 birdies on the day to finish 3 shots clear of the field.
In solo second was Murray McCourt (The Ranch G&CC) who shot a 4-over 75 with a card of 37-38. Murray had 2 birdies on the day.
Congratulations to our Skins Winners on the day; Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) with a birdie on hole 2, Art New (Canada Golf Card Driving Range) with a birdie on 5, Scott Orban (McKenzie Meadows GC) with a birdie on 15, and Murray McCourt (The Ranch G&CC) with a birdie on 16.
Thank you to our Sponsor: Golf Supply House, who make events like this possible!
There is now 1 week left to nominate a deserving Professional or Sales Representative for a PGA of Alberta Award in 2021. Nominations for all Awards will close at the end of day on Tuesday, Aug. 31st. Thank you to everyone who has already submitted a nomination.
Each year the PGA of Alberta recognizes several Members and Industry Representatives for their achievements throughout the season and their career, as well as for their contributions to the Association and the game of golf. We encourage all Members and industry affiliates to become a part of our Awards Program by nominating an individual or facility that you feel is deserving of an Award.
In total, nine Awards are up for nomination which include the following:
Apprentice Professional of the Year
Class "A" Professional of the Year
Club Professional of the Year
Executive Professional of the Year
Junior Leader of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Coach of the Year
Retailer of the Year
Sales Rep of the Year
Please note the following points for the 2021 Awards Program:
Video Bio - All members who are nominated for an Award will have the option to submit a short video bio in addition to their application form.
Nomination(s) – We encourage all PGA of Alberta Professionals and industry affiliates to nominate a deserving individual in each of the Award categories.
Awards Banquet - The 2021 PGA of Alberta Awards Banquet will reveal this year’s recipients on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). Click here to register for the Buying Show.
Awards Criteria- Click Here to see the criteria for each Award.
Coach of the Year Nominees must be certified within Golf’s National Coach Certification Program Competition stream (Coach of New Competitors, Coach of Developing Competitors).
Teacher of the Year Nominees must have achieved certified status in at least one context within the instruction stream of the National Coaching Certification Program for Golf in Canada (Instructor of Beginner Golfers, Instructor of Intermediate Golfers, Instructor of Advanced Golfers).
The Compensation Survey is a very important tool for our Association as it allows us to give our membership the most current earning potential in each area of the province based on their position. The more surveys that are filled out, the more accurate both the averages and high/low points will be.
Please take 5-10 minutes to fill out the survey. Once completed, you will be sent a copy of the results.
Important Aspects to the Compensation Survey
Each member will only be able to submit one survey for approval between Oct 1 - Sept 30 each year.
Top 100 Points - Every Member will receive 5 Top 100 points for completing the survey!
Your information will be kept confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.
Tournament News
GSH Series & Seniors’ Division at Leduc GC on August 25 - Registration Deadline Extended
Sign up today for the second last GSH Series and final Seniors’ Division event of the season hosted at LEDUC GC on Wednesday, August 25th. First tee time is at 8:00am (GSH Series).
Leduc GC is thrilled to showcase their new 9,500 sq. ft. facility that features their Pro Shop, Hackers Grill with wrap around patio, Boardroom, 220 person banquet hall, and underground storage with a state of the art two bay virtual golf facility.
Click the proper link below to sign up NOW! The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, August 23rd @ 4pm.
Batsel Bests Field to Win PGA of Alberta Championship at River Bend G&RA
Today saw Round 2 of the PGA of Alberta Championship hosted at the sprawling and beautiful River Bend G&RA, proudly Sponsored by PGA of Alberta partners: TaylorMade Golf, adidas Golf and our proud new partner, WizGolf.
River Bend G&RA continued to be in excellent condition for Round 2 with the aggressive play and low scores continuing today which made for an extremely exciting day. Weather conditions were slightly more difficult and colder today but remained decent throughout for our competitors. 30 competitors finished at even-par or better which made for an exciting day on the Leaderboard.
Our 2021 PGA of Alberta Championship Champion is: Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who continued his outstanding play from Round 1 into Round 2 and kept the pedal to the floor throughout the Championship as his competitors were nipping at his heels all day. Dillion came out firing and carded an outstanding 5-under par 31 on the front-9, he had 2 Eagles (#4 & #8) and 2 Birdies. He then followed it up by carding 1-under par 35 on the back-9 which proved to be enough for him to capture this year’s Championship. Dillon finished the Championship with a two-day total of -14 and overall total score of 130.
In sole possession of Second Place and tying the Course Record of 63 was: Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) after carding an absolutely scorching Round 2 and our lowest score of either Round by firing a ridiculous 9-under par 63 today. Dallas carded a 5-under par 31 on the front-9 which he then followed up with an equally excellent 32 on the back. He managed to card a blemish free Round and had a jaw-dropping 9 Birdies today to vault up the Leaderboard into Second Place. Dallas finished the Championship with a two-day total of -11 and overall total score of 133.
In two-way tie for Third Place was: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who put together two excellent Rounds over the Championship. Wes carded a stellar 6-under par 66 today, firing 33 on the front and back-9. Wes had 6 Birdies on the card today and helped keep some heat on the top of Leaderboard throughout. He finished the Championship with a two-day total of -10 and overall total score of 134. Also tied for Third Place was: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) who played two excellent Rounds for the Championship. Scott carded a great 4-under par today, firing 34 on the front and 34 on the back-9. Scott had 5 Birdies on the card and finished the Championship with a two-day total of -10 & overall total score of 134.
Rounding out our Championship Top-5 in sole possession of Fifth was: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) who put together 2 stellar Rounds over the Championship. Mitch carded a great 6-under par 66 today, going 32 on the front and 34 on the back-9. He dropped 7 Birdies today and finished the Championship with a two-day total of -9 & overall total score of 135.
In a two-way tie for Sixth Place was: Dustin Risdon (Dustin Risdon School of Golf) and Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) who both finished the Championship with two-day totals of -8 & overall total scores of 136. Dustin carded an excellent 6-under par today, going 31 on the front and 35 on the back-9 with a blemish free card and 6 Birdies. Stefan carded a great 4-under par 68 today, going 33 on the front and 35 on the back-9 with 7 Birdies.
In a two-way tie for Eighth Place was: Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) and Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) who both finished the Championship with two-day totals of -7 & overall total scores of 137. Mike carded a solid 3-under par 69 today, firing a 33 on the front and 36 on the back-9 with 4 Birdies. Riley carded a respectable 1-under par 71 today, going 34 on the front and 37 on the back-9 with 6 Birdies on the card.
Rounding out our Championship Top-10, in a three-way for Tenth Place was: Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights), Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) & Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) who all finished the Championship with two-day totals of -6 & overall total scores of 138. Tyler carded an excellent 6-under par today, firing 33 on the front and back-9 with a blemish free card and 6 Birdies. Eric fired a solid 3-under par today, carding 35 on the front and 34 on the back-9 with 5 Birdies. Weston carded a respectable 1-under par 71 today, going 37 on the front and 34 on the back-9 with 2 Birdies.
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners who each won $653.33/person. Shawn Proulx (River Ridge G&CC) with an Eagle on #1. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) with an Eagle on #4,
Big thank you to our Sponsors: TaylorMade Golf, adidas Golf and our proud new partner, WizGolf whose support make events like this possible! Last but not least, host venue: River Bend G&RA for helping us put on yet another successful and great Championship!
Batsel Bulls His Way to Top at PGA Championship at Riverbend G&RA
98 of Alberta’s top Professionals’ tee’d off at the fifth consecutive PGA of Alberta Championship hosted at the picturesque and always welcoming River Bend G&RA, proudly Sponsored by PGA of Alberta partners: TaylorMade Golf, adidas Golf and our proud new partner, WizGolf.
River Bend G&RA is in excellent shape, leaving our competitors with the opportunity to play aggressive and go low. Conditions were good throughout the morning and early afternoon before the rain moved in for the tail end of the field. We have an exciting Leaderboard set for Round 2 tomorrow, with 35 players even-par or better.
Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) came ready to play today and is our Clubhouse Leader after Round 1. Dillon has been on a run of excellent tournament finishes of late, winning last week’s event and placing highly in multiple others. Dillon carded an excellent 3-under par 33 on the front-9 with 4 Birdies. He then followed it up with an outstanding 5-under par 31 on the back-9 with 1 Eagle and 4 Birdies. Dillon holds a 2-stroke lead over his nearest competitors going into Round 2 tomorrow.
Breathing down our Leader’s neck, in a two-way tie for Second Place after carding great 6-under par 66’s today is: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) & our Defending Champion, Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC). Scott put together a blemish free round today, firing 33 on the front and back with 6 Birdies on the card. Fresh off his PGA Championship of Canada victory at the start of August, Riley put together a great round today. He carded a front-9 score of 4-under par 32 and followed it up with a 2-under par 34 with 8 Birdies on the card. Both will look to go low tomorrow and heap some pressure onto Dillon.
In sole possession of Fourth Place on our congested Leaderboard today is: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) who is still in the hunt and only sitting back by 3-strokes on our Leader. Weston carded a great 5-under par 67 shooting an outstanding 5-under par 31 on the front-9 which he followed up with a 36 on the back-9. Weston had 7 Birdies on the card today.
In a 3-way tie for Fifth Place, still in contention but needing low round’s tomorrow, after all carding opening Round 1 scores of: 4-under par 68’s is: Former Champion, Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC), this season’s Pro-Lady South Champion, Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) and Former Champion, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 4-way tie for Eighth Place, after all carding Round 1 scores of: 3-under par 69’s is: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC), Jared Nicolls (Heritage Pointe GC) & Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) & finally, David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC). Mitch, Jared & Eric all carded 33-36 with Mitch having 4 Birdies on the card, Jared also with 4 Birdies and finally, Eric with 6 Birdies. David carded 32-37 with 7 Birdies today.
In a 6-way tie for Eleventh Place, after all carding solid Round 1 scores of: 2-under par 70’s is: Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC), Dustin Risdon (Dustin Risdon School of Golf), Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf), Host Professional Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC).
Rounding out our Top-20 today, in a 7-way tie for Eighteenth Place, after all carding respectable Round 1 scores of: 1-under par 71’s is: Scott Anderson (Winston GC), Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC), Evan Van Amsterdam (Highlands GC), Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC), Adam Bruce (Leduc GC), Kent Fukushima (Redwood Meadows G&CC) and lastly, Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC).
11 more players are residing at even-par 72 after Round 1 and will need to go low quickly tomorrow to have a hope at catching our Leader at the top. Championship Day will be everyone trying to catch our Leader, Dillon Batsel and make for an extremely exciting finish. Be sure to watch from the bleachers above and looking down onto the 18th green! Round two will resume tomorrow morning (Tuesday, August 20th) at 7:30am. Final group of Batsel, Fleming & Stiles will tee it up at 12:02pm.
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins winner: Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) who had the sole Skin of the day with an Eagle on #1.
Follow along on the live scoring Leaderboard once Round 2 begins (click here) to see all the changes in real time!
Association News
Alan Killian in Memoriam (1961-2021)
We are saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta Life Member Alan Roy Killian. Alan passed away on August 8th at the age of 60.
Alan was born on February 8th, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta to Roy and Georgina Killian. After graduating from NAIT with a Civil Engineering degree, Alan was drawn to his love of sports and in 1984 became a Golf Professional with the PGA of Canada. His golf career began at the Kananaskis GC and he would go on to have a 20-year career as a Head Professional in Calgary, culminating with many wonderful years at the Inglewood G&CC.
Beyond his love for playing, Al’s passion was teaching golfers the skills to improve their golf game and thereby their enjoyment of the game. Once his golf career ended, he would go on to reinvent himself and became a Certified Financial Planner with Investors Group where he could continue to teach and support others, but this time in the realm of finance.
There will be a celebration of Alan’s life, to be held on Thursday, August 19th, 2021, at the Deerfoot Meadows location of the Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill, the address being: 7995 11 Street S.E., Calgary. The event will run from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and all friends and family are invited to come at their leisure. The Killian family asks that if you have a memory or story to share involving Alan, to please bring a written copy to drop off in a collection box, as in the months and years to come they will treasure the chance to read them again and again.
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends during this difficult time. Click the link below for Alan’s obituary.
Cardiff’s Cantera & Telenko Conquer at Tournament of Champions at Willow Park G&CC
The annual Tournament of Champions sponsored bySunice/Bobby Jonessaw some great weather and a mint conditioned Willow Park G&CC giving players an absolutely first class golf experience from start to finish!
Today’s Tournament of Champions Winners are: The team of, Cardiff G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Dallas Cantera and Club Champion, Adam Telenko who carded a scorching team gross round of 10-under 61 to prevail by 1-stroke over their nearest competitors. Dallas had an exceptional 8 Birdies and 1 Eagle on the card for an excellent 63. His partner Adam chipped in with 2 timely Birdies today to help the cause.
In Second Place, through retrogression, was: The team of, Mickelson National Golf Academy, comprised of: Professional, Randy Robb and Club Champion, Dustin Yeager who carded an excellent team round of 8-under 63. Their team had 5 Birdies and 2 Eagles on the card today.
In Third Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Picture Butte GC, comprised of: Professional, Jamie Gerlitz and Club Champion, Kris Wasylowich who also carded an excellent team round of 8-under 63. Their team had 6 Birdies and 1 Eagle on the card.
In Fourth Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Windermere G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Jason Hnatiw and Club Champion, Barrett Jarosch who carded a great team round of 6-under 65. Their team had 7 Birdies on the card today.
In Fifth Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Leduc GC, comprised of: Professional, Adam Bruce and Club Champion, Joel Conrad who also carded a great team round of 6-under 65. Adam had 5 Birdies and Joel had 2 timely Birdies himself.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Sunice / Bobby Jones for the continued support of the Association and host venue Willow Park G&CC for putting on such a first-class event.
Batsel Blazes His Way To Victory at G.S.H. Inglewood G&CC
After a perfect day of weather at the beautiful Inglewood G&CC, Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) rose to the top of our crowded Leaderboard at the fifth Golf Supply House Series event of the season. Today’s event had a healthy field of 65 professionals who were treated to an immaculately conditioned course in outstanding shape.
Dillon carded a scorching 8-under 63 today to prevail over his nearest competitor by 1-stroke. Dillon came out firing with 5 Birdies on the Front-9 for an excellent 32. He then followed it up by playing bogey-free and knocking in another 4 Birdies on the Back-9 to card 31. This marks Dillon’s first victory of the Season after a few near misses at earlier events where he was battling at the top.
Finishing in solo Second place was: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) after shooting an awesome round of 7-under 64. Mitchell carded 33-31 and went blemish free for the round while having 7 Birdies on the card today.
Finishing in solo Third place was: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) after shooting a stellar round of 4-under 67. Scott carded 35-32 and had 5 Birdies on the card today.
In a 6-way tie for Fourth place, all carding great rounds of: 3-under 68’s, was: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), Jordan Fenwick (GOLFTEC Calgary Mindapore), Tyler Lebouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights), Craig Gibson (Sirocco GC), fresh off his Pro-Junior victory last Thursday, Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) and finally, one of our Host Professional’s, Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC).
Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a 3-way tie for Tenth place, all carding solid rounds of: 2-under 69’s was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), Dustin Risdon (Dustin Risdon School of Golf) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC).
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today of: Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) with an Eagle on #6, Randy Robb (Mickelson National Golf Academy) with an Eagle on #11 & finally, Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) with an Eagle on #16. Congratulations to all players that earned a cheque today.
Thank you to our Sponsor: Golf Supply House, who make events like this possible!
Stringer Snags Seniors’ Division #1 Title at Inglewood G&CC
Today saw the first Seniors’ Division event of the Season at the stunning Inglewood G&CC. Players were treated to a wonderful day with beautiful weather and even better course conditions.
Taking home the hardware today, was: Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) who shot a great 2-over 73, carding 37-36. Richard had 3 Birdies on the card today.
In solo Second place was: PGA of Alberta newcomer, Alvaro Vasquez who shot a solid 5-over 76, carding 37-39. Alvaro had 2 Birdies on the card.
In a two-way tie for Third place was: Richard Hardy (McKenzie Meadows GC) & Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) who both carded respectable 77’s.
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today: Kevin Snell (PGA of AB Member) with a Birdie on #2, Lyndon King (Collicut Siding GC) with a Birdie on #4 and finally, Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) with a Birdie on #6 & #10 for 2 Skins!
PGA of Canada News
Riley Fleming Stamps His Name on P.D. Ross Trophy as Winner of the PGA Championship of Canada
Saturday atParcoursduVieuxVillage inBromont, Quebec belonged to Riley Fleming.
From the time he made a 15-foot eagle putt on the fifth hole to break the deadlock between himself and KevinStinsonto take the lead at theBetRegalPGA Championship of Canada presented byTaylorMadeGolf andadidasGolf to the time he narrowly fought off water works on the 18th green with the P.D. Ross trophy in hand, the day was his, and the game isseldomlyplayed as beautifully as Fleming played it this week.
“This is the biggest win of my career by far,” said Fleming, who pieced together rounds of 66-63-68-66 this week to win by three. “Kevin (Stinson) and Idukedit out pretty good on the front, and even on the back, I was only one clear after 13, so it was pretty tight. I’m just so excited.”
While the 63 the pro from Lynx Ridge Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta managed on Thursday may have been his lowest number, Saturday’s 66 was arguably his most impressive.
With a one-stroke lead on the par-5 7th hole, Fleming made one of his only major mistakes of the week – hitting his tee shot right, where it landed out-of-bounds. After striking his provisional perfectly down thecenter, a long-way down thecenter, I may add, his demeanour wasunflustered, and he only sacrificed a single shot.
The 8th hole atParcoursdeVieuxVillage presents an interesting option for players. At only 330-yards and slightly downhill, it is certainlydrivable, but with a pond guarding the right side, Fleming, who “is almost always against laying up,” as he told us after his round, took iron off the tee early in the week.
This was not the case on Saturday. Fleming, with thoughts of his wayward drive on seven nonexistent, made a winning decision and drove the green. Birdie for Fleming and bogey forStinson, erasing the blemish from the seventh and adding even more cushion between himself and the PGA of BC pro. He never looked back and didn’t relinquish his lead for the remainder of the tournament.
By the time Fleming strolled down the 18th fairway, he had given himself a three-shot cushion. The scene could have been from a movie, (and the scene of Fleming walkingtowardsthe green with theBromontfaithful encircling him was like a tamed-down version of Tiger Woods at the 2018FedExCup Finals) as Fleming buried a 35-footer for birdie and put his hands in the air.
“The crowd was so friendly and supportive, even cheering on the Alberta guy,” said Fleming, who takes home $10,000 with the win. “It was so much fun to see them there and our group hit some really good shots today so hopefully they enjoyed it as much as we did.”
His caddie, Chad Thompson, who booked his own ticket to Montreal to be there for his friend (and, little did he know, a moment of Canadian golf history), gave him a big bear hug.
When asked how it felt to have his name alongside Lee Trevino, Moe Norman and Arnold Palmer on the P.D. Ross trophy, Fleming fought back tears.
“It’s hard to believe… it’s pretty cool to have my name on a trophy with Arnold,” he said.
Bearspaw GC Claims the Pro-Junior Title at Northern Bear GC
After a scorching day on the golf course with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, the team of Braden Chown and Matthew Keane from Bearspaw GC rose above the rest to win the 2021 Nike Golf Pro-Junior title presented by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and AHEAD Canada.
With a stacked field of 50 teams competing at Northern Bear GC in Sherwood Park, Braden and Matthew stayed calm, cool, and collected to finish with 48 points in the team net stableford format to win the event! Falling just one point back of the champions in second place was the team from Pinebrook G&CC (Mac Keats & Easton Hopkins) finishing with 47 points.
Finishing in a two-way tie for third at 45 points was the teams from Blackhawk GC (Kevin Chow & Simon Leung) and Speargrass GC (Mitchell Fox & Connor Olexson). Rounding out the top five at 44 points was the team from Picture Butte GC (Glen DesRoche & Daillon Kryzanowski).
Thank you to our host venue Northern Bear GC for a fantastic Pro-Am event and to our Sponsors Nike Golf, Srixon, Cleveland Golf and AHEAD Canada for the continued support.
Congratulations to the five players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Alberta Springs GR located West of Red Deer. All players shot the target score or better (79) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following: