A big thank you to all PGA of Alberta professionals who took the time to complete their athlete bio … your participation helps us showcase and celebrate our amazing community.
Congratulations to our Bio Draw Gift Card Winner: Cale Forbes
Posted on 30 March, 2026
WE HAVE A WINNER!
Don Leonard Brayton, a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and respected lifelong golf professional, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born on August 12, 1945, in Montreal, Quebec, Don was the second child of Margaret and Len Brayton. His early years were spent moving across Canada as his father served in the army, before the family settled in Calgary, Alberta. It was there, watching his father play, that Don’s love for golf first began—a passion that would grow into a remarkable life in the sport and lead him to become a successful golfer throughout Alberta.
Click the link below for full obituary information
https://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brayton-don/
We want to inform you of an unexpected delay regarding today’s Tournament Registration.
While today was scheduled as the official opening registration day, our website was unfortunately unavailable this morning and disrupted the process. We have been advised this outage was the result of an external IT issue that was beyond both our control and that of our website provider. We want to emphasize this is completely unrelated to our new website or the volume of registration traffic.
Our team continues to actively work with our web provider to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. While the website is now back up and running, please note we have made the decision to delay tournament registration until March 25 at 10 a.m. when the process will be restarted completely fresh. Any previous attempts or partial registrations will not be carried forward.
We also recognize that increased promotional activity surrounding the PGA of Alberta Golf, Pickleball and Lifestyle Show has contributed to higher-than-normal traffic on our website. As a reminder, if needed, tickets for the Show can also be purchased in person at the BMO Centre at the same price.
We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience, appreciate your patience and understanding, and will update you further as the situation is resolved.
CALGARY – The PGA of Alberta is teeing off the 2026 golf season with a new partnership. The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company will join the Association’s tee sheet as the title sponsor of the Long Drive Competition at the 2026 PGA of Alberta Golf, Pickleball & Lifestyle Show, March 21-22, at Calgary’s BMO Centre.
As part of this exciting partnership which was announced at PGA of Alberta’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company will sponsor the Grizzly Paw Long Drive Competition, bringing extra energy to one of the SHOW’s most anticipated exhibits.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company to our pool of loyal partners,” said Robert Rousselle, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Alberta. “Their strong Alberta roots, commitment to quality, and passion for community align perfectly with our Association and our members. The addition of the Grizzly Paw Long Drive Competition will bring an exciting and engaging element to the SHOW, and we look forward to building a strong partnership together.”
Founded in Canmore in 1996, The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company has spent nearly three decades crafting beer in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, the timing of this partnership marks a meaningful milestone for the Alberta-based brewery.
“Like golf in Alberta, our roots are grounded in community, hospitality, and the enjoyment of something well made,” said The Grizzly Paw Team. “Celebrating our 30th anniversary alongside Alberta’s golf professionals feels like a natural fit. We’re excited to bring our energy to the SHOW floor, and to the Grizzly Paw Long Drive Competition.”
Throughout the 2026 PGA of Alberta Golf, Pickleball & Lifestyle Show, The Grizzly Paw team will be onsite sampling a selection of award-winning craft beers and premium sodas. From crisp post-round pints to refreshing non-alcoholic options, their beverage lineup is designed for clubhouses, tournaments, patios, and beyond.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to community, connection, and celebrating the best of Alberta golf.
EDMONTON – The PGA of Alberta elected four new members to its Board of Directors and four new members to the Assistants’ Board of Directors at the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, further strengthening leadership across the Association.
The following professionals have been elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors:
- Kevin Chow, Executive Professional, Blackhawk Golf Club
- Miles Mortensen, Head Professional, Kananaskis Country Golf Course
- Scott Stiles, Head Teaching Professional, Earl Grey Golf Club
- Andrew Szewczuk, Head Professional, Banff Springs Golf Club
They join President Shawn Lavoie who continues in his leadership role, and Jason Stanier, who assumed Vice-President responsibilities last year.
The 12-member Board of Directors also includes: Shelley Charlton, Dallas Cantera, Josh Fleming, Samuel Kirkness, Jeff MacGregor, Chris Paskin, and Matt Johnson (Past President).
The PGA of Alberta would like to thank outgoing Board members: Blake Clayton and Todd Halpen for their years of service.
The PGA of Alberta also welcomed four new members to its nine-member Assistants’ Board of Directors:
- Tyler Leicht, Professional, The Derrick Golf & Winter Club
- Gina Nelson, Associate Professional, Highlands Golf Club
- Kevin Robinson, Professional, Windermere Golf & Country Club
- Stephen Yanitski, Associate Professional, Valley Ridge Golf Club
They will serve alongside Matt Bean, Joseph Busetto, Nic Longley, Amy Popkes, and Colin Yarchuk.
“We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of professionals to both our Board of Directors and our Assistants’ Board,” said Shawn Lavoie, President of the PGA of Alberta. “Each of these individuals brings valuable leadership experience, a deep commitment to the game, and a passion for advancing our profession. Their perspectives will help guide the continued growth and success of the PGA of Alberta and support our members across the province.”
The PGA of Alberta remains committed to strengthening the golf industry in Alberta through leadership, professional development and advocacy on behalf of its members.
For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.
CALGARY, AB — The PGA of Alberta has extended and expanded on its longstanding partnership with TaylorMade Golf Canada, reinforcing a shared commitment to growing and developing the game of golf across the province while supporting PGA of Alberta Members.
A valued partner since 2001, TaylorMade has played a significant role in supporting the Association’s key initiatives. The company has proudly sponsored the PGA of Alberta Top 100 Professionals program since 2022 and previously served as the title sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Championship.
“TaylorMade has been an incredible partner for the PGA of Alberta for more than two decades,” said Robert Rousselle, chief executive officer, PGA of Alberta. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand their involvement to include the Spring Seminar alongside the Top 100 program. Their commitment to education, career development, and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to support our members and elevate the standard of golf in Alberta.”
TaylorMade’s renewed agreement further strengths its investment in professional development and education for all PGA of Alberta members.
“TaylorMade is proud to support PGA Professionals throughout their careers. Our partnership with the PGA of Alberta through the Education Seminar and Top 100 Program is a great way to bolster career development,” said Matt Cizmar, General Manager at TaylorMade Golf Canada.
Known for innovation and performance-driven design, TaylorMade offers equipment for performance at every level of the game. Through this enhanced partnership, PGA of Alberta Members will continue to benefit from industry-leading products, educational opportunities, and recognition programs that celebrate excellence in the profession.
The PGA of Alberta looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with TaylorMade and building on a shared vision to advance the game of golf throughout the province.
The 2026 PGA of Alberta Golf, Pickleball & Lifestyle Show (March 21-22 at the Calgary BMO Centre) is fast approaching and we’re inviting our members to play an active role in making this year’s event the biggest and most dynamic yet.
We’re currently seeking PGA of Alberta members to volunteer in two key areas of the SHOW:
Lesson Area
Volunteers will deliver 15-minute complimentary lessons to attendees, helping golfers of all ages and skill levels sharpen their fundamentals and gain confidence heading into the 2026 season.
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Showcase your expertise
- Connect with new golfers
- Promote your facility and programs
- Grow the game in Alberta
Junior Area
With an expanded footprint for 2026, the Junior Area will feature:
- A dedicated simulator
- Junior-focused clinics
- Interactive activities
- Mini-putt and skill-building games
We’re looking for enthusiastic professionals to help facilitate programming, run activities, and create a welcoming, high-energy environment for young golfers and their families.
Volunteer Details
- Minimum commitment (to receive Top 100 points): 3-hour shift
- Recognition: 5 Top 100 points awarded to eligible volunteers
- Flexible time slots available
This is a meaningful way to connect with consumers, support the Association, and contribute to the continued evolution of the SHOW.
Interested in Volunteering?
If you’re available and would like to be part of the 2026 SHOW, please complete the volunteer interest form below:
Spots will be filled on a rolling basis, so we appreciate members signing up early.
We appreciate your support and look forward to working alongside you at the SHOW.
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce that World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points will be awarded at the 2026 Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear / Blue Tees, taking place July 25–27, 2026.
This exciting addition further elevates the prestige of one of Alberta’s premier junior golf events and provides competitors with the opportunity to earn valuable international ranking points.
A 54-hole invitational junior championship organized annually by the PGA of Alberta, the event provides the province’s top 40 boys and top 20 girls with a highly competitive and affordable tournament experience at two of Alberta’s premier golf venues.
The PGA of Alberta will partner with Cougar Creek Golf Resort and the Royal Mayfair Golf Club to host the 36th Junior Masters Tournament. The championship will be contested over three days, with:
- Rounds 1 & 2 at Cougar Creek Golf Resort
- Final Round at the historic Royal Mayfair Golf Club
The addition of WAGR points in 2026 reinforces the tournament’s commitment to offering elite competitive opportunities for Alberta’s top junior golfers while enhancing its profile on the national and international stage.
Completed details, including eligibility, is available here.
Voting is now open for the Board of Directors and the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Members are encouraged to review the nominees and cast their vote before the deadline of 9:15 am on March 2. Please ensure your vote is submitted prior to the closing time.
Use the link below to review the nominees.
https://www.pgaofalberta.com/account/board-directors-nominations/
Please contact Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) for further information.
CALGARY—The PGA of Alberta is welcoming Golf Away Tours to our tee sheet of corporate partners.
The luxury golf travel provider will join the Association as the presenting Sponsor of the Pro-Pro Best Ball event slated for Pinebrook Golf and Country Club on September 21.
“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the 2026 golf season by welcoming Golf Away Tours as a new partner of the PGA of Alberta and as the presenting sponsor of one of our premier events on the tournament calendar,” said Robert Rousselle, chief executive officer, PGA of Alberta. “Their long-standing support of PGA of Canada professionals in the country, and commitment to delivering exceptional golf experiences around the world, make them a perfect match with our Association.”
This partnership brings together two organizations who share a long-standing commitment to supporting PGA of Canada professionals and elevating the golf experience in Alberta.
“Golf Away Tours is very excited to partner with the PGA of Alberta and support an organization whose members we have already work closely with in the past,” said TJ Rule, Owner of Golf Away Tours. “Our relationship with PGA of Alberta members extends several years and we value their professional relationships as well as their friendships. We look forward to supporting many of the Championships in the near future and meeting more PGA of Alberta members through this great partnership.”
Golf Away Tours is a boutique golf travel company specializing in curating memorable, high-end golf experiences to premier golf destinations around the world. With an unmatched attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional service, Golf Away Tours ensures their clients can focus on enjoying the game — and shooting good scores — while every aspect of their trip is expertly handled.
For more information or to discuss travel opportunities with your members, contact Golf Away Tours at [email protected] or 416-466-4653.
Spring Seminar
The 2026 Spring Seminar is less than 5 weeks away! It takes place March 2nd & 3rd at The Derrick G&WC. Early Bird pricing ends @4:30pm (Friday, January 30th), so make sure to register your facility to ensure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
The full speaker line up has been released on the Education Page with their bio and head shots for your viewing. We will also share additional information on the topics presented by the rest of the speakers, along with the menu across both days in our 2026 Spring Seminar Information Package, which will be released next week.
Our newest addition this year is a refreshed look with a new stage and audiovisual experience, which we are very excited to provide to our members.
North and South Teaching Summit
Shawn Clement is joining us for the Spring Seminar and both the north and south teaching summits this year. These will once again be a full-day event covering various of topics from online lessons, teaching principles, binocular vision, and application with a live demo Q&A.
Registration is set to open on Wednesday, February 5th @10:00am
Shawn Clement
For those of you who do not know yet who I am, please consult my bio and know that I am a lifer in Golf and was put on this planet to help people enjoy a game that is so profound on so many levels. Golf can be played so easily with the right focus and can be so incredibly frustrating and elusive when you are focused on the wrong task.
The most important tool that started me properly on this journey was the experience I had from age 17 (I am now 51) with the Canadian Ski Patrol and their relentless passion in making sure you knew what you were doing when treating a victim with a broken limb on the ski hill before transporting to hospital with vital information for the Emergency MD.
This information helped guide me through the maze of golf instruction that was based purely on opinions that were based on assumptions of how the human body works. To this day, we do not have any documents, seminars, manuals on basic anatomy in the field of golf instruction which is very disturbing considering we are on the front lines of your abilities to learn this game and play for life!
Last 20 years:
Director of Development for Royal Québec Golf Club and Academy
Golf WRX-Regular Instruction contributor to the best golf equipment website
Launched “Golf’s Perfect Imperfections” PODCAST available at www.golfwrx.com (their only instructional podcast)
Former member of the Golf Channel Academy family from 2019 to 2023
Ontario PGA teacher of the year à “nominee for PGA Teacher of the year 2011-2015 “
Director of Instruction at the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre 2005 to 2018
Playing and Instruction Editor for Golf Tips Magazine from 2001 to 2004
Director of Instruction at Taboo Resort and Spa (Mike Weir’s Home Course) 2002-2004
Medalist Canadian PGA playing ability test for Class A Member
The only Canadian PGA member to ever play left and right in the same bag
Intrawest Mt Tremblant 1999-2001
Canadian Tour and North Florida PGA mini tour 1997 to 1999
PGA Tour Coach since 2023
Cobra Professional Staff
Hotel Information
Room Block is with the Holiday Inn & Conference Centre
4485 Gateway Boulevard, T6H 5C3
Block Code: "PGA" , Or PGA of Alberta
Double Queen Bed Rooms: $129/night
Call (780) 431-1100 to book your room
Cut off date is February 6th so please book your rooms before that date!
The PGA of Alberta is proud to welcome 45 new members who have been formally accepted into the Association.
The PGA of Alberta congratulates the following new members who have successfully completed the Player Ability Test:
Connor Ackroyd – Wolf Creek GC
Kevin Alenius – Golf Town (Calgary East)
Brayden Arnott – Collicut Siding GC
Justin Bainbridge – Golf Town (Calgary North)
Jared Baldry – Grande Prairie G&CC
Ethan Banks – Stewart Creek GR
Jason Bates – Acme GC
Jayden Bauer – Coloniale G&CC
Staci Bayliss – Wingfield GC
Jordan Bean – Priddis Greens G&CC
Russell Bennett – Glencoe G&CC
Sebastian Berube – Heather Glen GC
Ben Bolder – Sirocco GC
Jesse Briard – Kananaskis Country GC
James Chrunik – Montgomery Glen
Heiko Claasen – The Derrick G&WC
Matt Crews – The Winston GC
Nicholas Cuciz – GOLFTEC Edmonton
Brayden Cust – Eagle Rock GC
Cale Forbes – Carnmoney GC
Ryley Gacek – Royal Mayfair GC
Peyton Gripper – Jasper Park Lodge GC
Jarrett Kress – Crowsnest Pass G&CC
Noah Kallichuk – Blackhawk GC
Xin Li – Glendale G&CC
Justin Loro – Earl Grey GC
Timothy Mayo – The Golf Factory
Mitchell McKernon – The Canal at Delacour
Aaron Menor – Country Club Tour
Frazer Monkhouse – Stewart Creek G&CC
Samuel Nygaard – Connaught GC
Jonathan Odishaw-Dyck – Golf Fanatics
Zachery Parent – Heritage Pointe GC
Liam Perry – Kananaskis Country GC
Carson Peverett – Blue Devil GC
Tod Pharis – RedTail Landing GC
Zach Plaza – Blue Devil GC
Jack Rea – Edmonton Springs GC
Peter Roche – Medicine Hat G&CC
Austin Snyder – Banff Springs GC
Nicholas Vance – Heritage Pointe GC
Eric Westman – The Ranch G&CC
Jonathan Whitehead – PGA of Alberta Member
Matthew Workun – Innisfail GC
Brandon Zlatnik – Coloniale G&CC
“The completion of the Player Ability Test is an important milestone for these professionals, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the PGA of Alberta,” said Robert Rousselle, chief executive officer, PGA of Alberta. “Working with the more than 700 members within the PGA of Alberta, we look forward to ensuring each of these newcomers are supported early, and we are committed to helping them build strong foundations, meaningful relationships, and confidence as they progress in their careers.”
To accomplish this goal, each of the new members will automatically be enrolled in the PGA of Alberta’s Mentorship Program. The program is designed to provide guidance, support, and professional direction to new members as they begin their careers within the golf industry. New members will be responsible to register with their mentee for the tournament.
Developed in conjunction with the Assistants’ Board of Directors, the objective of the Mentorship Program is to foster a community of members who are passionate about their careers, the golf industry, and the Association – ultimately encouraging a long-term commitment and professional growth within the game.
“Our Association is strongest when we invest in people,” said Blake Clayton, chair of the Membership Committee. “The Mentorship Program reflects our commitment to developing professionals who not only excel in their roles, but who also contribute positively to the growth and sustainability of the golf industry in Alberta. The PGA of Alberta looks forward to supporting these new members as they begin their professional journeys and contribute to the continued success of golf in Alberta.”Top of Form
Mentor and Mentee pairings for the 2026 Mentorship Program will be announced later in January.
Ron Laugher’s journey to the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame began with an unlikely turning point—a casual conversation during a rain delay at a Florida golf tournament that would ultimately lead him from Ontario to Alberta, and into one of the most influential careers in Canadian golf. More than 40 years later, his legacy as a player, mentor, leader, and ambassador stands as one of the most impactful in the history of the PGA of Canada.
After graduating from McMaster University in 1977, Laugher entered the golf industry as an Apprentice Professional at St. Catharines Golf Club, guided early by Bruce Murray, who shaped his game and his approach to the profession. A chance meeting with Al Ewen in Florida, then the pro at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, opened an unexpected door: an invitation to move to Alberta. Laugher accepted—and never looked back.
His professional path took him first to Calgary Golf & Country Club, then to The Winston Golf Club (formerly Calgary Elks), before he found his longtime home as Head Professional at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, a role he held with distinction from 1988 to 2022. While there, he served as Head Professional during three LPGA Tour events (1999, 2009, and 2016), each a reflection of his meticulous preparation and unwavering professionalism. His influence at Priddis Greens extended far beyond operations: more than 30 Assistant Professionals who worked under him have gone on to become Head Professionals—an extraordinary testament to his mentorship.
A formidable competitor, Laugher amassed over 50 professional tournament victories, including 33 individual and 22 team events. He captured the 1987 PGA of Alberta Championship, the 1984 Alberta Match Play title, and represented Alberta seven times at the Canadian Club Professional Championship. He was honoured six times as the PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year and received the national Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year award in 2006.
Laugher’s leadership within the PGA of Alberta has been equally profound. He served as President from 1989–1990, sat on the Board of Directors from 1984–1992, and has continued to guide the association as a trusted Advisor ever since. His calm leadership and financial stewardship helped strengthen the association during pivotal moments, and he was often the voice of reason in times of debate or transition.
Dedicated to growing the game, he spearheaded junior programs, hosted national championships, contributed to committees at both amateur and professional levels, and donated countless hours to clinics and camps. His passion for teaching, mentorship, and service has left an enduring mark across Alberta and beyond.
Earlier this fall, Ron was honoured with the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the betterment of golf in the province.
Ron Laugher embodies the very essence of the PGA of Canada—professionalism, integrity, mentorship, leadership, and a lifelong love of the game. His induction into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame honours not only a remarkable career, but a legacy that will continue to shape Canadian golf for generations.
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2026 Board of Directors is now officially open, December 1, and remain open until January 23, 2026.
This is an excellent opportunity for members who are passionate about the future of golf in Alberta to step forward and contribute to the advancement of our Association. Serving on the Board offers a meaningful way to influence decision-making, support the growth of the game, and represent the interests of fellow professionals across the province.
Directors Up for Re-Election
Main Board:
Kevin Chow
Blake Clayton
Todd Halpen
Miles Mortensen
Assistants’ Board:
Stephen Yanitski
Elizabeth Stewart
Gina Nelson
Tyler Leicht
We encourage all eligible members to consider submitting their nomination and becoming part of the leadership team that helps shape the direction of the PGA of Alberta.
Two-year partnership brings competitive and career development ops for young Alberta golfers
CALGARY–Aspiring and new golf professionals in Alberta will have greater professional development opportunities on and off the course, thanks to a new partnership struck today with Play Golf Alberta.
The PGA of Alberta’s newly cemented two-year deal with Play Golf Alberta will allow for the Junior Masters to be extended to a three-round competition in 2026 and 2027, also allowing for more World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
“We have heard from our members that it is important to increase the number of rounds played at the Junior Masters to provide a greater competitive experience for the top junior golfers in Alberta and we are thrilled to be able to provide this with the increased support of Play Golf Alberta,” said Robert Rousselle, chief executive officer, PGA of Alberta. “Play Golf Alberta is committed to providing a highly competitive and affordable opportunity for junior golfers to continue developing their game and we are grateful for their support.”
The Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters Tournament is a 36-hole invitational event that has been led over the last 35 years by the PGA of Alberta, featuring the top-40 boys and top-20 girls in Alberta.
Play Golf Alberta also announced it will invest in the continued career development of a young golf professionals by sponsoring the PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship and will provide a professional aged 25 and under with a $5,000 scholarship to be used to attend the PGA of America Buying Show in Orlando, Florida.
“Whether it is junior golfers aspiring to one day be a professional themselves, or helping to provide greater career development opportunities for newcomers to the industry, Play Golf Alberta is committed to giving back to this next generation of leaders in the same fashion those professionals have done for us,” said Jeff Sveen, who has been a PGA of Alberta members since 1989.
“I truly believe it is important for us to provide the competitive opportunities for our top juniors to continue to test their game against an elite field, while also mentoring and opening doors for your young professionals who are already emerging as the next leaders of the game in Alberta.”
Play Golf Alberta will be profiled throughout the term of the contract as one of the PGA of Alberta’s premier partners in its official sponsor pool.
For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.
The PGA of Alberta is looking for “Mentors” to help support new (Apprentice Professional) members to the Association.
Developed in conjunction with the Assistants’ Board of Directors, the Mentorship Program provides guidance and direction to new members of the Association (Apprentice Professionals).
The Mentorship Program is designed to pair experienced members who are passionate about their careers, the industry, and the Association with newcomers in an effort to lead them to long and healthy career in the golf industry.
The deadline to enter is November 30, 2025. All pairings will be completed in December.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor for 2026, please email:
Marlene Sanderson
[email protected]
Assistants’ Board PD Series
The PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Board will be presenting 5 webinars from November - March with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers. Details for each webinar will be released closer to each date, they will all be from 10:00am-11:30am.
Schedule - Registration Opening October 6, at 10:00am
November 5, 2025 - Optimizing Social Media at the Club and Individual Level: Stephen Yanitski & Nic Longley
Panelists - Taylor Drolet, Tahlon Sweenie, Brandon Cubitt
December, 2025 - Junior Programming: Colin Yarchuk & Elizabeth Stewart
January 14, 2026 - Club Management from the Executive Perspective: Tyler Leicht & Colin Yarchuk
February, 2026 - Superintendent Relations: Amy Popkes & Joey Busetto
March, 2026 - Interpersonal Communication & Well-Being: Matt Bean & Gina Nelson
*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar up to a maximum of 6*
Take your Buying Show experience to the next level by joining our Education Sessions, each designed to deliver fresh insights and practical takeaways. Led by industry experts, these sessions are a chance to learn, connect, and grow. Separate registration is required (click below), PGA of Alberta members will earn 3 Top 100 points per session.
Click Below to Register!
Don’t miss these opportunities to invest in your knowledge and bring new ideas back to your facility.
CALGARY–Little did Ron Laugher know that a casual conversation during a morning rain delay at a Florida golf tournament would send him packing his bags for Calgary to build a distinguished career in golf that would span more than four decades and earn him the PGA of Alberta’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
“This is a tremendous honour. I’ve been involved in the Association for a few years now, so to be included with the past recipients is an honour and appreciated,” said Laugher, who will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the PGA of Alberta during the Association’s annual Awards Show, October 22.
After graduating McMaster University in 1977, Laugher cut his teeth into the golf industry as an Apprentice Professional at St. Catherine’s Golf Club while also playing competitively.
“Bruce Murray hired me, took me under his wing and helped me with my game.,” added Laugher. “But then, years later, it was a meeting with Al Ewen, the pro at Royal Oak Resort and Golf Club in Florida, who actually invited me to work as an assistant in Alberta. I’ve been here for more than 40 years and I’ve never looked back.”
Laugher followed his passion for golf to the Wild Rose province, working as an Apprentice Professional at Calgary Golf and Country Club from 1978-1981, and as an Assistant Professional (1982-83) before heading up the road to Calgary Elks Golf and Country Club (now The Winston Golf and Country Club) where he took on the Head Professional job from 1984-87.
But, as Calgary was getting set to welcome the world for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Laugher found his new professional home as the Head Professional at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club where he remained until 2022.
Through the mentorship of professionals like Bruce Murray, Al Ewen and many others, Laugher has developed into an exemplary leader in Alberta, and Canada’s golf industry where he has helped mentor countless PGA of Alberta members, highlighted by developing 30 of his Assistant Professionals into Head Professionals.
“With their help, I have been able to pass on many of the things I learned from them to several other Canadian PGA Members in the Alberta zone at Priddis and others that I worked, or connected with,” added Laugher. “I’ve been surrounded by so many wonderful people and I’m very proud of all of the other golf professionals and amazing people that I’ve worked with over the years. We have gone through many peaks and valleys, but I am very proud of the relationships we have established and the success we’ve all had together.”
Throughout Laugher’s career, he has been dedicated, loyal and proficient to growing the game of golf.
The President of the PGA of Alberta from 1989-1990, Laugher served on the Board of Directors (1984-1992), and has been an Advisor to the Board (1992-Present).
His long list of accomplishments are also highlighted by his extensive involvement in promoting the game. He has introduced a sponsored Junior Program to Priddis Greens, developed a tee time booking system free of playability restrictions, hosted the Canadian Club Professional Championship and the Canadian Amputee Championship, served on several golf committees at both at the professional and amateur level, and donated his time for junior camps and free clinics.
“Ron is the consummate professional. A tremendous leader in the Board room, and a mentor to so many professionals who have carried on to great careers. Ron’s eagerness to ’do it right’ and unfettered professionalism has always been admirable,” said Shawn Lavoie, President, PGA of Alberta. “Ron’s list of accomplishments is truly remarkable, making him so deserving of the lifetime achievement award.”
The list of awards and recognitions on and off the course are equally impressive. A six-time winner of the PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year award, Laugher was also the 2006 Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year. A winner of 33 individual and 22 team professional events, Laugher was the 1987 PGA of Alberta champion and 1984 Alberta Match Play champion. He also represented Alberta seven times at the Canadian Club Professional Championship.
“Golf has been everything to me and my life. It’s been my passion since I started playing when my mom introduced me to the game when I was 13. The old saying is true, ‘Work at something you enjoy, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” said Laugher. “I always felt I was just going to the golf club for the day. It’s been very fulfilling. I can’t be thankful enough for all of the people who have supported, helped and mentored me over the years. I am so thankful I found the game of golf. I couldn’t dream up a better way to spend my life.”
We are excited to bring DUNNING and TOURNEY apparel to golf shops across the country supporting our PGA of Canada Professionals through sponsorship and relentless dedication to growing your business in an organic way. Despite its recent absence from the Canadian market, the DUNNING brand has seen continued worldwide momentum and growth. Recent highlights include outfitting the 2024 US Solheim Cup team in DUNNING women’s apparel and outerwear as well as strong seasons by PGA Tour ambassadors Russell Henley and Michael Kim.
DUNNING
Driven by innovation, DUNNING was founded in 2001 to build better golf apparel. A continued and concentrated focus on the player and what he desires is what inspires our products. Our designers strive not to be better than the competition, but to challenge assumptions about how golf apparel should be built. Their visionary thinking is fused with our proprietary manufacturing processes to create the world’s most technical and versatile apparel. From start to finish, our emphasis is on fit, playability and performance.
TOURNEY
Only the best deserves the right to be called Tourney. Simply the best value in golf.
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Calgary, AB – Cheers to a new partner as we add Sunday Session golf cocktails to the PGA of Alberta’s tee sheet of suppliers.
Sunday Session, Alberta’s home-grown golf cocktail brand has been leading the way in Canada’s golf beverage scene since introducing the nation’s first canned Transfusion, and western Canada’s first Water Hazard in a can.
“Their thoughtfully crafted, award-winning lineup brings club-quality cocktails directly to the fairway, giving golfers a faster, more consistent alternative to cocktails traditionally prepared by cart service staff.” said Robert Rousselle, chief executive officer, PGA of Alberta. “By streamlining beverage delivery, with cocktails made with real juices and teas, Sunday Session helps improve pace of play while maintaining the premium experience members and guests expect.”
As part of this partnership, Sunday Session is also unveiling ground breaking, non-alcoholic versions of its award-winning Transfusion and award-winning Half & Half cocktails. Made with electrolytes instead of alcohol, these new “Recovery Cocktails” ensure that every golfer — from competing professionals to weekend enthusiasts — can enjoy a refreshing round, no matter their preference.
“Partnering with the PGA of Alberta is an incredible milestone for Sunday Session,” said John Eresman, Co-founder of Sunday Session. “We’re excited to align our premium ready-to-drink cocktails with the PGA’s mission to create the best possible golfing experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birdie with a Water Hazard or staying hydrated with a non-alc Recovery Transfusion, Sunday Session has an option for everyone.”
Sunday Session has been sampling its products at PGA of Alberta Golf Show, PGA of Alberta Buying Show and at member functions over the last year. They will be sponsoring the highly-anticipated PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception, giving you a chance to sample their entire line-up this October.
About Sunday Session
Sunday Session, created and canned by Gradient Beverages in Calgary, is Alberta’s original premium golf cocktail brand, known for crafting premium ready-to-drink beverages tailored to the golfing lifestyle. Through their use of real juices, real tea, premium vodka and no artificial sweeteners, they have won multiple awards for taste, are dedicated to delivering a fun and refreshing golf experience with every round. Sunday Session is available for purchase in Alberta through Liquor Connect and other suppliers.
For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.
Northern duo of Graeme Nelson and Joshua Gorieu Win Consolation Final
RED DEER, Alta.—Gina Nelson and Matt Moroz captured the 2025 PGA of Alberta Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play title presented by Nike on Monday at the Red Deer Golf and Country.
The professional tandem from the Highlands Golf Club squared off against the gladiators of the sport in the Wild Rose province – Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club) and Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance) – and matched them shot-for-shot in a 2&1 win.
“This is very exciting. We had our game playing well recently, but you never know what is going to happen because it comes down to the bounces you get, and the putts make. It feels great to get that win,” said Nelson. “It is pretty cool that we got to this position. We played tough competitors to get to this position, and today confirms our game is just as tough. It was really cool to compare our game throughout the day (to Scott and Wes) and watching them play a great round of golf.
“I can’t put into words what this means for Highlands. Our members are going to be really excited,” she added. “They have been huge supporters of ours the last while knowing we were going into the final and so have the other pros in the shop.”
The Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play consisted of a northern and southern bracket of 32 teams aside heading into battle throughout the summer months with the two finalists from each bracket meeting at the midway point on Highway 2 for the head-to-head 18-hole match play final.
“I haven’t gotten my heart beat down all day,” beamed Moroz, a second-year member of the PGA of Alberta, and first year golf professional at Highlands Golf Club. “It’s a lot of fun. This is the first time that I have been in this position. I was just trying to embrace the opportunity, going up against two very strong players in Scott and Wes. We just tried to ham and egg it all day.”
The northern duo never found themselves down throughout the entire match. With the two teams halving the opening-two holes, Nelson and Moroz won back-to-back holes to go up two after four. Stiles brought the southerners within one after making a long birdie bomb on the sixth hole where the match remained until the 10th hole, thanks to the steady play of Nelson.
“Gina played great all day. I was a blind squirrel, and she kept us in it. She was very focused and is a great professional,” added Moroz. “I just tried to stay out of the way, and she kept it light in the cart. She was very powerful today, and I was fortunate to have her as my partner.”
Nelson, a third-year professional at Highlands Golf Club, put her squad up two with another birdie on the 10th. Team south countered with a Stiles birdie of his own on the 11th hole. Both teams halved holes 12 through 16.
After Stiles ended up in the left bunker on the 156-yard, par-3, 17th and Heffernan flew the green, the youngster Moroz hit it stiff to two-feet, while Nelson knocked her tee shot to approximately seven feet. Moroz solidified the victory, knocking in his short birdie putt.
“It was great to see Matt come through (on 16 and 17). He was very helpful throughout the day, even with some of the pars he made, giving me the opportunity to get a bit aggressive and keep us in it,” said Nelson.
It was a big day for Alberta’s golf professionals in the northern part of the province.
Graeme Nelson (Stoney Plain Golf Course) and Joshua Gorieu (Lewis Estates Golf Course) defeated the southern-based duo of Matt Cook and Craig McArthur from Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
CALGARY—Two Calgary-based pros – Sam Kirkness and Ryan Caines – won the PGA of Alberta’s Callaway Pro-Assistant Championship title on Wednesday afternoon at Mickelson National Golf Club.
The Inglewood Golf and Curling Club duo chalked up a -17 total in the 36-hole event, one better than the next best finisher in the 60-team event.
Kirkness and Caines topped AJ McCoy and Eric Locke, of Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. The Priddis duo, who held a share of the first-round lead, placed second at -16. Weston Gillett and Daniel Humbke (Lacombe Golf and Country Club) posted a score of -15 for third place overall.
A special thanks to The Cart Locker for sponsoring the cocktail reception following the first round of the event.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
CALGARY—Eric Locke continued a big week for Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club after taking the PGA of Alberta Players Tour 1-Day event presented by Duca Del Cosma at Redowood Meadows Golf Club.
Just two days after his PGA of Alberta colleague, Jennifer Ha, won the Ladies Championship, Locke bolted out of the gate with four straight birdies. He added one more before making the turn. Locke mixed together four birdies with two bogeys on the backside to secure the final Players Tour event of the season.
Another Calgarian, Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club) was second at 5-under-par, 67. Five other players posted rounds in red numbers at -1, all sharing third place.
The penultimate event on the 2025 PGA of Alberta calendar – Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant – is set for September 2 at Mickelson National Golf Club.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
CALGARY— Jennifer Ha and Harmeet Kahlon added their names to the highly coveted PGA of Alberta Ladies and Seniors Championship trophies with victories on Tuesday at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club.
Ha, a former LPGA Tour professional, captured her first PGA of Alberta title with scores of 69-71 to finish at four-under (-4) with a two-day total of 140.
“This is one of the first events I’ve come back and played. I’m really happy that I was encouraged to play by some of my peers and people I work with. I played way better than I thought I would – I haven’t played a lot in the last few years with family and work,” said the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club professional who has taken time away from competition as she has embarked on raising a young family. “I was really happy with where my game was. I started off a little shaky with my putting; putting in tournaments is apparently different than putting for fun. I figured it out and shot a couple under, and it felt really good to be under par again, and to be competing again.”
Dorothy Schulz from the host club of McKenzie Meadows Golf Club finished second at +4. The former three-time winner of the PGA of Alberta Ladies Championship posted rounds of 74-74—148.
Playing in the second-last group, Rhonda Carter from Golf Fanatics, caught fire on Tuesday to storm up the leaderboard. Carter birdied four of her first five holes en route to besting her first-round score by one stroke to finish second at +5 (75-74-149).
Harmeet Kahlon, who recently relocated to the Wild Rose province from Ontario, held off a comeback push by Jason Stanier (Inglewood golf and Country Club) to win the PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship. Kahlon, who now calls Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park, Alta., home base, fired rounds of 66-68 to post a winner score of 134 and ten-under-par (-10).
“First of all, I’d like to thank the PGA of Alberta for hosting this championship, and to my home club Broadmoor Golf Course for allowing me to represent them. I’m grateful to win on this lovely golf course,” said Kahlon, who talked about the pristine conditions of the course and the day’s sunny, relatively windless weather. “I had a great round today, I played solid. I started off well, in between got a bit lazy, but I know how to handle these situations and I came back strongly.”
One of India’s all-time best amateur and professional players while representing India for more than two decades, Kahlon added the PGA of Alberta Senior Championship title to his long list of accomplishments in the game that includes winning on the Asian Tour and the only Indian to ever win the Nomura Cup Asia Pacific Amateur and the only Indian player to win the Singapore Amateur, Pakistan Amateur, and the All-India Amateur National Championships.
Starting the final round one-shot back of Kahlon, Stanier – who is vice-president of the PGA of Alberta’s Board of Directors - didn’t go down without a good fight. Stanier also shot red numbers both days, backing up an opening-round 67 with 69 to finish at eight-under (-8) for a two-round total of 136.
Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) jumped into third place overall after going low himself on Tuesday, carding rounds of 72-68—140.
The win secures Kahlon a spot in the final qualifier for the 2026 Rogers Charity Classic – Canada’s lone PGA TOUR Champions stop
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Gina Nelson fires a 71 to post a new Lady’s course record at Cardiff Golf and Country Club
Cardiff, Alta.— Calgary’s Wes Heffernan birdied the final hole to capture the 2025 Cobra Puma Golf and Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship at the Cardiff Golf and Country Club.
It was the third PGA of Alberta Championship title of Heffernan’s storied career.
“This is my 10th year, and every single Championship that I play, I have to take on somebody. There is always someone coming for me,” said Heffernan, who backed up an opening round 66 with a 67 on Tuesday for a winning score of 11-under-par. “If you don’t play well you won’t win, so that’s good for our game.”
With Heffernan making a double-bogey on the ninth hole, Jordan Bean (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) made a charge with an eagle and seven birdies, including the 17th hole, and appeared to have the tournament wrapped up. But Heffernan bounced back with five birdies on the back side before taking advantage of an opportunity when Bean double-bogeyed the final hole.
“Jordan took over this tournament on the 17th hole with that birdie, so I had to press to make a birdie on 18. He made a double on the last hole, and then it was my tournament,” said Heffernan. “Golf is so up and down. Last week I gave one away at the Alberta Open, and this week it was given to me.
“I’m pleased with the resilience I showed, knowing I had to make those birdies to keep up with Jordan. We hit a lot of great shots this week and made a lot of birdies.”
Bean was forced to settle for second place with back-to-back 67s (-10).
Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Course) had the round of the day. Batsel catapulted up the leaderboard into third place with a 7-under-par 65 to finish at -6 over the 36-hole test.
It’s been quite a year for Heffernan.
Shortly after competing in his eighth-career RBC Canadian Open, Heffernan won the 2025 Assistants’ Championship at Coal Creek Golf Resort.
Edmonton’s Gina Nelson also fired her way into the history books on Tuesday. The Highlands Golf Club Associate Professional shot a new ladies’ course record at Cardiff Golf and Country Club with a 71. Nelson finished T25 overall with rounds of 75-71 (+2).
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Cardiff, Alta.— Wes Heffernan once again has his name at the top of the leaderboard – this time he’s tops after the opening day of the 36-hole Cobra Puma Golf and Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship at the Cardiff Golf and Country Club.
Alberta’s most accomplished golf professional quickly bounced back after a bogey on his opening hole to chalk up seven birdies and card nines of 36-30—66 (-6).
Heffernan finished one-shot clear of Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Jordan Bean (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club), who both posted a rounds of 67 (-5).
The Cobra Puma Golf and Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship features 98 of the top golf professionals in Alberta competing in a head-to-head battle at the Cardiff Golf and Country Club.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
EDMONTON—Mike Belbin and Lisa Sadd from the Royal Mayfair Golf Club teamed up to win the adidas Golf / EFW Radiology Pro-Lady North event on Thursday.
The Edmonton-based duo teamed up to earn 42 Stabeleford points – one better than three others in the field of 51 teams that hit the Mill Woods Golf Course.
Robin Stewart and Shylee Kostiuk (Leduc Golf Club), Jeff Cuthbertson and Karyn Murray (Stony Plain Golf Club), along with Scott Smith and Jamie Wong (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) all finished deadlocked at 41 points.
Net scores were accounted for in the unique format where teams chalked up five points for an eagle, three points for birdie, two points for par, and one point for bogey.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Michael Jonzon and Tommy Gainey Secure Final Two Spots
CALGARY—Calgary’s Wes Martin will become the fourth Canadian to have a tee time at the 2025 Rogers Charity Classic after he won low medallist honours in Tuesday’s qualifying event.
Martin, a member at Inglewood Golf and Country Club in the heart of the Stampede City, fired a sizzling bogey-free round of 62 (-9) in the final qualifier contested at Highwood Golf.
“I can’t believe it. The game feels good, but I just did not expect this,” said Martin, who played the Canadian Tour for 12 years. “I had three lip outs today and even missed a couple of three footers. It was crazy what kind of day it was. I just think the big guy was looking out for me today.”
The 52-year-old had come close in his last two attempts to get into a PGA TOUR Champions event. He wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip away during this 18-hole spin on home turf. Martin, who is a pipefitter during the winter months, carded one eagle and seven birdies to win by three shots.
“I eagled the fourth hole, and then I started thinking. I told myself earlier in the year that if you start thinking about what might be, don’t fight it, just let it happen, but when it’s time to hit your shot, hit it,” he added. “This shows I’m doing the right things, putting the work in and thinking the right way out there. I’m going to be nervous. I was nervous today, but I’m going to go enjoy it. I’ll have a bunch of family and friends out to watch me. I’d love to play like this again, but we’ll see what happens.”
Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey had the best 50th birthday present a professional golfer could imagine. Gainey secured one of the final three spots one day prior to his milestone birthday after he finished deadlocked with Sweden’s Michael Jonzon at 65 (-6) to round out the 78-man field that will battle for the $2.5 million purse, August 15-17.
Martin will sport the red maple leaf on his golf bag this week at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club along with Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, and Gordon Burns.
Highwood Golf was in pristine condition for the final qualifying opportunity for Canada’s lone PGA TOUR Champions event with 23 players battling for three spots.
The PGA of Alberta’s 2025 Bursary Program is now open for applications.
Eligible Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals (excluding Head/Executive Professionals)—both seasonal (working nine months or less) and year-round—are encouraged to apply for one of four bursaries of $1,000 each. At least two of these bursaries will be reserved specifically for seasonal Apprentice Professionals.
Additionally, the PGA of Canada Foundation Jim Jempson Bursary established a new award in 2024 to honour the legacy of one of the PGA of Alberta’s most distinguished members, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jim Jempson. A separate application for the Jim Jempson Bursary, which recognizes an individual who embodies sportsmanship and the values Jempson stood for, with a $2,500 bursary, is also available.
Click here to apply for a 2025 PGA of Alberta Bursary
Click here to apply for the 2025 PGA of Canada Foundation Jim Jempson Bursary
Application deadline for all bursaries: September 30, 2025 (end of day).
All winners will be announced at the PGA of Alberta Awards Ceremony, October 22, 2025, at the BMO Centre following the conclusion of the second day of the 2025 PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
For any questions, applicants can contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (403-256‑8894) or via email ([email protected]).
Amy Popkes and Carmen Kinas Win Ladies Division
Jason Stanier and Gord Courage Take Home The Seniors Division
CANMORE, Alta.—Nick and Spencer Vandermey took top team honours in the main division of the G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball presented by Coldstream Clear event at Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club while Amy Popkes and Carmen Kinas were crowned queens of the women’s division. Jason Stanier and Gord Courage combined to win the seniors division.
The Vandermey’s edged out a professional tandem of Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) and Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) by one shot with a score of 59 (-12). Kirkness and Locke completed their 18-hole spin at 60.
Amy Popkes (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club) teamed up with Carmen Kinas (Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club) were tops in the women’s division 72 (+1). Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club) and Crystal Austin posted a score of 73 to finish one-shot back of the winners.
Jason Stanier (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) and Gord Courage (The Hamptons Golf Club) finished on top of the senior division with a score of 5-under-par, 66.
They were one-shot better than Alexander Bunner and James King (Belvedere Golf and Country Club) were the only other senior duo under par, closing with a 4-under-par 67 for second place.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Sophie Dhaliwal Swings To Top of Girls’ Leaderboard
Michael Bosanko Tops in Boys
EDMONTON—Calgary’s Sophie Dhaliwal and Michael Bosanko were crowned the Queen and King of junior golf in Alberta at the Junior Masters presented by Play Golf Alberta and the Royal Mayfair on Monday.
Dhaliwal, of Inglewood Golf and Country, was tops in the girls U19 division, carding rounds of 72-71 to finish at +3 (143) at the Royal Mayfair Golf and Country Club for her third straight Junior Masters title.
“It’s absolutely amazing (to win three in a row). This is my last tournament this year before I head back to university, so hopefully this will set me up for more good things in the future,” said Dhaliwal. “The greens rolled really pure, and it was great to have the opportunity to play this course.”
Dhaliwal finished two shots ahead of Raylee Denton (Red Deer Golf and Country Club) and Alessandra Sundquist (Willow Park Golf and Country Club) who finished deadlocked at 145 (+5).
Camilla Ruesga Rojas (Pinebrook Golf and Country Club) was best in the U15 girls division with rounds of 78-76—154 (+14).
Michael Bosanko battled back from second place at the midway point of the two-day contest to take the boys U19 title in a playoff with Patrick McLarty (Highwood Golf) after both carded total scores of 145.
“My driver wasn’t really working so I used my 3-wood and just kept it in play today,” said Bosanko after completing his second trip to the Junior Masters, and added that his mom also won the event when she was a junior. “I was very nervous. I just figured I should play it safe and try and hit the green. I ended up being short on the last hole but made a good chip and then made the putt.”
Bosanko, from the Bearspaw Golf Club, fired rounds of 71-74.
McLarty had the first-round lead with even-par 70.
Oscar Gosgnach (Royal Mayfair Golf Club) won the boys U15 category with a score of 141.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
EDMONTON—Andre DiBartolo was the only player to finish in red numbers, securing himself the Seniors Division title at the Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf and Curling Club on Thursday.
The PGA of Alberta member made five birdies in his 2-under-par round of 70.
“The game was really good today. I hit fairways, greens and the golf course is in stunning shape,” said DiBartolo. “I was looking at the leaderboard and I saw Jeff Cuthbertson get ahead of me. I just kept my head down, stopped looking at the leaderboard and focused on getting in.”
It was DiBartolo’s second win on the senior Players Tour.
“This is an absolutely awesome win for me. I’ve been playing here at the Edmonton Garrison since 1996 when I was in the military. Winning a tournament here is pretty cool for me in my life,” added DiBartolo.
Jody Noseworthy, host professional at Edmonton Garrison Memorial, finished in a tie for second place with Jeff Murdoch and Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Club) at even par.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
RYLEY, Alta.—Calgary’s Wes Hefferan reclaimed his crown as the 2025 Assistants’ Championship winner on Tuesday at the Coal Creek Golf Resort.
After finishing runner-up one year ago to Mitchell Fox, Heffernan was rock solid throughout his 36-hole spin over the last two days, taking the 2025 title with rounds of 70-69—139 (-5) for a three-shot victory.
“To be honest, my game has been awful this year, so it is really nice to have a good tournament,” said Heffernan, who teaches at Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre.
“I was somewhat scrappy this week, but I was happy with how I played because I have been playing quite poorly off the tee.”
Heffernan, who competed in his eighth-career Canadian Open last month, looked anything but sluggish over the last 48 hours. He had a one-shot lead heading into his final 18-hole spin of the challenging Coal Creek test.
With a handful of players challenging him early, Heffernan was steady all day while chalking up four birdies and one bogey.
“The course today was completely different than yesterday, where we had kind of a north wind. Today was beautiful. You can’t have better playing conditions than we had today,” added Heffernan. “I had a couple of three putts, but I played really solid all day.”
Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) put up a fight against Heffernan making five birdies early on the final nine holes, but fell off the leading pace down the stretch with a double-bogey on 17 followed by a bogey on the 18th hole.
“Dillon kind of made a run and I had to fight him off, but I thought I played really solid despite seeing him fly up the leaderboard,” said Heffernan. “My driver has always been my strength. Losing my driver, mentally I don’t know what to do. But hitting it well this week, and playing solid, gives me some confidence moving forward into the final tournaments.”
Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) was forced to settle with sharing second spot with Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair Golf Club) at -2. Jordan Bean (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club was the only other in the 78-player field at par or better, finishing even after firing the low round of the day at 67.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
RYLEY, Alta.—One month removed from competing in his eighth RBC Canadian Open, Wes Heffernan has his name at the top of the leaderboard after the opening day of the 36-hole Assistants’ Championship, presented by Cold Stream Clear.
Arguably Alberta’s most accomplished golf professional carded nines of 36-34 to finish two shots in the red while mixing together five birdies with one bogey and one double bogey.
Heffernan finished one-shot clear of Chase Rau (Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club) and Shawn Proulx (River Ridge Golf and Country Club) who matched cards at 71 (-1).
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course) was even par.
The Assistants’ Championship features 78 of the top associate golf professionals in Alberta competing in a head-to-head battle at the Coal Creek Golf Resort in northern Alberta.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
EDMONTON—Calgary’s Scott Stiles needed one extra hole at the Stony Plain Golf Course on Tuesday to secure the 2025 Ping Club Professional Championship title.
Stiles, the head teaching professional at Early Grey Golf Club, edged Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club) with a par on the first playoff hole.
“I didn’t hit a great tee shot. I was in the right rough, Kev was in the fairway. I hit it in the left bunker and then he hit it in the bunker,” said Stiles while reflecting on the playoff hole. “I hit mine to five feet and was able to make it.”
Two of Alberta’s top professionals matched 36-hole scores at -7. Black birdied the final two holes of his round that included a 20-foot birdie putt on 18 to force the playoff.
“In the Alberta zone, we have some of the best players in the country, so you have to show up and play well no matter what tournament is,” said Stiles. “We are really lucky to have a bunch of good players in our zone because it forces everybody to get better and you need to play your best golf if you want to do well.”
Stiles has been sizzling over the last two weeks. He ended June by winning the Players Tour 1-Day event. Sitting one-shot off the leaders after a 69 in his first 18-hole spin this week, Stiles was on a mission Tuesday. He bolted out of the gate with back-to-back birdies that propelled him to a 68 for a two-round total of 137.
“I played pretty solid today and was good off the tee. I was in play all day, so I had chances the whole way around the golf course,” said Stiles. “Most of the tricky stuff was around the greens. The pins were tough, so you wanted to be in the right spots. I was able to manage it well enough and made a few birdies when I needed to.”
He sure did.
But Black still had something to say.
Sharing the first-round lead, Black battled to the end, backing up his opening round 68 with a 69 in his final rip around the Stony Plain track.
Eric Locke, of Priddis Greens Golf and Country, finished one-shot off the leading mark at -6 after carding back-to-back rounds of 69.
The Ping Club Professional Championship featured 63 of the head professionals in Alberta competing in a 36-hole stroke-play test at the Stony Plain Golf Course on the outskirts of Edmonton
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
EDMONTON—Michael Harrison, Craig Gibson and Kevin Black are all tied at the top of the leaderboard after firing matching cards of 68 on Monday at the opening day of the Ping Club Professional Championship
Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort), Gibson (Sirocco Golf Club) and Black (Redwood Meadows Golf and Country) all carded 4-under-par rounds at the Stony Plain Golf Course.
The trio will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 36-hole test with four other players – Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club), Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff Golf and Country Club) and Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Curling Club) lurking at -3 (69s).
Three others are tied at 70, two shots off the pace, heading into Tuesday’s final round.
The Ping Club Professional Championship features 63 of the head professionals in Alberta competing in a head-to-head battle at the Stony Plain Golf Course on the outskirts of Edmonton
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
CALGARY—PGA of Alberta professional, Carson Taylor, teamed up with an aspiring junior in Allison Chan from the Winston Golf Club to take top spot in the Ahead, LLC Pro Junior on Thursday.
The Calgary-based duo combined for 44 Stableford points – two better than the next best team in the field of 60 to tee it up at Inglewood Golf and Curling Club.
Four teams were tied at 42 points including: Patrick Frose and Braydon Bouliane (Royal Mayfair Golf Club), Gage Murphy and Kai Eggins (Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club), Chris Cooke and Bekkett Roste (Silvertip Resort), and Glen DesRoche and Dayson Loose (Magrath Golf Club).
Net scores were accounted for in the unique format where teams chalked up five points for an eagle, three points for birdie, two points for par, and one point for bogey.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
RED DEER, Alta.—Scott Stiles fired his way into the Canada Break by winning the Players Tour 1-Day presented by Duca Del Cosma on Monday.
The head teaching professional from Calgary’s Earl Grey Golf Club caught fire on a scorcher of a day in central Alberta, firing a 7-under-par, 65, on the 6,041-yard Whispering Pines Golf and Country Club Resort.
“I have never been here before, but it was an interesting course that has a lot of different shots, and it makes you think. I had a lot of fun out here,” said Stiles.
Stiles gave away two birdies early in his round with a double-bogey on the par-4, eighth hole and then went on a heater over the final 10 holes with seven birdies. He birdied a five-hole stretch from holes 12-16 to secure the victory.
“I played the par-5s really well, my wedge game was pretty good and I putted solid today,” added Stiles. “I made a bunch of putts between five and 15 feet that helped things out.”
Mitchell Fox was runner-up for the second time in as many Players Tour 1-Day events this season. The Speargrass Golf Club professional was poised to take the title after carding six birdies and an eagle over the first 15 holes, but he struggled to get into the clubhouse with a clean card, making bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes to finish one-shot back at 66.
Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) posted a round off 68 for third spot in the field of 47 players.
Next up on the PGA of Alberta calendar is the Pro-Junior at the Inglewood Golf and Country Club, July 3.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
AIRDRIE, Alta.—The McArthur duo – PGA of Alberta pro, Craig, and Caroline – from Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club teamed up to win the adidas Pro-Lady South event presented by EFW Radiology on Tuesday.
The husband-and-wife team racked up 47 Stabeleford points – two better than the field of 26 teams that hit the Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie, Alta.
“The course was in great shape. It was challenging, a little windy to start which made it play tough, but we managed to get through that. We had a great day out there,” said Craig McArthur.
The McArthur’s enjoyed a blistering start with Caroline chipping in on their opening hole, 14th, for a net one score on the card.
“Caroline got her day off to a pretty good start with a sweet chip in, and then we played pretty well throughout,” added Craig McArthur. “I made a ton of putts, but that was the best I’ve seen Caroline play in a long time.”
Josh Fleming and Colleen Smith from 365 Golf finished two points back in second with 45 points. Matt Bean and Jo-Anne Pawliw (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) chalked up 44 points for third place.
Net scores were accounted for in the unique format where teams chalked up five points for an eagle, three points for birdie, two points for par, and one point for bogey.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Edmonton — PGA of Alberta pro, Glen DesRoche and his senior teammate, JP Theberge, from Magrath Golf Club were crowned champs of the 2025 Levelwear Pro-Senior presented by Golf Trends on Monday afternoon.
The dynamic duo from the heart of southern Alberta stormed into oil country and took down the 58-team field that was contested at The Ranch Golf and Country Club.
Desroche and Theberge finished deadlocked at 47 points in the Stableford scoring system with Dallas Cantera and Glenn Girard from Cardiff Golf and Country Club. The tie was determined by retrogression.
Net scores were accounted for in the unique format where teams chalked up five points for an eagle, three points for birdie, two points for par, and one point for bogey.
A Calgary-based tandem of Nic Longley ad Eric Blakely (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club) teamed up for third spot at 46 points which was matched by Gary Hartford and Andrew Ryan (Highlands Golf Club). Daniel Humbke and Luc Lacourserie (Lacombe Golf and Country Club) rounded out the top five with 45 points.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
CALGARY—Don’t look twice, it is the Vandermey twins in the winner’s circle at the 2025 Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble presented by Sundog Eyewear.
Spencer and Nick Vandermey were double trouble for a record sized field of 85 teams in the annual PGA of Alberta scramble that was contested on the 6,505-yard rolling terrain at the Water Valley Golf Club.
The Edmonton bros fired two eagles, 10 birdies to go along with one bogey for a sizzling 59 under challenging windy and rainy afternoon conditions.
A southern Alberta-based team of Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club) and Braden Chown (Bearspaw Golf Club) matched their card at -13, but the brothers were awarded top spot based on retrogression.
Two other teams in the southern half of the Wild Rose province finished deadlock at -12. The team of Chris Cooke and Jacob Dobbyn from the picturesque Silvertip Resort in Canmore, Alta. posted a -12 card with Matt Bean (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) and Leighton Bearchell (Sundre Golf Club).
For the first time ever, a morning and afternoon draw was held at the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble with 85 teams teeing it up in 2025.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Congratulations to the 4 players who passed the Play Ability Test at RedTail Landing GC. The 4 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (78) or better or (80) or better for 50+ to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Player | To Baseline Par Gross |
Total Gross |
|---|---|---|
|
Eric Hawrelak
Derrick Golf & Winter Club (The)
|
+1 | 73 |
|
Brandon Zlatnik
Coloniale Golf & Country Club
|
+3 | 75 |
|
Jesse Briard
Kananaskis Golf Club
|
+6 | 78 |
|
Tod Pharis
RedTail Landing Golf Club
|
+7 | 79 |
NISKU, Alta.—Mitchell Fox ran away with his first victory of the PGA of Alberta’s 2025 tournament schedule, taking the Players Tour, presented by Duca Del Cosma event at Red Tail Landing Golf Club in Nisku, Alta.
The Calgarian, who won three times last summer, carved out a tidy 67 on Monday for a three-shot victory.
The Apprentice professional from the Speargrass Golf Course posted six birdies and one bogey for nines of 33-34 on the par-72 track.
Adam Bruce was next best on the day. The professional from Northern Bear Golf Club finished three shots back at 70 (-2). Jaxon Lynn, of Alberta Springs Golf Resort, was the only other player to finish under par at 71 (-1).
Phil McCluskey Wins Senior Division
Phil McCluskey, of River Bend Golf and Residential Area secured the senior division win. McCluskey was one of two players in the 25-player field to get his way into red numbers, carding a 69 (-3). Kent Fukushima was 71 (-1) for second place.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Congratulations to the 9 players who passed the Play Ability Test at Highwood Golf. The 9 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (79) or better to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Player | To Baseline Par Gross |
Total Gross |
|---|---|---|
|
Carson Peverett
Blue Devil Golf Club
|
+4 | 75 |
|
Gregg Woytowich
Purcell Golf
|
+6 | 77 |
|
Justin Bainbridge
Golf Town (Calgary North)
|
+6 | 77 |
|
Ben Bolder
Sirocco Golf Course
|
+6 | 77 |
|
Jaxx Keeler
Cabot Cliffs
|
+6 | 77 |
|
Samuel Nygaard
Connaught Golf Club
|
+7 | 78 |
|
Jonathan Odishaw-Dyck
Golf Fanatics
|
+7 | 78 |
|
Staci Bayliss
Wingfield Golf Club
|
+8 | 79 |
|
Zach Plaza
Blue Devil Golf Club
|
+8 | 79 |
HIGH RIVER, Alta.—Scott Allred made par in the first playoff hole to capture the PGA of Alberta Seniors Division title at Highwood Golf Club in High River, Alta. on Tuesday.
Allred, who made the trip south of Calgary, finished deadlocked with Larry Petryk at 70 (-1) after his 18-hole spin of the 6,191-yard layout after mixing together four birdies and two bogeys. Petryk, who teaches at the Larry Petryk Golf Academy, birdied the final hole to send the opening seniors competition of the 2025 season into a playoff.
The playoff was short-lived. Allred, who won his eighth PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship title last year, made a par on the 363-yard opening hole to secure the win.
Kent Fukushima was the only other player in the 24-man field to finish par or better, carding an even-par 71 for third place.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
EDMONTON—The Tournament of Champions trophy will stay in the City of Champions this summer, thanks to Edmonton’s Greg McGarry and Ryan Denbraber teaming up to win the annual Pro-Am competition presented by Sunice and Bobby Jones on Monday.
The Glendale Golf and Country Club duo cranked up the heat on a chilly and wet spring day while firing a 9-under-par, 62, at the Belvedere Golf and Country Club on the east side of Edmonton.
“It feels great to get the win. I have had some success at PGA events over the years, but I have never won this one before,” said McGarry, who is now the general manager of the Glendale Golf and Country Club. “I have to thank Jeff MacGregor for making the call and letting me fill in for him today with a great partner. Ryan played awesome. We ham and egged it and made a lot of birdies.”
They sure did.
But it was an eagle by Ryan Denbraber on their second hole of the day – par-4, 11th, that sent a warning shot to the field of 50 teams consisting of club professionals and their reigning amateur champions, they were ready to defend northern turf.
After driving the green on the testy 279-yard hole, Denbraber rolled in a 25-footer to get his team into red numbers early in the round.
“The deuce on 11 kind of got it going and then the next hole I rolled in a 15-footer for birdie which set us on our way,” said Denbraber. “Our main objective was don’t make bogey today. We made a couple of pars before the bad weather rolled in. The sun came back out, and we kept exchanging birdies and pars so it was a wonderful team effort.”
Jeff Cuthbertson and Daryl Black from the Stony Plain Golf Club finished three-shots back in second place at 65. David MacComb and Tanner Fermaniuk, of the Royal Mayfair Golf Cub, were four shots off the leading pace at 66 (-5).
The opening Pro-Am competition of the 2025 PGA of Alberta tournament calendar brought together the top pros and club champions from 50 courses across the Wild Rose province.
It was McGarry’s first Tournament of Champions title who has also won back-to-back PGA of Alberta Club Professional Championships (2006/2005), was the PGA of Alberta Head Pro Series Champion in 2004, the 2001 PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship winner along with the PGA of Alberta money title recipient the same year.
“It is such a great opportunity to see so many of the head pros around the province with their club champs, and nice to be able to reward our amateurs for all of their hard work and the practice they put into their game (with this event). It is a fun event, and nice to measure ourselves against many of the guys across the province.”
Next up on the PGA of Alberta calendar is the first Seniors’ Division event at Highwood Golf on June 3.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
BANFF, Alta.—Team Black showed its strength, battling through heavy rain and cool conditions for a commanding victory over Team Red in the second annual PLYR Wildrose Showdown presented by 365 Golf and E-Z-GO on Monday in the mountains.
The Black squad celebrated a 26 to 22 victory over Team Red in the Ryder Cup format that saw 68 PGA of Canada golf professionals from throughout Alberta square off on the 6,389-yard Banff Springs Golf Course rolled out alongside the scenic Bow River at the foot of Mount Rundle. Each team, featuring a mix of 34 men and women, played best ball on the front 9 and a scramble format on the back side.
Both squads put points on the board until Team Black came storming back late in the competition, winning six of the final eight matches to secure the trophy.
It was the second year for the Banff season kick-off event – an initiative created to provide more competitive opportunities in a fun and welcoming environment for all players.
“The team event is so important because it gets everybody out and having fun,” said Josh Fleming, 365 Golf and chair of the PGA of Alberta Tournament Committee. “You get to meet some of the new golf professionals, make nice with some of the old golf professionals in the field and just catch up with everybody after a long winter off.”
Complete Results: PLYR Wildrose Showdown Complete Results
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
LETHBRIDGE, Alta.—Taylor Jetten was crowned the first winner of the 2025 PGA of Alberta tournament series.
The Lethbridge Country Club pro welcomed 60 of the top pros in Alberta to his home club for the season-opening event, and put on a clinic while navigating his way around the 18-hole track that stretches out to just over 6,800 yards.
Jetten took advantage of near perfect conditions to play aggressive on the front nine where he rattled off five birdies. He backed up his lone bogey blemish on the back nine with a birdie and got into the clubhouse with a score of 5-under-par 67.
“Coming into the event, I just had a mentality and attack everything on the front. I got lucky and made a few putts,” said Jetten. “On the back, I know that on the last six holes you can get yourself in a lot of trouble. I didn’t want to get too aggressive or make a mistake.”
Jetten managed to hold off a hard-charging Mitchell Fox. The Calgary-based pro at Speargrass Golf Club mixed together five birdies with a bogey for 68 on the card to finish just one-shot off the leading mark.
Another Calgarian, Sam Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) was amongst five players tied at 2-under-par including Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club), Darcy Dhillon (Bearspaw Golf Club), along with Jordan Bean and AJ McCoy – both from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.
Next up on the PGA of Alberta calendar is the second annual PLYR Athletics Wild Rose Showdown at Banff Springs Golf Club, May 12.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
*****
Coldstream Clear is proud to announce its new partnership with the PGA of Alberta as an official sponsor for the 2025 season. This exciting collaboration marks the Western Canada launch of Coldstream’s #1 selling Peach Iced Tea, a ready-to-drink fan favourite that’s been leading the category in Nova Scotia for over two years.
Family-owned and operated, Coldstream Clear has grown from a small-town distillery into a national player in the beverage alcohol scene. Now, the brand is teeing up in Alberta and introducing golfers and fans across the province to its smooth, non-carbonated, and refreshingly flavourful Peach Iced Tea—made with real cold-brewed Tetley tea, all-natural ingredients, and 5% alcohol.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the PGA of Alberta and bring our best-selling Peach Iced Tea to a new audience,” said Ashley Van Kroonenburg , at Coldstream Clear. “As a family-run business, we believe in creating products that people genuinely enjoy. This partnership is a great way for us to connect with the golf community and celebrate the launch of Coldstream in Alberta.”
As part of the partnership, Coldstream Peach Iced Tea will be featured at two PGA of Alberta events throughout the 2025 season.
The PGA of Alberta represents over 650 golf professionals and is dedicated to supporting the growth of the game across the province. Partnering with Coldstream Clear adds a unique, local-inspired beverage option to the mix—perfect for the course, the clubhouse, or anywhere the season takes you.
To learn more about Coldstream Clear and the Peach Iced Tea launch in Alberta, visit www.coldstreamclear.com.
In partnership with NFP Canada Corp., the Hole-In-One program is back, providing Members and Non-Members the opportunity to purchase affordable insurance for your club, corporate and charity events!
Benefits of PGA of Alberta HIO Program?
- Competitive industry rates
- Low prize limit amounts available for purchase ($500 - $50,000)
- Fixed rate for field sizes from 32 to 199 players
- 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 and golf industry
Corporate Tournament Package
Don’t have a section in your corporate tournament package about Hole-In-One Insurance? Consider adding value to your corporate event.
Add a Hole-In-One Cash Prizing!
- Any cash prize amount between $500 to $50,000 (or more!) per hole can be included for your event. Contact your event coordinator for pricing or with any questions you may have.
- Offering Hole-In-One cash prizes will create excitement at your event, it can also provide the perfect sponsorship opportunity for your partners.
For more information about the Hole-In-One program, or to submit your event, please visit: 2025 Hole-In-One Program Information
For any additional questions, please contact Marlene Sanderson: (E: [email protected] or P: 403-256-8894)
Lavoie to build on history-rich foundation to continue growing game in new era for PGA of Alberta,
Jason Stanier named Vice-President
EDMONTON—One of the province’s most respected members, Shawn Lavoie, has been named President of the PGA of Alberta.
Lavoie, who has served on the Board for 15 years and the last two as Vice-President, has committed his life to the game of golf since his unlikely entry into the sport at the age of 12.
“I was doing yard work at my aunt’s place one day and she took me to the golf course. This led me to getting a job at the course, working in the back shop cleaning clubs. I loved everything about it and didn’t want to leave,” said Lavoie on the heels of being officially named 31st President at the Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Edmonton. “By Grade 11, I was working at golf programs and knew I wanted to chase a career in golf.”
After graduating high school, Lavoie moved to Edmonton to attain his Professional Golf Management Diploma at Grant McEwan University. He got his first opportunity as a head professional at Jackfish Lodge before he moved to Calgary for a brief stop as Associate Professional at Priddis Greens Golf Club. Lavoie took on the head pro position at The Winston Golf Club for 10 months before he became General Manager at the Club – a role he served over the next 10 years. He took his leadership skills to Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club (2019-2023) where he orchestrated the revitalization of one of Calgary’s most prestigious golf clubs.
“There have been lots of projects that I have been proud to have worked on over the years, but what I have been most proud of is being part of the PGA and being on the Board, spending time with leaders in the Association and learning from those people,” added Lavoie.
The soft-spoken, self-described golf junkie has been passionate about growing the game. He first joined the PGA of Alberta’s Board of Directors in 2010. After serving as Tournament Chair (2014-2016), Lavoie took his leadership skills to the Buying Show Committee where he was accountable for the delivery of the largest golf show in Canada. Lavoie also oversaw the financial stewardship of the organization as Vice-President (2022-2025).
“I’m very proud to be a PGA of Alberta member. It’s a flag that I’ve been flying my whole career and it has always been really important to me,” said Lavoie. “It’s cool to be a golf pro and be apart of something that is growing and thriving. My focus now, is to ensure that we all, as the PGA, focus on keeping people playing, making sure we have programs and services for the youth in our communities, but also making sure everyone’s having a great experience.”
Lavoie will take comfort in having a supportive network of members with him on the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors.
Jason Stanier will take on Vice-President responsibilities over the next two years.
Jason Stanier and Chris Paskin were re-elected for another two-year term to the Board of Directors. The Board also elected Shelley Charlton and Samuel Kirkness to their first two-year term on Monday.
Outgoing President, Matt Johnson, will now assume the Past-President role on the 12-member Board of Directors that also includes: Dallas Cantera; Kevin Chow; Blake Clayton; Josh Fleming; Todd Halpen; Jeff MacGregor; Miles Mortensen; and Chris Paskin.
Joseph Busetto, Nic Longley, Amy Popkes and Colin Yarchuk were elected to join the nine-member Assistants’ Board of Directors. Stephen Yanitski was named President of the Assistants’ Board that also includes: Tyler Leicht; Gina Nelson; Lisa Rosengarten; and Elizabeth Stewart.
For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.
ATTN MEMBERS: Time to cast your ballots!!!
The Board of Directors and the Assistants’ Board of Directors voting opened on February 10, 2025. Voting will close 15 minutes after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) has begun.
Each member received an email via Simply Voting. If you did not receive the email for the 2025 PGA of Alberta Board of Directors and the Assistants Board of Directors election, please look in your junk mailbox.
To view the Board of Directors Nominees and the Assistants’ Board of Directors nominee bios, click here to be directed to the website.
If you have any questions, please contact Brendan Ethier or Marlene Sanderson
The 2025 Spring Seminar is less than 5 weeks away! Taking place March 3rd & 4th at The Derrick G&WC. Spots are filling fast so make sure to register your facility to ensure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity
The full speaker line up has been released on the Education Page. We want to share some more information on the rest of the speakers, here some biographies and head shots!
Gavin Parker
Gavin developed an internationally recognized junior golf program at
Salisbury Country Club that promotes critical thinking and problem solving
while also inspiring passion for the game of golf. Gavin aims to instill
confidence, skills, values, and well-being in children, using golf as a tool.
Profuse social media content of videos, coaching, lessons, and humor
attract his rapidly growing audience on TikTok and Instagram. Gavin has
also collaborated with top brands in the sport such as Nike, PGA of
America, Vice Golf, Eastside Golf and more.
Danielle Gifford
Danielle is currently the Director of AI at PwC Canada, with over a decade of experience in driving the commercialization of advanced technologies from zero to one.
Known for building national teams, labs, partnerships, and systems, Danielle’s expertise spans B2B and B2C SaaS, specializing in AI, AR, and cloud. Before joining PwC, she established the Artificial Intelligence Talent and Experimentation Accelerator at AltaML, training over 240 individuals and leading 70 AI use cases. At the Creative Destruction Lab, Danielle managed and led ventures across health, energy, and fintech that led to the creation of over $250M in equity value.
Equipped with an MBA from the University of Calgary and Executive Certificates from MIT, Danielle’s presence at events like Elevate Festival, Collision, and SaaS North highlights her expertise in driving discussions on cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovation. In addition to her professional work, Danielle serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary, teaching courses on Early-Stage Investing for Angel investors and AI in Business for MBA students.
Hotel Information
Room Block is with the Holiday Inn & Conference Centre
4485 Gateway Boulevard, T6H 5C3
Block Code: "PGA" , Or PGA of Alberta
Double Queen Bed Rooms: $129/night
Call (780) 431-1100 to book your room
Cut off date is February 15th so please book your rooms before that date!
1 Day North and South Winter Teaching Summit Featuring Ryan Holley
The PGA of Alberta will be hosting its Winter Teaching Summit on March 5th immediately following the Spring Seminar at The Derrick G&WC in the north and the 6th at Golf Fanatics in the south.
Start your golf season by learning from Ryan Holley, who will join us in diving deeper into swing mechanics and ground force reaction. We are lucky to have him do a presentation at the Spring Seminar and provide a more practical experience through the teaching summit in the north and south to accommodate as many Professionals as possible.
The registration will include a catered lunch and access to the included facilities.
The summit will run through a full day from 9:00am till 4:00pm
Register for the North Summit Here
Register for the South Summit Here
The 2025 Spring Seminar is scheduled for March 3rd and 4th at The Derrick G&WC. Early Bird Registration is open until today, January 15th, at 4:00 p.m. Don’t miss out on kick-starting your 2025 season with the PGA of Alberta Flagship Education Event. This will be the third year returning to an in-person event, and the Education Committee is looking to build on the momentum from 2024.
Information regarding menu options, keynote speaker bios and detailed previews of their speeches will be released in the annual Spring Seminar information package set to be shared at the end of this month.If you have any questions regarding the Seminar and or need help registering yourself or your facility please contact Thomas Powley to assist.
Are you keen to help shape the future direction of the PGA of Alberta Golf Show? Then we want to hear from you!
The PGA of Alberta is currently seeking applications to fill two vacant positions on the organization’s Golf Show Committee.
Committee members play an active role in the planning, activation, and operation of the SHOW that is scheduled to take place March 22-23 at the Calgary BMO Centre. As a result, all Committee members are requested to be on-site to support with a day of set-up along with the duration of the SHOW where they are responsible for an active role.
Additionally, the Committee will meet a minimum of three times per year. Meetings will primarily be in person at the PGA of Alberta office.
Individuals interested in applying to be a part of the Committee are asked to submit a brief cover letter outlining why they would like to join the PGA of Alberta Golf Show Committee. All applications should be sent to Michelle Moody ([email protected]) by the deadline of January 28, 2025, at 4 pm.
Each member will receive 5 Top 100 points for being part of the Committee.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Last Call for Early Bird Rates to Exhibit at PGA of Alberta Golf Show
We are just three days away from the close of Early Bird Exhibitor Registration for the 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show scheduled to take place at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall D), March 22-23.
It is our goal to provide all of our exhibitors a cost-effective entry to the SHOW, and therefore, we wanted to provide one final reminder that reduced costs will only be available until January 15, 2025. Please take a few minutes and Register Today.
An Exhibitor Package with complete details, including booth rates, is available here: 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show Exhibitor Package
Working with our members, the PGA of Alberta is driven to create the best golf show experience in Canada and continuously improving the SHOW experience. To help us achieve this goal, we need you to be with us at the SHOW.
Tremendous benefits are available for those getting their names on the Exhibitor tee sheet early. This includes increased brand exposure for the duration of our 2025 promotional campaign, prime positioning on the SHOW floor, and enhanced community engagement and sales opportunities.
We look forward to having you join us at the 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show. Contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]) with any questions or if you require assistance throughout the registration process.
Famed Clearance Centre Now Open to all Clubs
The PGA of Alberta’s famous Clearance Centre will once again be a feature attraction of the 2025 SHOW, providing golf professionals/Clubs the opportunity to clear out last year’s inventory and engage with the community.
The deadline for Clubs who contributed to the 2024 Clearance Centre to secure spots this year has come to a close, and we are now accepting participation from new Clubs interested in contributing to this year’s space.
One of the following requirements must be met to secure your spot.
Your Club has purchased booth space to exhibit at the SHOW (Register Here)
– OR –
If your Club did not purchase booth space, a minimum of four (4) volunteer hours is required per day (8 hours total) in other areas of the SHOW, including the lesson area, junior area, and activities area. These hours are in addition to the hours required in the Clearance Centre, which is outlined here: Clearance Centre Info Package
Each Club will be charged approximately 10-15 percent of their gross sales for expenses and participation in the Clearance Centre. This amount will be subtracted from their gross sales before the PGA of Alberta Office directly deposits the funds into the Club’s accounts.
Expense and participation charges include: floor rental space, bags, table rentals, rolling racks, administration, bank charges, and till rentals.
If you would like to participate this year, please complete the 2025 Clearance Centre Admittance Form and return it to Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) at your earliest convenience. Contact Marlene with any additional questions related to the Clearance Centre.
If you have any questions about the PGA of Alberta Golf Show, please don’t hesitate to contact our team who are here to support you.
REDUCED COST
Early Bird pricing guarantees your facility or company the most cost-effective entry to exhibit at the PGA of Alberta Golf Show.
INCREASED BRAND EXPOSURE
The early bird registration creates a partnership opportunity that allows the PGA of Alberta to better profile your facility or company at the SHOW, increase visibility and engagement with Alberta’s golf enthusiasts, and, ultimately, drive sales. We look forward to pairing up with your brand in our quest to deliver the best PGA of Alberta Golf Show ever.
ENHANCED REPUTATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
When you register for the Early Bird Rate and make a prize donation to the SHOW, you’re also supporting one of the PGA of Alberta’s strategic priorities of the SHOW to give back to the community.
All proceeds from purchased door prize entries and tickets to the Short Game Showdown activities, along with the Long Drive Competition, will be donated to Kids Cancer Care – the designated charity partner for the PGA of Alberta Golf Show.
INCREASED SALES
We all must invest to deliver greater results.
People often associate positive experiences and giveaways with quality. If your prize is well-received, recipients will be more inclined to visit your facility, try your products or services, and ultimately make a purchase.
Take advantage of this opportunity to raise the profile of your Club or company and join us at the 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show! Click below to add your name to the tee sheet.
For additional information, please download our Exhibitor Package and contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]) with any questions.
The 2025 Spring Seminar is scheduled for March 3rd & 4th at The Derrick G&WC. This will be the third year returning to an in person event and the Education Committee is looking to build off momentum from 2024. Early Bird registration is open Now until Janurary 15th at 4:00pm, don’t miss out on kick starting your 2025 season with the PGA of Alberta Flagship Education Event.
Speaker Announcements
Ben Lorenzen
Ben Lorenzen, CCM, is the Creative Director of Champions Run in Omaha, Nebraska, where he leads the industry in innovation and creative club concepts. As a national speaker, Ben focuses on member engagement, technology, creativity, marketing, fitness, and aquatics, sharing his expertise and setting new standards for excellence in the club industry. His dynamic leadership at Champions Run and his influential speaking engagements make him a trailblazer shaping the future of private clubs nationwide.
Terry Eckman
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Dr. Terry Eckmann, is an award-winning presenter, author, and researcher. She presents internationally on topics related to leadership, effects of lifestyle choices on the brain, movement that matters, healthy aging, stress management, worksite wellness and the power of choice.
Eckmann and her daughter, Katie, coauthored “101 Mindfulness and Meditation Practices”. Terry’s other two books are "101 Ways to Age Gracefully” and "101 Brain Boosters" are used in schools and active aging communities nationally. Eckmann hosted the TV segment "Eye on Fitness" in the Minot viewing region for over 25 years.
Terry has served in various leadership roles; Chair of Teacher Education and Kinesiology, Coordinator of Corporate Fitness and Wellness and Master’s in Sports Management at MSU; Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Community Education at Trinity Medical Center, Director of Wellness at Trinity, and owner of Body by Choice Exercise Studio.
Ryan Holley
Ryan Holley is a PGA of Canada Teaching Professional who’s main area of focus is integration of ground based data in coaching, its role within the golf swing and connecting coaches and players with technology.
In the last 2 and a half years he’s become an integral part of 4x PGA tour winner Nick Taylor’s team, tasked with creating a swing that can compete against a younger, faster group of incoming PGA Tour players.
He’s also been very fortunate to work with players across many different developmental tours, high level amateurs, collegiate champions and recreational players of all skill levels.
Ryan travels with his SwingCatalyst Dual plates bringing technology to clubs and coaches that don’t typically offer that within their teaching environment. While on the road, he also does education events for large groups and teams of teaching professionals.
Interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2025? If yes, click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination Form. Deadline to submit your nomination is Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59pm.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the members. There are between nine and twelve members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class "A" members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2025 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class "A") and Apprentice’s also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class "A" members or Apprentice’s are invited to run annually for a two-year term on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2025 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
REMINDER - SAVE DRAFT FEATURE
You can save your forms online before submitting. Please follow the steps below:
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every form on the website
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
- Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
- Submit when finished
As we ready ourselves to close out 2024 and swing into a New Year, it is also time to tee up planning for the 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show, scheduled to take place at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall D) on March 22-23.
In an effort to build meaningful connections for our members and your facilities with the community, it is our continued goal to create the best golf show experience in Canada. We will never settle for good enough in this area. We are committed to continuously improving the SHOW experience while teeing off the 2025 season.
To help us achieve this goal, we need you to be with us at the SHOW.
In celebration of Black Friday, we hope you will take advantage of our Early Bird Exhibitor Registration that opened today, providing you with a cost-effective exhibitor entry. Register today! Our Exhibitor Package with complete details, including booth rates, is available to download. Early bird registration will only be open until January 15, 2025.
In addition to reduced registration fees, there are tremendous benefits to putting your name on the SHOW exhibitor tee sheet early including increased brand exposure for the duration of our 2025 promotional campaign, prime positioning on the SHOW floor along with enhanced community engagement and sales opportunities.
More than 4,000 passionate golf fans are once again expected to engage with us at the SHOW that we hope will feature: an increased number of exhibitors; our famous Clearance Centre; interactive exhibits; family-friendly activities and golf challenges; junior clinics, free lessons led by PGA of Canada professionals and much more.
We look forward to having you join us at the 2025 PGA of Alberta Golf Show and sharing announcements with you as we work towards achieving our goal of delivering the biggest SHOW in our history.
Please contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]) if you have any questions or if you are interested in volunteering at the SHOW.
The Assistants Board is excited to present their PD Series webinars on the road to the 2025 season!
Panelists: Chris Schatzmann, Sam Kirkness, Robb James, Tyrel Babkirk
This will be the first of five webinars produced by the Assistants Board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
Registration will be open for all 5 events, with specific dates to be announced soon.
Click here to head to the Education Page!
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| November 27th, 2024 | 10:00am-11:15am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar up to a maximum of 6*
Golf Genius is proud to sponsor the cocktail reception at the annual PGA of Alberta Awards Night, which honours the hard work and dedication of Alberta PGA members. The event will be held on October 22, 2025.
“The deep support we receive from PGA of Alberta members is something we certainly appreciate and value greatly", said Nick Wolfe, VP of Sales, North America, Golf Genius. "We take pride in the fact that many who are nominated for awards are users of our products, and to think that using Golf Genius contributed in some small part to that nomination is satisfying to our entire team”, continued Wolfe. “Our company is committed to making professionals’ lives easier and enhancing the experience of all golfers who enjoy this wonderful game. We we raise a glass to honour your hard work and commitment at your facilities. We look forward to many more years of our successful partnership between the PGA of Alberta and Golf Genius.”
About Golf Genius...
Golf Genius provides innovative software and services to a global golf community of over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, destination resorts and millions of consumers in more than 65 countries. We also serve national federations, regional associations, and tours, including the USGA, Golf Ireland, England Golf, Japan Golf Association, Slovak Golf, the Legends Tour, the European Tour, and the PGAs of America, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland.
Golf Genius is the worldwide leader in digital solutions for the golf industry, including tournament and event management, golf shop operations, and coaching platforms. Our direct-to-consumer business reaches millions of golfers with a popular portfolio of consumer-focused golf apps offering GPS, auto shot tracking, scoring and statistics, shots gained, video analysis, and fantasy golf. Additionally, Golf Genius operates and maintains the GHIN system in the U.S. for the USGA. Our mission is to enhance the golf experience for organizations, facilities and individual golfers.
Golf Genius has more than 300 team members, including 75 PGA Professionals, with sales and support operations in the United States, Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, please visit golfgenius.com or contact:
Brad Smith
Sales Director - Canada
[email protected]
Annual Awards Night Recognizes Outstanding Achievement in 10 categories within Alberta’s Golf Industry, champions on the field of play, bursary winners and Lifetime Achievement
CALGARY—The PGA of Alberta doled out the hardware to a group of members who made significant contributions to the game of golf, and a commitment to growing the industry, during its annual Awards Night on Wednesday in Calgary.
“The PGA of Alberta Awards program is a critical pillar for recognizing and celebrating the efforts of our members’ exceptional contributions to golf in our communities,” said Chris Paskin, Chair of the PGA of Alberta Awards Committee and head golf professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
“The role of the local golf professional extends far beyond playing competitively or helping others with their games. Golf professionals are community leaders who are crucial to nurturing the sport’s growth and sharing the life skills the game presents within the community. It is so great to see the tireless efforts of these professionals, regardless of the role they are playing, being recognized by their peers here in Alberta.”
The PGA of Alberta received a record number of nominations to recognize individuals demonstrating outstanding achievement in each of the 10 award categories.
And the 2024 winners are…
Apprentice Professional of the Year
Nic Longley (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club)
Class "A" Professional of the Year
Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney Golf Club)
Club Professional of the Year
Jeff MacGregor (Glendale Golf and Country Club)
Coach of the Year
Luke Workman (Glencoe Golf and Country Club Teaching Centre)
Executive Professional of the Year
Curtis Robertson (Valley Ridge Golf Club)
Junior Leader of the Year
Matt Seifert (Golf Future)
Retailer of the Year (Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Over $500,000)
Banff Springs Golf Club (Andrew Szewczuk)
Retailer of the Year (Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Up To $500,000)
Stony Plain Golf Club (Robb James)
Sales Rep of the Year
Kristi Larson (KL Agency)
Teacher of the Year
Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club)
Each of the award winners will automatically have their names submitted for nomination for the PGA of Canada awards which will be handed out on Canada Night during the PGA Show in Orlando.
The PGA of Alberta Awards process began July 21 with a nomination period in Alberta. Once the nomination period closed, August 27, individuals were notified they had been nominated for an award. Nominees were then required to complete an application to move forward in the provincial awards process.
A sub-committee comprised of awards committee members and past winners of the respective award was then created to review all of the nominations. Using a platform called SmarterSelect, a ranking system was used to determine the five finalists in each category.
A main awards committee was formed of past Club Professional of the Year recipients to rank each of the finalists and determine a winner.
The PGA of Alberta also used the celebration ceremony to present the following awards and bursaries:
Jack Skellern Patron of the Year
G&G Brands (Brad German)
Top 100 Winner
Greg Johnson (Golf Future)
Top 100 Rookie of the Year
Joel Griffith (Valley Ridge Golf Course)
The PGA of Alberta presented four bursaries of $1,000 each to the following deserving Apprentice Professionals/Class “A” Assistant Professionals:
Year Round
- Bryce Halverson (Carmoney Golf and Country Club)
- Nathan Barendregt (Nevada Bob’s Grande Prairie)
9-Months or Less
- Shannon Raina (Earl Grey Golf Club)
- Daniel Humbke (Lacombe Golf and Country Club)
The PGA of Alberta also created the Jim Jempson Bursary of $2,500, in collaboration with the Jempson family, for a deserving Apprentice Professional.
Jim Jempson Bursary:
Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club)
Winners of the PGA of Alberta Championship events were also recognized during the gala evening.
Championship Winners:
Player of the Year
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
Order of Merit Champions:
- Head Pro Category - Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Curling Club)
- Ladies Category - Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club)
- Assistants’ Category - Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
Our Srixon / Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Champions (North Bracket)
Phil McClusky and Logan Hill (River Bend Golf and Recreation Area)
Cobra PUMA Golf PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Champion
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
PING Canada Club Professional Champion
Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort)
Cobra Puma and Mobilicab (Club Car) PGA of Alberta Champion
Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club)
Ladies’ Champion
Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club)
Seniors’ Champion
Scott Allred (Elbow Springs Golf Club)
Bill Carrington (Leadership Pillar) and Clarence Semrau (Industry Leader) were honoured as the 2024 recipients of the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Carrington was a club professional for more than a half century, the bulk of that in the Wild Rose province. That includes 20 years as the head pro at Windermere Golf and Country Club.
He would later work at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Pine Hills Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Resort and Speargrass Golf Course. He was voted the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 1988.
Semrau made his mark in the industry as the longtime owner and operator of Golf Supply House. While Semrau wasn’t a PGA of Alberta member, he enjoyed a strong relationship with countless pros and earned a reputation for superb customer service.
When Semrau wasn’t working, he loved to spend his free time on the fairways and greens. He and his wife, Shirl, were members at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and would take their clubs to Arizona during the winter months.
Under Semrau’s leadership, Golf Supply House stepped in as title sponsor for the PGA of Alberta Assistants Championship, something that continued even after he sold the company in 2010.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to officially announce the Top 100 PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals for 2024 as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada. See the list below for more details! These Members will receive a custom Top 100 logo recognizing their accomplishment.
Award Winner - Greg Johnson (Golf Future)
Greg finished the year with 90 points to win his first PGA of Alberta Top 100 award. Following closely behind in second place was Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) with 87 points and Joseph Busetto (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) took third place with 74 points.
This year the PGA of Alberta will award a "Rookie of the Year". This award will be given to the member with the highest point total who became a PGA of Canada Apprentice Professional the year prior.
Rookie of the Year - Joel Griffith (Valley Ridge GC)
In a shortened program rotation that only lasted nine months, 539 PGA of Alberta professionals received at lease 1 point as this initiative continues to grow year after year.
Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the Top 20 of the program this year; Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Golf Future, Highlands GC and Ranch G&CC (The).
Top 100 Professionals 2024
Presented by
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| Babkirk, Tyrel Apple Creek GC |
Bailey, Steele
Edmonton CC |
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Country Hills GC
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Priddis Greens G&CC
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Beirnes, Jeremy
Leduc GC |
| Boudreau, Darcy Woodside GC |
Stewart Creek G&CC
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| Bunner, Alexander Belvedere G&CC |
Busetto, Joseph Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Cantera, Dallas Cardiff GC |
| Carew, Geoff Windermere G&CC |
Carr, Glenn Lakeside GC |
Cartier, Jacob Glendale G&CC |
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Glendale G&CC
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Silvertip GR
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Copeland, Josh Wainwright GC |
| Courage, Gord Hamptons GC (The) |
Cuthbertson, Jeff Stony Plain GC |
Donihee, Chris Valley Ridge GC |
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Belvedere G&CC
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McKenzie Meadows GC
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Fast, Brian
Pinebrook G&CC |
| Flockhart, Tom Country Hills GC |
Foote, Kurtis Valley Ridge Golf Academy |
Friedrick, Matthew Brooks GC |
| Frose, Patrick Royal Mayfair GC |
Windermere G&CC
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Sirocco GC
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Glencoe G&CC (The)
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Gillett, Weston Lacombe G&CC |
Derrick G&WC (The)
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Carnmoney GC
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Willow Park G&CC
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Griffith, Joel Valley Ridge GC |
| Halpen, Todd Golf Future |
Halverson, Bryce Carnmoney GC |
Glendale G&CC
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| Harrison, Michael Coal Creek GR |
Hartford, Gary Highlands GC |
Hazell-Penaluna, Will Heritage Pointe GC |
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Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC
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Horton, Paul Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC |
Humbke, Daniel Lacombe G&CC |
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Ranch G&CC (The)
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Johnson, Greg Golf Future |
Johnson, Robbie Banff Springs GC |
| Kirkness, Samuel Inglewood G&CC |
Latimer, Cameron Priddis Greens G&CC |
Lee, Tommy Carnmoney GC |
| Leicht, Tyler Derrick G&WC (The) |
Locke, Eric Priddis Greens G&CC |
Longley, Nic Silver Springs G&CC |
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Coloniale GC
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MacComb, David Royal Mayfair GC |
MacDermott, Brice Windermere G&CC |
| MacGregor, Jeff Glendale G&CC |
Mackey, Joshua Windermere G&CC |
Mah, Matthew Mill Woods GC |
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Modern Golf
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Martino, Ryan Mickelson National GC |
Matuch, Mike Bearspaw GC |
| McCourt, Murray Ranch G&CC (The) |
McDermott, Levi Big Buck Golf Centre |
McDermott, Ryan Links at Spruce Grove (The) |
| Miller, Geordie Calgary G&CC |
Mills, Troy Jasper Park Lodge GC |
Mortensen, Miles Mickelson National GC |
| Nelson, Gina Highlands GC |
New, Art Trestle Creek GR |
Kananaskis Country GC
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Inglewood G&CC
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Paskin, Chris Valley Ridge GC |
Pecman, Tyler Mill Woods GC |
| Piercey, Shaun Ranch G&CC (The) |
Plosz, Jason Carnmoney GC |
Popkes, Amy Silver Springs G&CC |
| Reeves, Warren Country Hills GC |
Mickelson National GC
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Windermere G&CC
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Glencoe G&CC (The
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Sirocco GC
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Rutherford, Katy Silver Springs G&CC |
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Lakeside GC
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Stewart Creek G&CC
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Seifert, Matt Golf Future |
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Glendale G&CC
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Stanier, Jason Inglewood G&CC |
Edmonton Petroleum G&CC
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| Stiles, Scott Earl Grey GC |
Szewczuk, Andrew Banff Springs GC |
Hamptons GC (The)
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Windermere G&CC
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Tomlinson, Dale Innisfail GC |
Valleau, Kim Winston GC (The) |
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Highlands GC
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Westman, Scott Ranch G&CC (The) |
Mill Woods GC
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| Willner, Tyler Lakeside GC |
Wilson, John D. Priddis Greens G&CC |
Wright, Andrew Highwood Golf |
| Yanitski, Stephen Valley Ridge GC |
Willow Park G&CC
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Young, Steven Banff Springs GC |
| Zubiak, Kris Sturgeon Valley G&CC |
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We are less than a week away from the 2024 Buying Show!
Spots are still available for the Buying Show Education Session on day 3 in meeting room - 224, the Round Table Discussion is a great way to interact with your fellow professionals and gain insights from all aspects of the industry!
October 24th, 10-11:00AM
Round Table Discussion - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Education Committee has decided to host an open round table discussion session for this year’s Show, presenters are Elizabeth Stewart, Nic Longely, and Stephen Yanitski. Topics covered will include Club Fittings, Ladies Events, and Corperate sales strategies. The Buying Show is the largest event for PGA of Alberta Members to gather and network, and now there is an opportunity to share your ideas and learn what others in the province are doing. Participants will spend 20 minutes at each table with a predetermined topic, please come prepared with questions and information of your own.
Participants will receive Top 100 Points: 3 points/session.
If you have any questions or need any assistance registering please contact the office via Thomas Powley.
Tom Greiner will, among other things, miss the commute to work.
The entrance road at Calgary Golf & Country Club weaves through the picturesque property, with pristine fairways out the windows on either side. You’re treated to a sneak preview of Holes 9 and 18, both dandy downhillers, and a view of a beautiful clubhouse that is backdropped by the Elbow River.
In four decades on staff at Calgary Golf & Country Club, including 32 years as head professional, Greiner has done this drive thousands and thousands of times.
He announced several months ago that he would be retiring at the conclusion of this current season. Calgary Golf & Country Club, like many courses across Alberta, pulled the pins after the Thanksgiving long weekend.
“My first drive down to the club was with Al Ewen, my predecessor,” Greiner reminisced. “I’m pretty sure it was in January of 1985, or it may have been December of 1984, and the club had an opening for an assistant golf professional and they flew me out for an interview. I was living in Toronto at that time. So, I flew in the night before, stayed at a downtown hotel, and Al picked me up. Driving into the golf club, I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was one of those bluebird days, middle of winter, fresh snow on the ground, and we’re driving in and I’m thinking, ‘Oh boy, this place looks pretty special.’ ”
Think of all that has changed in golf since the mid-1980s — from the equipment, fashion and technology to the heroes that we’re emulating during our range sessions. But through that time, Greiner has remained a constant at Calgary Golf & Country Club. He’s been a familiar (and friendly) face for multiple generations of members and a role model for his peers. He was saluted as the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 2018.
Jeff MacGregor, the head pro at Glendale Golf & Country Club in Edmonton, described Greiner as “just a true professional” and somebody who has “set the standard within our business.”
“He’s been a mentor to many and a leader in our industry,” echoed John Wilson, a way-back-when junior member at Calgary Golf & Country Club — that was during Ewen’s tenure — and the head professional at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club. “To have that tenure at a Club like that, it’s amazing. You’ve heard the story about him driving down that road on the first day and it’s snowing and that he knew that’s exactly where he wanted to be when he drove through those gates. And he stayed there for 40 years. It’s incredible.”
Greiner was “immensely proud” to host the PGA of Alberta’s 2024 PING Club Professional Championship in late July, one of many dates on his summer schedule that left him feeling a bit nostalgic. “Even with every Club event, it’s like another chapter — ‘This is my last men’s member-guest, this is my last ladies’ member-guest, this is going to be my last club championship.’ You do think about that, and there’s some emotion that goes through you.”
Throughout his final season as a head professional, he’s been reflecting on his start in the sport. He didn’t grow up in a golfing family but vividly remembers an on-a-whim round at age 13, alongside a couple of buddies at a municipal layout in Burlington, Ont.
“From that first time, which really just instilled a love of the game, to end up like this, is pretty surreal,” added Greiner.
He has been asked often about his future plans and always starts with the appeal of squeezing in a few more rounds and experiencing Calgary’s next splendid summer at a different pace.
“I just want to simplify things, enjoy the city, enjoy my home, enjoy my backyard and be able to enjoy a summer not having my days laid out for me because I have this list of things that need to be accomplished at work,” he said.
He will, however, miss his commute. His initial observation, all those years ago, was spot-on — Calgary Golf & Country Club is a pretty special place.
“One of my lines for many, many years has always been that I have the best head office in Calgary,” Greiner said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to call this home for so many years. Probably a lot of professionals would aspire to be the head professional at a top-tier private club in the country, and this certainly is one of those. So, for me to be able to be in the position that I’ve been for so many years, you know, I feel so lucky.
“I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
The PGA of Alberta is thrilled to announce a new partnership with PLYR Athletics for the next two years! PLYR will serve as the Title Sponsor of the PLYR Season Kick-Off, set to take place at the beautiful Banff Springs Golf Course.
Chase Porter, Founder of PLYR Athletics, shared his excitement “On behalf of PLYR, we are very excited to partner with the PGA of Alberta and its membership through an event that closely aligns with our brand values. 2025 marks the ten-year anniversary for us at PLYR, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off the year with this partnership and to host an event at the prestigious Banff Springs Golf Course. We look forward to making the Season Kick-Off a memorable experience for everyone involved!”
About PLYR:
PLYR is a dynamic apparel brand founded in 2015 in Saskatchewan, blending casual streetwear with golf attire. Over the past decade, PLYR has evolved to encompass a broader range of athletic wear, while still staying true to its roots in golf. The brand is committed to challenging the norms of athletic apparel through innovation, sustainability, and style.
In addition to it’s golf heritage, PLYR has grown to offer a variety of athletic options across other sports as well as become a great corporate apparel option for Canadian businesses and sports teams. PLYR Athletics is not just a clothing brand; it’s a movement aimed at empowering individuals to perform their best, both on and off the course. Join us in redefining athletic apparel and pushing the status quo of what’s considered "cool” in athletic apparel.
We invite you to check out our 2025 Spring Collection, or to explore all of our current products online at www.plyrathletics.com. For wholesale opportunities or more information, please contact Curtis Butler at [email protected] or reach out to us at [email protected].
CALGARY—One of the nation’s most accomplished golf instructors, Derek Ingram, will highlight the final day of the highly-anticipated 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show, October 24 in Calgary, during “A Conversation with one of Canada’s Top Coaches” presented by PING Canada.
A three-time Olympic golf coach, Ingram will bring PGA of Alberta members behind the scenes of him working with many of Canada’s top players on the PGA TOUR including Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith, representing Team Canada at the 2024, 2020 and 2016 Games as coach of the men’s golf team, while also sharing his coaching philosophy during the Q&A session hosted by Todd Halpen (Golf Future).
“Derek is an extraordinary talent who is an articulate, engaging and motivational presenter. We are grateful to our generous partner, PING Canada, for providing our members the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experiences Derek has acquired throughout his impressive career,” said Robert Rousselle, executive director, PGA of Alberta. “Derek’s presence brings our annual Buying Show to a new level. I hope our membership will gain inspiration from this opportunity, while taking valuable information back with them on their continued journey to achieve personal excellence and growing their respective business.”
A three-time recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award (2020, 2007 and 2003), the Winnipegger has been involved in Golf Canada’s high-performance program for over 15 years. He served five years as Men’s Assistant Coach for Team Canada prior to being named women’s head coach at the end of 2009. In 2012 Ingram moved into the role of men’s head coach, where he currently oversees the amateur and young professional squads.
A seven-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award and three-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Coach of the Year Award, Ingram has been selected as one of the top 10 coaches in Canada by the National Post, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, and a Top 50 Teacher in North America by Golf Range Magazine.
Ingram also competed on the Canadian Tour for two years and was twice named Manitoba PGA Player of the Year Award (2008 and 2003).
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show is slated for October 22-24, at the Calgary BMO Centre.
Boasting exhibitors throughout Western Canada, the Buying Show is an opportunity for PGA of Alberta members to forge meaningful connections, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities for their business as the Show brings together golf professionals, industry suppliers, and sales representatives for this improved Show experience that also includes the creation of two PGA of Alberta lounges.
The only show of its kind in Canada, this year’s premier gathering of the golf community will also deliver:
- an improved Featured Products Area showcasing the latest and most exciting offerings. Here, you’ll discover signature products that highlight innovation and quality, including exclusive new items making their debut. This hub location for the 2024 Show will provide attendees the opportunity to explore cutting-edge equipment, stylish apparel, and unique accessories;
- complimentary, delicious food and beverage options for all exhibitors and attendees, courtesy of our partner Gordon Food Service (GFS), in the 19th Hole;
- improved parking and Wi-Fi access;
- a Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony to remember that will recognize trailblazers, innovators, and champions in our community who continue to drive the golf industry forward.
The 2024 Buying Show will operate 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., October 22-23; and on October 24 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.). All exhibitors will be on the floor until the close of the Show floor on the final day. A Business Professional Dress Code will also be in effect for the duration of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
If you have any questions related to the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, please contact Michelle Moody at [email protected].
We are excited to announce that the new Communication & Membership Committee has been formed for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025. Thank you to all the applicants who have volunteered their time and passion to help support our Association.
The new committee consists of:
- Jeff MacGregor (Chair)
- Blake Clayton (Board Member)
- Dallas Cantera (Board Member)
- Kevin Chow (Board Member)
- Bryce Halverson (Assistant’s Board)
- Elizabeth Stewart (Assistant’s Board)
- Gina Nelson (Assistant’s Board)
- Andrew Szewczuk
- Jason Plosz
- Michael Thompson
- Nicola Greaves
- Tyrel Babkirk
This committee was formed after the dissolving of two former committees, Promotion & Communication and Membership & Employment.
This new committee will meet shortly to review the direction for the PGA of Alberta communication plan along with finding new initiatives that will positively affect the entire membership.
We are excited to announce the 2024 PGA of Alberta Awards finalists.
Join us in raising a glass to excellence as we recognize and honor the outstanding achievements and contributions within the golf industry in Alberta and announce the winners of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Awards on Wednesday, October 23, following the close of Day 2 of the buying show.
Indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres and sip on a beverage of your choice from the host bar while mingling with golf professionals, industry affiliates, and exhibitors. All exhibitors and attendees of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show are welcome to attend.
The cocktail reception will begin at 5:00 pm and lead into the awards ceremony at 5:30 pm with the evening concluding at 7:30 pm. Thank you to our PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception Presenting Sponsors, Gordon Food Service and Levelwear.
Apprentice Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Joel Griffith (Valley Ridge GC)
- Nic Longley (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Ethan Palmer (Cottonwood G&CC)
- Kevin Robinson (Windermere G&CC)
- Nick Young (Willow Park G&CC)
Class "A" Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC)
- Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC)
- Gina Nelson (Highlands GC)
- Amy Popkes (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Carson Taylor (Winston GC (The))
Club Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Jeff MacGregor (Glendale G&CC)
- Bob Martens (Grande Prairie G&CC)
- Shaun Piercey (Ranch G&CC (The))
- Andrew Szewczuk (Banff Springs GC)
- Pat Wilmot (Earl Grey GC)
Coach of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Darcy Dhillon (Red Deer G&CC)
- Jamie Reimer (Golf Future)
- Wade Waters (365 GOLF)
- Luke Workman (Glencoe G&CC Teaching Centre)
Executive Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC)
- Curtis Robertson (Valley Ridge GC)
- Tahlon Sweenie (Jasper Park Lodge GC)
- James Whitton (Mill Woods GC)
Junior Leader of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC)
- Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Matt Seifert (Golf Future)
- Jonathan West (Carnmoney GC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Retailer of the Year Finalists
Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Up To $500,000
In alphabetical order by facility name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Olds GC (Mathew MacDonald)
- Rundle Park GC (Cody Heath)
- Stony Plain GC (Robb James)
Retailer of the Year Finalists
Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Over $500,000
In alphabetical order by facility name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Banff Springs GC (Andrew Szewczuk)
- Carnmoney GC (Dean Ingalls)
- Earl Grey GC (Pat Wilmot)
- Kananaskis Country GC (Michael Nutt)
- Valley Ridge GC (Chris Paskin)
Sales Rep of the Year
In alphabetical order by last name.
- Trevor Copp (Acushnet Canada)
- Colin Gilliard (PING Canada)
- Kristi Larson (KL Agency)
- Neil McGonagle (Golf Trends Inc.)
- Daniela Pacheco (Dani Pacheco Sales Agencia)
Teacher of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
- Taylor Drolet (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights)
- Greg Johnson (Golf Future)
- Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC)
- Jae Maegaard (Paradise Canyon GR)
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC)
The Education Committee is excited to bring you the following education sessions for the 2024 Buying Show!
Registration is open for all members and is filling up fast! Register now to secure your spot in each of the sessions for the Buying Show. Each session will be held in Meeting Room - 224, registration closes the day of each session. Participants will receive Top 100 Points: 3 points/session.
If you have any questions or need any assistance registering please contact the office via Thomas Powley.
October 22nd, 12:00-1:00PM
Buying Strategies - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
With Bob Paley - PGA of Canada Pat Fletcher Retailer Of The Year Award Recipient
Bob will be sharing strategies for buying and running a successful golf shop that will be essential for anyone attending this years Show. Bring any questions you have to make the most out of this session and set your course up for success in 2025.
October 23rd, 2:00-3:00PM
Visual Merchandising - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We will have a Catherine Cacaoutis from Nike Golf and the retail side of the industry that specializes in store optimizations and visual merchandising to help our professionals understand the importance of setting up your pro shop effectively to increase sales and guest experience. Catherine has a background in apparel, footwear, accessories, product, along with education in fashion business school has worked in the industry for over 20 years. Her passion for business and product is second to none as her previous experience links to brands such as Harry Rosen’s, Sporting Life, Holt Renfew, Levi’s, Golf Town, and now more importantly with Mint Green Group as the Product Manager for Nike Golf. Topics such as fashion trends, story telling within a retail location, branding, and color matching for facilities that will look to optimize their current retail space or develop a new storefront.
October 24th, 10-11:00AM
Round Table Discussion - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Education Committee has decided to host an open round table discussion session for this year’s Show, presenters are Elizabeth Stewart, Nic Longely, and Stephen Yanitski. Topics covered will include Club Fittings, Ladies Events, and Corperate sales strategies. The Buying Show is the largest event for PGA of Alberta Members to gather and network, and now there is an opportunity to share your ideas and learn what others in the province are doing. Participants will spend 20 minutes at each table with a predetermined topic, please come prepared with questions and information of your own. Check out the bottom of the registration page for more details.
Top 100 Points: Attendees will receive 3 points/session
Bill Carrington and Clarence Semrau are the latest recipients of the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Carrington was a club professional for more than a half century, the bulk of that in the Wild Rose province. That includes 20 years as the head pro at Windermere Golf and Country Club.
Semrau made his mark in the industry as the longtime owner and operator of Golf Supply House.
The 84-year-old Carrington is currently recovering from back surgery, but it’s his goal to attend the PGA of Alberta Awards Ceremony, which are scheduled for October 23.
“To receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the PGA of Alberta is a tremendous honour,” Carrington said. “I have been a PGA of Canada member for 64 years, with 44 of those years right here in Alberta. It’s been a real pleasure watching my family grow up in golf and witness their successes in the golf industry. Over the course of my career, I am proud to see that many of the men and women that I was lucky enough to mentor have moved on to become accomplished professionals in the golf industry.
“I am truly honoured to be recognized.”
Carrington started his career with the PGA of Canada in 1960. He arrived in Alberta in 1972, moving from Montreal to become head pro at Windermere. He was a fixture at ‘Windy’ for the next two decades, popular among members and also widely respected by his peers. In fact, he was voted the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 1988.
He would later work at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Pine Hills Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Resort and Speargrass Golf Course.
Carrington was successful as a player, winning the PGA of Alberta Championship in 1980 and PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship in 1990. He also served from 1994-2010 on the provincial board of directors, although his greatest impact might have come through his mentorship. Eight of his assistants would eventually be hired as head professionals. He influenced even more as an instructor in the golf management program at what is now MacEwan University.
“I remember when I first came to Edmonton in 1983, going down to see his pro shop, just to see how he arranged it, and I was just blown away by how he everything arranged so professionally,” recalled Bill Penny, a longtime PGA of Alberta pro and close friend of Carrington. “I think he made it a really exciting atmosphere for his young assistants to work in. On the outside service part of it, he really shone in that, just to give the membership a first-class service. Just everything was well-organized. Tournaments were well-organized. Everything that a professional should do at a club, Bill was doing. And for the young assistants to see this, I’m sure that helped lead to their success.
“And he still follows all the young pros that come into the business or are accepting their first jobs. He always tries to get ahold of them and congratulate them and wish them success, and he’s always there to lend an ear. He’s just a tremendous man.”
Semrau passed away in 2018. He’ll be represented at the PGA of Alberta Awards evening by family and friends.
“I can guarantee he would have been very surprised,” said Semrau’s son-in-law Craig Moody, who also worked alongside Clarence as general manager at Golf Supply House.
“Whatever he accomplished, he never wanted to make a big deal out of it. That was kind of his default, just the way he rolled.
“So, I think he would be surprised but very appreciative.”
Semrau had been running a custom home-building business and was looking for his next challenge when he purchased a company called National Marketing of Canada in 1986 and rebranded it as Golf Supply House.
While Semrau wasn’t a PGA of Alberta member, he enjoyed a strong relationship with countless pros and earned a reputation for superb customer service. If a course was having issues with range equipment or other gear they’d purchased through Golf Supply House, he’d often show up to fix it himself.
“He was about people. He always wanted to help people,” said Semrau’s daughter, Maureen Moody. “It was important to him that his customers were happy. The people that worked for him and with him, he wanted to look out for them. He didn’t care what titles he had. If there was something he could do to help, he just wanted to do that. If he could drive across the city or outside the city to help somebody to repair something or anything like that, it’d be like, ‘Off he goes.’ You could just see he cared.”
When Semrau wasn’t working, he loved to spend his free time on the fairways and greens. He and his wife, Shirl, were members at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and would take their clubs to Arizona during the winter months.
Under Semrau’s leadership, Golf Supply House stepped in as title sponsor for the PGA of Alberta Assistants Championship, something that continued even after he sold the company in 2010.
Both Semrau and Carrington will be celebrated with deserving colleagues who have made significant contributions to the game of golf over the past year when the PGA of Alberta hands out nine additional awards to honour their extraordinary achievements in 2024.
The season long contest for the Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play Championship, presented by Nike, came to a close on Thursday, September 19th, where Phil McCluskey and Logan Hill were victorious.
The team from River Bend G&RA battled their way through the North side of the winners bracket, coming out on top of five consecutive matches to earn their spot in the final where they met Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) and Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) from the South. Unfortunately, Kirkness was unable to make the final but was replaced by Matt Bean (Priddis Greens G&CC) to set the stage at beautiful Red Deer G&CC.
The front nine saw a back and forth clash as both teams looked to get a jump on their opponents and the team from Priddis Greens G&CC took the turn at 1up. McCluskey had other plans on the final nine holes as he birdied 10 and 11 to move Riverbend G&RA ahead in the match, then traded birdies with Locke on 12 to keep them in the lead.
McCluskey and Hill kept their lead heading into 18, still 1up, where both players made par, securing their first Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play Championship.
Cuthbertson and Belbin Victorious on Consolation Side
There was another match taking place at Red Deer G&CC on September 19th to decided the Champion of the consolation bracket, which includes every team that was unable to win their first round match.
Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) and Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) emerged victorious on Thursday with a 4&2 finish against Matt Freeman (Canyon Meadows GC) and Kyle Wade (PGA of Alberta Member). After losing in the opening round, both teams stayed alive on their respective sides of the bracket, winning four matches consecutively and earning the chance to win the consolation side of the Championship.
Thank you to Srixon/Cleveland and Nike for their sponsorship and to all the teams that competed in this years Team Match Play Championship.
Mr. William Wright Jr. “Billy” of Edmonton born March 15, 1941, passed away on September 16, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his children.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bill leaves behind his children Richard (Tanya), Billie-Su (Chris Redlinger) and granddaughter Sydney.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Linda (Serby), parents William Sr. and Jane Wright, his brothers, Harry and James, and son-in-law Chris Redlinger.
Bill was deeply committed to his faith, living a life guided by his strong spiritual beliefs and values.
He was a Golf Professional for over 55 years and a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association, PGA of America, and European PGA to which he became a Lifetime member of all three Associations. He was a dedicated real estate agent for 40 years.
Family & friends wishing to pay their respects may do so on Friday, September 20, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Service, 5311 91 St NW Edmonton.
Interment Service will take place on Saturday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m. at South Haven Cemetery 5004 Meridian St NW, Edmonton with Pastor Bob Millman officiating.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William , please visit our floral store.
Phil McCluskey and Logan Hill will be on familiar turf.
Before they were pros at River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, both honed their skills as youngsters at Red Deer Golf & Country Club, so they should know every nook and cranny of the course that will play host Thursday to the final of the PGA of Alberta’s Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play event.
Eric Locke, meanwhile, will be in familiar territory. He’s been to the championship match three times now.
“I’m hoping third time is a charm,” said Locke, the manager of player development at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. “Both times I’ve been to the final, we’ve lost on 17.”
McCluskey and Hill — the head professional and associate professional, respectfully, at always-busy River Bend — have never previously advanced this far in this season-long showdown.
Their reward is an opportunity to compete for the title at their old stomping grounds.
“I was a junior member at Red Deer Golf and Country Club,” McCluskey said, starting to chuckle as he prepared for a joke at his own expense. “I’m not even going to say when, because it was before electricity.”
And how about Hill?
“I grew up there, too — a lot later than Phil did,” he quipped. “To compete at what used to my home course, that will be a lot of fun.”
For a lot of PGA of Alberta members, the Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play is among the highlights on the annual tournament calendar.
This March Madness-style bracket starts with 64 two-player teams — 32 in the south, 32 in the north.
If you want your name engraved on this trophy, you need to win six straight matches.
McCluskey and Hill proved to be the most dynamite of duos in the north.
As McCluskey put it: “We’ve done an unreal job of picking each other up this year.”
The boys from River Bend most recently knocked off Cardiff’s Dallas Cantera and Jeremy Lavallee to secure their spot in the provincial final.
Locke and his usual partner, Inglewood Golf and Curling Club head pro Sam Kirkness, sizzled through the south side of the bracket. They punched their ticket to the last dance by eliminating Matt Cook and Craig McArthur of Canyon Meadows.
Thing is, Kirkness departed earlier this week on a members’ trip to Ireland. Since he will be unavailable for the championship match, Locke will instead join forces with Matt Bean, an associate pro at Priddis Greens.
“The main thing that Sam and I do is we hit lots of greens between the two of us,” Locke said, dishing on their recipe for success so far. “So, 13, 14, 15 times a round, we’ll have two looks at birdie. And very rarely does one of us not have a look. For us, we almost feel a little relentless. We don’t give holes away, I guess, is the best way to put it.”
As Kirkness prepared for his getaway, he had a message for his pal.
“He just said, ‘Go get ’em,” Locke relayed.
And what did Bean say?
“He was like, ‘Are you sure you want me?!’ ” Locke said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Oh yeah, it’ll be just fun. There’s no pressure.’ ”
No pressure, although there are bragging rights on the line.
And not just among the four gents who will be trading birdies Thursday at Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
“It’s more of a joke than anything, nothing serious, but we like to be able to say the south is a little stronger than the north,” said Locke, winner of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Championship. “It’s kind of Calgary-Edmonton in hockey, that same kind of thing. We like to play it up a bit that way.”
Red Deer has always been considered neutral territory in the Battle of Alberta, but McCluskey and Hill have picked a side and are now hoping to notch a win for the north.
“The two guys we’re playing are good friends, really good players,” McCluskey said, setting up Thursday’s final match. “We’re going to have to play our best to even have a chance. But there’s no reason we can’t.”
Congratulations to Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) on winning the 2024 PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada.
Wes Heffernan started Saturday’s final round looking up the leader board sitting 8 shots behind before breaking the course record to finish the day carding a 62. Heffernan started his day with a birdie on the first to kick start some momentum that eventually built to a red hot 29 in his final nine holes. The now 2-time champion also won this event back in 2019 at TPC Toronto.
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) did his best to keep up with Wes in the final round, carding a 64 and finishing the tournament just one shot behind the champion. Fox won the PGA of Alberta Assistant’ Championship in August along with both 2-day Players Tour events and the Pro-Pro Scramble, a very successful 2024 season.
Congratulations to all PGA of Alberta professional that competed in this years PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada.
Apply Now to Join The new “Communication & Membership Committee”
The PGA of Alberta’s Membership & Employment Committee along with the Promotions & Communication Committee are both dissolving to form one, unified committee: Communication and Membership Committee.
A new application process has been launched. For all member considering joining the newly created Communication & Membership Committee, please submit a brief cover letter stating why you want to be involved and a summary of your contributions to the Association in recent years.
Please submit all applications to Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) before the deadline - October 3rd at 4 PM.
The new Committee will be announced on October 14, 2024.
Committee Responsibilities:
The Communication & Membership Committee shall meet as a committee up to 4-times per year and at the call of the chairs for:
- Review PGA of Alberta By-Laws and provide recommendations as required.
- New Member Orientation.
- Compensation Survey.
- Job Posting Standards.
- Communication & Membership Initiatives.
- Club Relations.
- Association Resource Centre.
- Retention and attraction of golf professionals in Alberta.
- Review and recommend changes or additions to the Hole in One Program.
- Discuss how to promote the brand of the PGA of Alberta.
- Stay aligned and updated on the PGA of Canada employment implementations and strategies.
- Make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning PGA of Alberta’s social media policies and platforms.
- Review and recommend any changes needed to the PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program (point allocation, prize breakdown, Top 100 initiative, etc.).
- Make recommendations to the Board of Directors for implementing changes within the scope of the committee’s mandate that will be beneficial to members of the PGA of Alberta.
- Proactively obtain input and suggestions from members on their level of satisfaction with suggestions for improvement of the communication and membership portfolio.
- Review with the Executive Director any breach of member misconduct and make recommendations for any fines or suspensions to the Board of Directors for any case related to employment or membership.
- Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
The Committee Chair will provide a report on committee activity at each Board of Directors meeting even if no formal committee meetings have taken place.
Top 100 Points - Each member will receive five Top 100 points for being a part of the committee (see more information here).
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
RED DEER, Alta.—Eric Locke and Samuel Kirkness capped off the 2024 PGA of Alberta tournament season by taking top honours in the G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball event at River Bend Golf Club in Red Deer, Alta.
Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) and Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) celebrated a two-shot win after carding a 9-under-par, 63.
“We have played a bunch of PGA of Alberta Championships here so we knew there would be lots of birdies out there and that we’d have to get off to a pretty quick start with two par-5s,” said Locke, who won the PGA of Alberta Championship last month. “Luckily, we did that and then we just had to try to keep it going from there. We knew everyone was going to make birdies and eagles out here so we kept the pedal down for as long as we could.”
They certainly did.
The Calgary-based duo put together one eagle, nine birdies, and two bogeys on the fast River Bend layout for nines of 32-31.
“This is definitely the firmest that I’ve ever seen River Bend. You had to really pick your spots where you were going to land the golf ball because it was hopping forward,” said Kirkness. “The course was in really great condition. The greens were rolling really, really well. Overall, the course played awesome.”
The two buddies, who both used to work together at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, cited their friendship as the key to their success in the team best ball event.
“Sam and I used to play a lot of golf together when he worked at Priddis and this is an easy way for us to get together and play, same with the match play events this season,” said Locke. “It’s nice to get out there and play with your buddy again. It makes it easy for us because we do play a lot of golf together, so we know each other’s games well.”
Wes Heffernan and Scott Smith – both from Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre – were locked at 7-under-par (65) with Chris Toth (Broadmoor Golf Club) and Chase Rau (Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club).
Earl Grey Golf Club pros, Pat Wilmot and Scott Stiles, placed fourth in the field of 49 teams after carding a round of 66.
Complete Results: Click Here
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
In the days and weeks after they were forced to evacuate their homes — and their course — due to a devastating wildfire, Tahlon Sweenie, Troy Mills and the rest of the golf professionals at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have received an outpouring of support from their PGA of Alberta peers.
That comes as no surprise to those who have been through similar circumstances, who still remember the worrying and wondering, who can provide advice on the rebuild and recovery and, above all else, can relate to what is an emotional rollercoaster.
“Having gone through a natural disaster, I called Tahlon and we had a lengthy conversation,” said Glendale Golf and Country Club’s head professional Jeff MacGregor, who was working at Inglewood when it was one of several Calgary-area hangouts to sustain significant damage during a historic flood in 2013. “He’s a good friend of mine and I just told him, ‘If you need anything, I’m there for you. Because I’ve been there.’ ”
Jason Vaughan, too, was keen to lend his support.
Vaughan was head professional at Fort McMurray Golf and Country Club when a wildfire struck that community in 2016. He and team were evacuated for a grand total of 40 days.
“Tahlon posted a picture on Facebook of him, his family and his dog, all in the car, piled in and leaving,” said Vaughan, still based in Fort McMurray but now as director of golf and grounds at Miskanaw. “And so, I sent him a message — ‘Hey buddy, if you need anything, feel free to give me a shout. I’ve been through this same situation.’
“Looking back on it, I know the exact feeling of just grabbing whatever you can grab and getting in a vehicle and not really knowing where you’re going to go. I just sent him a message saying, ‘Hey, if you need anything, Fort McMurray is here for you. We’re here to help. Because we know your situation.’ ”
Jasper residents were recently allowed to return to their hometown, a magical mountain destination that has attracted millions of tourists over the years. Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe and a long list of royals have vacationed here — and played golf during their stay.
There has yet to be an update from Fairmont on any potential damage to Stanley Thompson’s iconic design at Jasper Park Lodge. Both the Resort and Golf Course remain closed, with a recent social media posting that stated: “JPL looks forward to welcoming our colleagues and guests back when the time is right.”
“It just brings you right back to where you were and your immediate reaction is, ‘How do I help?’ ” said Bob Paley, executive professional at Kananaskis Country Golf Course, sharing his reaction to the jarring images from Jasper in late July. “It’s not a case of, ‘Somebody helped me, so now I have to help.’ You’re not keeping score. But you just want to be a part of that same community, because you know what it feels like to be supported.”
The sibling stunners at Kananaskis — home to the Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette layouts — were both destroyed by flooding in June 2013. The facility was ultimately closed for nearly five years but now, after an extensive rebuild, is one of Canada’s great golf comeback stories.
“It’s critical having that network of people that is there to support you, and PGA professionals are a significant part of that posse or that village that I had and anybody in that kind of situation has,” Paley said. “You sort of feel like you’re in the middle of a tornado and they just turn the fans off and just bring some calmness and some perspective that you didn’t have, and maybe even just a pump-up. It’s almost like having siblings. It just felt like I was a part of something, something bigger than I was helping to take care of me.
“I’d just lost my dad the week before the flood and so people were aware of that, as well. People were just genuinely showing care. It wasn’t just, ‘If you need something, let me know.’ People were calling, coming out when it was safe to do so. It was, ‘What do you need? How can we help? Do you have any team members that need work?’ It was incredible.”
Blair McDowell experienced the same after a fire levelled the clubhouse at Northern Bear in mid-January of this year.
Even in the midst of their off-season, his counterparts were filling his voicemail and e-mail inbox.
“I had so many people — golf professionals, general managers, those involved with the PGA of Alberta — reach out to me,” said McDowell, the executive pro at Northern Bear. “It sure felt like a brotherhood. People were trying to lend a helping hand anywhere they could. Anything we needed, if they could, they would like to provide. That was really nice.”
That part isn’t about to change, either.
Whether Sweenie and Mills are looking for temporary jobs for their staff or tee-times for their members, they have a lot of friends that they can lean on.
“I’ll never forget a lot of the golf professionals that helped me out when times were tough,” said MacGregor, recalling that neighbouring superintendents also offered to loan maintenance equipment, helping Inglewood to reopen nine holes about a month after the flood.
Added Vaughan: “There were times when it pulled on the heart strings, just the extra mile that people would go.”
“That’s how it works within our Association, because there are so many damn good people that are looking out for each other,” Paley reasoned. “It’s like that warm, comfortable blanket of support that helps you through these times when you need it. It’s nice to be able to be that blanket. But it’s also nice, when you need that blanket, to have that.”
Alberta’s golf fans have also stepped up and done their part, too. The Rogers Charity Classic, the annual PGA Tour Champions stop at Canyon Meadows, directed $250,000 to Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal, with that donation coming from ticket proceeds.
But what all of these pros stressed is that the need for help remains long after the flames are extinguished, or the floodwaters recede.
“The initial shock is something, but the rebuild is what I think of,” Vaughan said. “That’s where the support from other people definitely comes in handy to keep you pushing and loving what you’re doing.”
The team at Jaspar Park Lodge can be sure, their family at the PGA of Alberta are there to support them for the long run.
Todd Halpen and Greg Johnson sat one shot back of the team from 365 GOLF, Josh Fleming and Tyler LeBouthillier, heading into round 2 of the Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Championship. The three format event consisting of Best Ball, Scotch Ball and Scramble would make for an exciting finish at Mickelson National GC on Wednesday.
Halpen and Johnson looked to start fast and they did, posting three birdies and an eagle in the opening 6 Best Ball holes. This would give them the out right lead heading into Scotch Ball, which traditionally has been the toughest format in the event but they were able to battle with one birdie and one bogey. Fleming and LeBouthillier meanwhile, were looking to take back the lead they held at the start of the day. After falling 3 shots behind in the Best Ball portion, the team from 365 GOLF made eagle on the 276 yard par 4, 7th hole and would head to the Scramble portion behind by 1.
The final 6 holes would prove to be a race to the finish and a true grind by all 4 PGA of Alberta teaching professionals. Fleming and LeBouthiller would strike first as they made birdie on hole 13, tying for the lead after 31 holes and hoping to finish strong and take home the Championship. Holes 14 & 15 saw both teams come away with par but the pair from Golf Future weren’t going to let it slip away as they made birdie on the short 16th hole which would end up being the difference. Congratulations to Todd Halpen and Greg Johnson on winning their first Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Championship.
| Team | Facility | Score |
| Todd Halpen + Greg Johnson | Golf Future | -16 |
| Josh Fleming + Tyler LeBouthillier | 365 GOLF | -15 |
| Matthew Kirlin + Kaleb Gorbahn | Lynx Ridge GC | -14 |
| Kevin Black + Murray Walter | Redwood Meadows G&CC | -12 |
| Jason Stanier + Samuel Kirkness | Inglewood G&CC | -10 |
| Dallas Cantera + Jeremy Lavallee | Cardiff GC | -10 |
CALGARY—Make it four victories for Calgary’s Mitchell Fox on the PGA of Alberta calendar this summer.
The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course proved once again he is amongst Alberta’s best in 2024 after taking the final Players Tour event of the season with a clean round of 67 at the Turner Valley Golf Club.
“I feel like I’ve played really solid this year. I putted really well these last few weeks so that’s helped a lot,” said Fox. “Today, I hit it really well and the game has been good all year. I just need to hope to break through in a few weeks in the national events, but this feels good to win here leading into that.”
Fox was sharp from tee-to-green throughout the 6,818-yard Turner Valley track where that hot putter helped him roll in five birdies on a bogey-free card.
Fox also won the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship, the Players Tour 2-Day Event at Cougar Creek, and teamed up with Matthew Mah to win the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble earlier this summer.
The field of 30 players were slated to tee it up over two-days for the final Players Tour event of the season, but Mother Nature had other ideas, throwing heavy rain down in southern Alberta on Wednesday which forced Tournament Officials to shorten the event to a single-day 18-hole shootout.
“The course was really good especially considering how much rain they got yesterday. It was kind of surprising how well it recovered. It was in really good shape,” added Fox. “It was enjoyable to play. The setup was really good. I had Sam (Kirkness) who ended up finishing second in my group, so it was a good battle going back and forth all day.”
Inglewood Golf and Country Club’s Kirkness made a charge down the finishing stretch, making back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. Fox and Kirkness were tied heading into the final hole, but Fox secured the title after a costly bogey on the 397-yard, par-4 by Kirkness for a 68.
Matthew Mah (Mill Woods Golf Course) was third at 69 (-3).
Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club) and Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort) rounded out the top-five, deadlocked in fourth at even-par 72.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
It’s bursary season for PGA of Alberta members!
Hot off the presses, we are excited to announce the PGA of Alberta will be offering not one, but two, bursary opportunities in 2024.
We are pleased to offer four bursaries, each valued at $1,000, available to all seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals. A minimum of two bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals, working nine months or less.
We are also excited to introduce a new addition to our bursary offerings: the Jim Jempson Bursary. This prestigious new bursary will award $2,500 to one individual and is open exclusively to Apprentice Professionals.
Jim Jempson was a distinguished life member of the PGA of Canada and a recipient of the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award. His dedication to promoting excellence and growing the game of golf left a lasting impact on our community. The Jim Jempson Bursary honours his legacy and continues his commitment to the development of golf professionals.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support your professional growth. Apply for these valuable bursaries today and take a step forward in your career!
The winners of all 2024 bursaries will be announced at the PGA of Alberta Awards Ceremony, on October 23, at the Calgary BMO Centre, to close off the second day of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
The deadline to apply is end of day on September 30. With the deadline fast approaching, please act now to secure your chance to receive this financial support! Apprentice Professionals are welcome to apply for both the PGA of Alberta Bursaries and the Jim Jempson Bursary.
Click here to apply: PGA of Alberta Bursaries Application
Click here to apply: Jim Jempson Bursary Application
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (403-256-8894 or [email protected]).
EDMONTON—Scott Allred and Gina Nelson etched their names in the history books as the winners of the 2024 Seniors and Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions at Trestle Creek Golf Resort near Edmonton on Tuesday.
Allred, who made the trip up Highway 2 from Calgary, was the only player in the 40-man field to finish sub-par in both rounds, taking the title with a combined score of -5. Nelson (Highlands Golf Club) was the top woman in Alberta for the second straight year.
Calgary’s Allred posted scores of 68-71—139 to take his eighth Seniors Championship by three shots.
“I just thought I’d try to keep the ball in play and hit fairways and greens. That’s all I kept saying to myself and then lag putting because it is so challenging on these greens,” said Allred, who had a bogey-free back-nine with six birdies on his opening day. “I was able to make a few birdies on the back nine yesterday, shooting 30, that is a low for me. A few went in for me. I feel very fortunate to have this eight times now. It’s exciting to still be competitive coming up on 64 here.”
Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) was second at 142 after carding rounds off 68-74. Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Course), Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) and Chris Toth (Broadmoor Golf Club) finished deadlocked in third at 144.
The win secures Allred a spot in the final qualifier for the 2025 Rogers Charity Classic – Canada’s lone PGA TOUR Champions stop – which has been contested on his home course at Elbow Springs Golf Club.
“There is an incentive to get into the final qualifier for the Rogers. It is neat to play with some of those guys who still haven’t qualified – that’s what I like about this,” added Allred. “As long as I’m still competitive, it keeps me motivated. It gives me the drive to keep working on my game.”
Gina Nelson was a model of consistency in the Ladies Championships, locking in rounds of 78-77 for a winning total off 155.
“It was in great shape. I’ve played here a couple of times and knew that the greens can be really challenging depending on where they put the pins. They did put them in some tough spots, so I knew putting was a big thing and needed to eliminate those mistakes as much as possible on the greens which was still a challenge but managed to pull it off."
It is the second time in her career that Nelson has won the top Ladies Championship in Alberta back-to-back.
“It is really important event. It helps grow women’s golf and I know that has been a big push at the PGA of Canada and here in Alberta, so we hope to continue pushing this tournament to be successful and be something that a lot of people are striving to play, and be a part of, because it is a big title to have,” she said.
Elizabeth Stewart (Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club) finished the 2-day Championship in second with Marsha Rogers (The Derrick Golf and Winter Club) placing in third.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
The Seniors & Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions kicked off round 1 at Trestle Creek GR.
Leading the way for the Seniors is Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched cards on Monday with opening rounds of 68. Whitecotton was in control of his game all day draining 4 birdies and failing to drop a shot throughout the 18 hole test. Allred found his momentum as he made the turn, collecting 6 birdies in his final 9 holes to erase two early bogies and keep himself in contention to win another PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship.
The Ladies were also navigating their way on the sloped greens of Trestle Creek GR. Last years champion, Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) once again leads the field as she looks to go back-to-back for the second time in her career.
Leaders After round 1
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Keith Whitecotton | The Quarry | 68 |
| Scott Allred | Elbow Springs GC | 68 |
| Chris Toth | Broadmoor GC | 71 |
| Kent Fukushima | PGA of Alberta Member | 72 |
| Gord Courage | Hamptons GC (The) | 72 |
| Mark Corrigan | PGA of Alberta Member | 73 |
| Jeff Cuthbertson | Stony Plain GC | 73 |
| Larry Petryk | Larry Petryk Golf Academy | 73 |
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Gina Nelson | Highlands GC | 78 |
| Marsha Rogers | Derrick G&WC (The) | 86 |
| Elizabeth Stewart | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 88 |
Round 2 Draw
Golf professionals tee off FREE program, August 23 from 1 – 4 p.m., at Valley Ridge Golf Club
CALGARY—Golf professionals in Alberta are teeing up a drive to break down barriers and make the game more inclusive for people with physical/cognitive disabilities by hosting a community outreach learn-to-play session for people with a disability at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
A FREE program for golfers of any age with physical limitations will be available on August 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Valley Ridge Golf Club in Calgary. A total of 24 participants will be instructed by six PGA of Alberta Assistants Board members through four, one-hour stations: driving range; putting green; short game area; and activity time. Funded by Jumpstart, equipment will be provided and prizes up for grabs. Registration is still available at www.golfgenius.com/ggid/aw9g3p/register.
“We created this program as a way for our PGA of Canada Golf Professionals to not only assist with instructing the grassroots portion of the game, but to also reach those demographics who can sometimes be unserved when it comes to receiving golf instruction” said Bryce Halverson, Head Associate Golf Professional at Carnmoney Golf Club.
“The PGA of Alberta is committed to elevating the experience for numerous traditionally under-serviced demographics in the community by doing our part to provide positive experiences through golf instruction and activities. We hope to further strengthen the overall local golf community with inclusivity and diversity,” added Stephen Yanitski, Assistant Golf Professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
Both Halverson and Yanitski, along with Jumpstart and the PGA of Alberta, created a plan to serve this need, and identified four key community groups to positively impact in 2024: people with a physical disability; Indigenous communities; women/girls; and Els for Autism/Special Olympics in Calgary and Edmonton with the goal of making the game of golf a more welcoming and inclusive place for all to enjoy.
Earlier this summer a one-day summer camp for 16 Indigenous youth was held at Rundle Park Short Course in Edmonton. Calgary-based also led a series of events focused on supporting Els 4 Autism, Aspergers Friendship Society, and Special Olympics. Alberta professionals also introduced more than 70 junior girls and young women to the game.
Calgary area pro celebrates one-shot victory with rounds of 66-68 at prestigious event
CALGARY—Calgary’s Eric Locke was crowned king of the PGA of Alberta for 2024 on Tuesday.
The teaching ace from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club celebrated a one-shot victory at the two-day Cobra Puma Golf and Moblicab PGA of Alberta Championship held at Stony Plain Golf Course.
Locke held off a late charge by defending champion, Wes Heffernen, to take the flagship event on the PGA of Alberta calendar with rounds of 66-68 (-10).
Locke led wire-to-wire against the largest field ever in the history of the PGA of Alberta’s flagship event with 120 pros in the Wild Rose province teeing it up on the 6,800-yard test on the west side of Edmonton.
Taking advantage of stellar playing conditions, Locke carried a one-shot lead over Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs Golf Course) into the final 18-hole spin after rattling off a hat trick of birdies to close out his opening round six deep from par. Fox, who has won nearly everything on the table in 2024, and the scrappy Allred posted 67s on the first day with a handful of big names, including Heffernen, carding 68s.
“With Mitch Fox, Sam Kirkness, Wes Heffernan, and Dillon Batsel behind me it didn’t matter that I was at the top because I knew I was going to have to go out there and shoot a number today,” said Locke after winning the first PGA of Alberta Championship in his career. “I didn’t think 68 was going to be good enough, to be honest, and I figured I had to shoot another 66 or better to compete with those gentlemen.”
A head-to-head battle of the heavyweights in Alberta golf ensued throughout Tuesday’s final round on the treelined Stony Plain track. Locke and Heffernen opened with identical nine-hole scores of 33. Mixing together three birdies with a bogey after making the turn, Locke carried a two-shot lead into the final hole where he gave one shot back before signing a card for 68 to secure the victory.
“They made their push early and came out of the gates fast,” added Locke. “But actually, seeing them start to make birdies kind of settled me down because you have to do that too.”
Heffernen (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) was forced to settle for second place despite firing a 67 for low second-round honours, finishing at -9. Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) and Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) shared third spot on the leaderboard at -8. Kirkness won the Players Tour presented by Duca del Cosma at the Mill Woods Golf Course earlier this summer. Batsel lost the season-opening event at Picture Butte in a playoff.
The Stony Plain Golf Course has hosted many PGA of Alberta and Alberta Golf events throughout its rich history.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to host the most significant event on the 2024 calendar in northern Alberta,” said Jeff Cuthbertson, Executive Professional, Stony Plain Golf Course. “The course presented a really fair test of golf with chances to score and stretches where players were just looking to hold on. It was a privilege to host the top pros in our province.”
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
The Cobra/Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship kicked off round 1 at Stony Plain GC early Monday morning with a record setting 122 players in the field.
Leading the way was Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) after finishing his day with three consecutive birdies to card a 6-under 66. Joining him in the final group is Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched scorecards, finishing the day one shot back of Locke.
Tuesday will look to have an exciting race to the finish as 23 players completed their rounds under par.
Leaders After Round 1
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Eric Locke | Priddis Greens G&CC | 66 |
| Mitchell Fox | Speargrass GC | 67 |
| Scott Allred | Elbow Springs GC | 67 |
| Dillon Batsel | Desert Blume GC | 68 |
| David MacComb | Royal Mayfair GC | 68 |
| Wes Heffernan | Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre | 68 |
| Josh Gorieu | Lewis Estates GC | 68 |
| Samuel Kirkness | Inglewood G&CC | 68 |
Round 2 Draw
On Monday, ladies from Edmonton and surrounding areas joined their PGA of Alberta golf professionals at The Ranch G&CC to compete for the 2024 Pro-Lady North Title.
The team from Ranch G&CC (The), Shaun and Donna Piercey, had it rolling as they topped the field with 45 stableford points on their way to victory.
Thank you to all participants and volunteers who made the Adidas Golf/EFW Radiology Pro-Lady North a huge success for 2024!
|
Pos. |
Players | Stableford Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shaun Piercey + Donna Piercey
Ranch G&CC (The)
|
45 |
| 2 |
Murray McCourt + Jessica McCourt
Ranch G&CC (The)
|
44 |
| 3 |
Jake Behiels + Courtney Behiels
Cougar Creek GR
|
44 |
| 4 |
Dallas Cantera + Kim Sabourin
Cardiff G&CC
|
44 |
| 5 |
Keith Whitecotton + Kim Whitecotton
The Quarry
|
43 |
| 6 |
Brendan Grabo + Tricia Schell
Ponoka GC
|
42 |
| 7 |
Adam Bruce + Sandy Tougas
Northern Bear GC
|
40 |
| 8 |
Dallas Jackson + Ashley Jackson
Cougar Creek GR
|
40 |
| 9 |
Mitch Buffalo + Joan Tomma-Buffalo
Montgomery Glen GC
|
40 |
| 10 |
Clayon Eisler + Jodi McAvoy
Royal Mayfair GC
|
40 |
| 11 |
Matt Moroz + Jenna Bruggeman
Hinton GC
|
40 |
| 12 |
Phil McCluskey + Randie Mulligan
River Bend G&RA
|
40 |
| 13 |
Graeme Nelson + Kaitlyn Wingnean
Stony Plain GC
|
40 |
| 14 |
Scott Westman + Sandy Mah
Ranch G&CC (The)
|
40 |
When Jeff Murdoch turned 50 in February, he added this to his summertime to-do list — trying to earn a tee-time to compete alongside the PGA TOUR Champions stars at the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic.
He’s now one step closer.
Murdoch was one of two PGA of Alberta members to advance through Friday’s pre-qualifier at Hamptons Golf Club.
The final qualifier to round out the 78-man field is set for Tuesday at Elbow Springs.
“I kind of set my goals on this in February and it just motivated me to keep my game in shape, to keep me in shape and keep me motivated,” Murdoch said. “I just wanted to do it to show my kids that it’s OK to try and OK to fail. So I’m pretty happy.”
There was no failure Friday.
Murdoch, who has maintained his PGA of Alberta membership but now works as a fire captain in Edmonton, carded a 3-over 75. After a lengthy wait to find out how that score stacked up, he made a clutch par on the first playoff hole.
Randy Robb, the director of coaching and high performance at Mickelson National Golf Academy, also advanced with a par in that three-for-two playoff.
“I didn’t expect this at all,” said Robb, who is a three-time winner of the PGA of Alberta’s Junior Leader of the Year award and continues to work with some of the most talented up-and-comers in the Calgary area. “I’ve been in Saskatoon all week at the Canadian Men’s Amateur, supporting the guys and walking the course, and I hadn’t touched my clubs in six days.
“I was in Quebec at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada the week before, so it’s not like I hadn’t played. But you know, we talk to our students about trying to ramp up going into an event. And then you get to the tee today and it’s like, ‘OK, which wedge is in here?’
“I made an eagle on No. 16, so that really helped. I didn’t expect 75 to be in a playoff, but I hung around and now we’ll see what happens Tuesday at Elbow Springs. That’s kind of fun.”
Wouldn’t it be fun if he could play his way into the star-studded field for the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic?
That award-winning tournament runs Aug. 16-18 at Canyon Meadows and features some of the biggest names in the birdie-making business — Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, and Mike Weir.
Robb has, over the years, encouraged countless students to attend the annual PGA Tour Champions shootout.
“I remember being there several years ago when Freddy (Couples) shot 61,” he reminisced. “And you’re thinking, ‘Whoa, that’s incredible!’ ”
The lineup for Tuesday’s final qualifier at Elbow Springs also includes Edmonton’s Larry Petryk, the reigning winner of the PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Championship. His provincial title provided a bye through the pre-qualifier.
As Murdoch, formerly the director of golf at Cougar Creek, prepared Friday for his three-hour drive home, he was excited about pulling a U-Turn to return to Calgary in just a couple of days.
And he was admittedly a bit emotional as he thought about calling his loved ones to share the news that he was through to the next stage of the qualifying quest.
“I have a 20-year-old at RCMP school and an 18-year-old about to start university, so I just wanted to show them that dad could still play some good golf,” said Murdoch, who won the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional Championship in 2009. “And yesterday was my anniversary and I’m off playing a practice round. So I’ve got a really supportive family.
“It’s still a big road ahead of me,” he added, looking ahead to Tuesday’s shootout at Elbow Springs. “It’s still an uphill climb. But I’m up for the challenge and can hold my head high.”
CALGARY—Calgary’s Mitchell Fox is having a summer to remember, rattling off his third victory of the PGA of Alberta’s 2024 tournament series on Wednesday at the Sirocco Golf Club.
The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course carved out rounds of 66-65—131 (-13) for a four-shot victory at the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship.
“It’s a huge relief for me. I’ve come close the last three or four years in a lot of events. I’ve been edged by one by Wes (Heffernan) last year in the Assistants, so it is nice to come out on top,” said Fox, who also won a Players Tour event and the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble. “Looking at the names on that (Assistants) trophy, it is nice to add my name to that group of guys.”
After throwing together a card of five birdies, an eagle and one bogey in his first 18-hole spin, Fox kept the pedal down in Wednesday’s final round.
“The match was tough. Any time you are going head-to-head with a guy like Wes, and having guys like Mike Belbin and Dillon Batsel hanging around you know it is going to be a tough day,” added Fox. “I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score no matter what with Wes chasing me down, so I think that helped me.”
Mission accomplished!
With Heffernan on his tail Fox carded seven birdies in a bogey-free round on the final day.
“I didn’t play as good yesterday as I did today. I made a ton of putts yesterday, got some breaks off the tee where I made some bad tee shots but today, I just played really well all day,” said the former Canadian Tour player. “I putted well, I hit it well. The key over the last two days was probably that it was my better putting over two days all year. I hit it really good.”
Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance) made a charge, opening his final round with 30 on the front side, but came up just shy in trying to successfully defend his title after stumbling down the finishing stretch with a bogey and double-bogey in his five holes coming home. Heffernan closed with rounds of 69-66—135 (-9) for second place. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) settled for third place at 138 (-6) in the field of 68 players.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Sirocco GC hosted round 1 of the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship today with 68 of Alberta’s Assistant Professionals looking to set themselves up to hoist the trophy on Wednesday.
A change in weather brought some familiar faces to the top of the leaderboard as Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) got off to a hot start as he finished the day shooting a 6-under 66. Fox had five birdies and an eagle to hold a three shot lead over back-to-back defending champion, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre).
Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) and Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) are sitting in a tie for third after opening the tournament with a 2-under 70. They will both look to stay in the mix later in the morning on Wednesday.
Tee times for round 2 will start at 7:00am.
Leaders After Round 1
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Mitchell Fox | Speargrass GC | 66 |
| Wes Heffernan | Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre | 69 |
| Dillon Batsel | Desert Blume GC | 70 |
| Mike Belbin | Royal Mayfair GC | 70 |
| Kent Fukushima | PGA of Alberta Member | 71 |
| Matt Bean | Priddis Greens G&CC | 72 |
| Alexander McCoy | Priddis Greens G&CC | 72 |
| Jeremy Dueck | Water Valley GC | 72 |
Round 2 Draw
Enhanced Show experience set for October 22-24 at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall B).
With the golf season swinging into August, attendee registration is now open for the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show, scheduled to take place at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall B), October 22-24.
It is our goal to deliver an enhanced experience at the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show while bringing together golf professionals, industry suppliers, and sales representatives as facilities from across western Canada prepare their inventories for the 2025 season.
The only show of its kind in Canada, this year’s premier gathering of the golf community in western Canada will deliver:
- new product and trends in the golf industry for 2025;
- exclusive networking events, an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and exhibitors while expanding your professional network;
- complimentary food and beverage options for attendees, courtesy of our partner Gordon Food Service (GFS), will be available in the 19th Hole;
- education sessions focused on relevant topics to the golf industry that are designed to help PGA of Canada members advance professionally;
- PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception & Ceremony to recognize the trailblazers, innovators, and champions in our community who continue to drive the golf industry forward.
Don’t miss out on the chance to forge meaningful connections, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities for your 2025 season. Secure your spot today and be part of this one-of-a-kind event for the golf industry in Canada by registering your team today using the following link: 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show Attendee Registration
The 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show will operate under revised hours: October 22 (9 am – 5 pm); October 23 (9 am – 5 pm); October 24 (9 am – 3 pm). All exhibitors will be on the floor until the close of the show floor on the final day. A Business Professional Dress Code will also be in effect for the duration of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show for all attendees and exhibitors. Not sure what to wear? Take a look at our infographic for more details.
We hope to have you join us for this premier event filled with opportunities for viewing, buying, networking, industry recognition, education, and social activities in Calgary this fall.
If you have any questions related to the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, please contact Michelle Moody at [email protected].
CALGARY—Matthew Mah and Mitchell Fox took top team honours in the main division of the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble event at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club (Hawk Course) while Katy Rutherford and Amy Popkes were crowned queens of the women’s division.
Mah (Millwoods Golf Course) and Fox (Speargrass Golf Club) edged out a professional tandem from Earl Grey Golf Club - Scott Stiles and Pat Wilmot – after making birdie on the first extra hole. Both teams completed the 18-hole test on the southern skirts of Calgary with 12-under-par 60s.
Six other teams finished one-shot back at 61 (-11) in the field of 59 teams made up of PGA of Alberta professionals throughout the province.
Katy Rutherford and Amy Popkes also needed to work overtime to take top spot in the women’s division. The dynamic duo squared off with Kim Valleau (Winston Golf Club) and Rhonda Carter (Blue Devil Golf Course) in a one-hole playoff that was also determined with a birdie.
Congratulations to Matt Dykstra (Blackhawk GC) for his hole-in-one on hole #2 and Wayne Fairbairn (Willow Park G&CC) for making an albatross on hole #18.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
We are excited to announce that the new Education Committee has been formed for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025. Thank you to all the applicants who have volunteered their time and passion to help support our Association.
A message from Chair, Todd Halpen:
" We are really looking forward to working closely with the new members of the Committee. We are extremely pleased the we have members from both Public and Private facilities that will bring in their personal experience and club experiences to help make the education events beneficial for the association. With this committee we are looking to execute long range planning to ensure success for all our events in the future."
The new committee consists of:
- Todd Halpen (Chair)
- Miles Mortenson (Board Member)
- Kevin Chow (Board Member)
- Shannon Riana (Assistant’s Board)
- Tyler Leicht (Assistant’s Board)
- Stephan Yanitski
- Elizabeth Stewart
- Chris Horton
- Stefan Cox
- John Randle
- Nic Longley
- Doug Repp
The Education Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and shall meet as a committee up to 4-times per year and at the call of the chairs for:
1. Spring Seminar.
2. PD Series.
3. Teaching Summits.
4. Buying Show Education.
5. Further education development that works within the scope of the PGA of Canada curriculum.
6. Proactively obtain input and suggestions from members on their level of satisfaction with suggestions for improvement of the education portfolio.
7. Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
8. Undertake other activities assigned by the Board of Directors.
9. Review the terms of reference on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change.
The committee chair will provide a report on committee activity at each Board of Directors meeting even if no formal committee meetings have taken place.
Camilla Ruesga Rojas and Jayden Arnold win U15 titles
EDMONTON—Calgary’s Sophie Dhaliwal and Edmonton’s Tate Bruggeman were crowned the queen and king of the Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters event for 2024, hosted by the PGA of Alberta at Royal Mayfair Golf Club.
Dhaliwal, who plays out of the Wingfield Golf Club in Calgary, won her second-straight Junior Masters title. Dhaliwal fired back-to-back 73s to run away with a nine-shot victory (146) in the Overall Girls Division (U19).
“I love the course. It is so well maintained from the tee deck to the putting greens, and I love playing tournaments in Edmonton,” said Dhaliwal, who stumbled out of the gate, opening with double bogeys in both of her rounds.
“A lot of my time on the course was spent on bouncing back. I struggled with the first couple of holes on the front nine, so my goal was to make a bunch of birdies, come back, manage my emotions. My putting was very good on the first day and it helped me on the second day as well.”
It certainly did.
The youngster mixed four birdies together with two doubles and four bogeys in her opening 18-hole spin. She played steady, making one birdie coming home in her final round.
Three players were deadlocked in second at 155. Emma Liu (Windermere Golf and Country Club) and Eva Hogue (Edmonton Golf Club) fired rounds of 80 and 75, while Jayla Kucy (Camrose Golf Club) carded scores of 74-81 in the field of 17 athletes.
Camilla Ruesga Rojas (Pinebrook Golf and Country Club) was tops in the U15 Girls Division at 78-75—153.
Tate Bruggeman lit up the Royal Mayfair Golf Club with a sizzling 64 in the final round of the boys event to take a five-shot victory. A member of The Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Bruggeman carded three birdies a side to finish 5-under-par and lead the 59 junior boys players in the two-day event with a score of 71-64—135.
“I hit the golf ball pretty solid both days. Yesterday, I was just a little bit off. I didn’t give myself enough really good looks and couldn’t make a ton of putts, but I got off to a good start today, kept it rolling, made a couple of 15 to 20-foot putts on the back nine that I hadn’t seen going in lately,” said Bruggeman.
The northern Alberta teen bookended his junior competitive golfing career at the Royal Mayfair.
“Today was just kind of a nice way to cap off my junior career. About 10 years ago, I played my first junior tournament ever here, so it was a special week,” said Bruggeman. “Royal Mayfair is a world-class golf course. It was in great shape and the staff and volunteers did an awesome job. I love the course, it was in great shape. The staff and volunteers did a great job. I always enjoy playing this PGA of Alberta event.”
Bruggeman began the final round one-shot back of Matthew Keane (Bearspaw Golf Club). Keane finished even-par 70 both times out for a total score of 140 and second spot. Ryan Gillis (Pinebrook Golf and Country Club) and Peter Hlushak (Windermere Golf and Country Club) placed third with combined scores of 144.
Jayden Arnold (Earl Grey Golf Club) was the U15 Boys Division champion after heating up the Royal Mayfair track with rounds of 68-69—137.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Levelwear pledges the following levels of support to the Red Cross Alberta 2024 wildfire relief fund:
- 100% of all net proceeds from levelwear.com from July 27-31
- 100% of all net proceeds from sales in the official CPKC Women’s Open merchandise tent July 27-28, visit their Instagram for more information.
- A donation of 2000 units of new men’s, women’s and youth apparel to the region
For more information on how to support, please visit levelwear.com.
Royal Mayfair GC hosted 56 of the provinces top juniors on Sunday at the Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear/Blue Tees.
The girls teed off first and Camilla Ruesga Rojas (Pinebrook G&CC) leads the U15 division after round 1. Camilla will take a 5-shot lead into day 2, looking to claim her division for the first time.
The race for the U19 girls overall title will see leader Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield GC) try and defend her title after carding 4 birdies to finish the day at 73. Sitting closely behind her is Jayla Kucy (Camrose GC), who finished today just one shot back of Dhaliwal. Jayla won the overall title in 2021 and she will try and capture her second title when they tee off together at 8:50am.
The boys were also in action and the U15 leader is Jayden Arnold (Early Grey GC) after 4 birdies set him a top the division, finishing the day at 68. Erik Petersen (Carnmoney GC) and Chase Strang (Pinebrook G&CC) sit just 4 shots back with 18 holes to play on Monday.
The low round of the day belongs to Peter Hlushak (Windermere G&CC) where he birdied 5 holes in a row to lock in a 67 after round 1. Matthew Keane (Bearspaw GC) and Chase Lassman (Stony Plain GC) will join Peter in the final group, looking to build off their rounds of even par and take home their first overall boys title.
Janelle Istvanffy understands the impact of an event like this. She has experienced it first-hand.
Istvanffy is now an associate professional at Earl Grey Golf Club, proudly playing host this week to the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. It brings back memories from 1999, when the LPGA Tour paid its first visit to the Calgary area.
“I grew up at Priddis Greens and I remember watching the du Maurier Classic in 1999, when I was just a little kid,” Istvanffy said. “I remember Karrie Webb walked off the 18th green after winning and handed me a golf ball. I still have vivid memories of that.
“It’s fun seeing our juniors now have those same experiences. We hosted a junior Ryder Cup on Saturday (prior to tournament week) and as part of it, we got them to all take pictures in front of the trophy before they teed off. And just seeing their smiles, it was like, ‘That was me, back in 1999.’ You can really see that these are memories that they will carry with them forever.”
It’s not just the junior members at Earl Grey that are in pinch-me mode this week as Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko and others dig divots on their home turf.
For the staff of seven PGA of Alberta professionals at this private facility, including three women, this is truly something special.
“It’s been like the dream come true that I didn’t even know I had,” said associate professional Jennifer MacKinnon, who has witnessed the evolution of Earl Grey through a major redesign (2018), a centennial celebration (2019) and now an event that is drawing international eyeballs. “It’s just an opportunity that I feel like I’m so fortunate to be a part of. I’ve been here for eight years, so I’ve gone through all of the construction and changes and I think it’s amazing that the rest of the world gets to see our little slice of heaven.
“And now, to see all these famous people that I never in my wildest dreams thought that I’d be able to be two feet from, it’s just so cool.”
It’s even cooler when those big-name birdie-seekers are heaping praise on your course, when golf fans around the globe are going to be seeing the highlights on TV or on social media.
Earl Grey’s head professional, Pat Wilmot, has encouraged his staff to “take it in, enjoy every moment and be proud of position you’re in and that you’re a part of what built it.”
They have done precisely that.
Associate professional Shannon Raina was thrilled to tee it up in the pro-am, strolling the fairways alongside LPGA Tour regulars Bianca Pagdanganan and Jenny Shin. She called it “a top experience of my life” and “a day I’ll never forget.”
Apprentice professional Josh Berze has been hauling a bag as a caddie.
Istvanffy was among those who attended the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, where the speakers included the commissioner of the LPGA Tour and president of the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. Istvanffy described that event as “a 12 out of 10” and added “it really set the stage for a great week because we talked about how we can champion women’s sports.”
“I’m just trying to be a sponge,” MacKinnon said during the hubbub of CPKC Women’s Open week. “Just taking the opportunity to connect with coaches — whether it be a swing coach or a mental coach or physiotherapist — and just watching their practice routines and stuff that I can then take back into my day-to-day role here and share with our members when I’m coaching them. So just trying to soak up as much as possible.”
The members at Earl Grey, regardless of age or gender, are doing the same. Many are volunteering at the tournament.
“I hope it keeps building the love of the game,” Raina said. “Even for myself, I felt reinvigorated by playing in the pro-am. I was like, ‘Man, I want to practice more. I want to play more.’ I saw a couple of our junior members out there and they were watching Brooke Henderson with wide eyes. Maybe this just makes them love golf even more.
“You don’t have to be a pro golfer, but if you just keep loving the game … If that is what happens, I think that’s incredible.”
MacKinnon, too, has first-hand experience with that.
When the LPGA Tour played at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton in 2007, she was among the junior participants in the pro-am. She remembers posing for a photo with Alena Sharp, who has been competing in the CPKC Women’s Open for two decades now.
“So, it’s kind of coming full circle. It’s cool to be a part of it on this side now,” MacKinnon said. “The more that they get the itch after this week, the better. Shannon already has a huge junior program going here.”
Indeed, there are about 200 juniors at Earl Grey. When they hosted a girls-only night in June, the sign-up sheet filled up fast.
What’s especially meaningful is that when the LPGA Tour stars pack up and head off to the next stop at the Olympic Games in Paris, those youngsters will still have three strong role models in Istvanffy, MacKinnon and Raina.
There can’t be many courses in Canada, or anywhere, with this many females on their professional staff.
“I think the girls here will grow up seeing that as normal,” Istvanffy said. “And that’s really cool.”
“It’s nice to have them as my co-workers as well as my friends,” Raina added. “The golf industry, for females, is not an easy place to be all the time. But it doesn’t feel like that at Earl Grey because it’s almost like there’s more of us than there are men. It’s super cool, and we’re pretty close. I just think having us together navigating this all is really important.”
On Thursday, ladies from Calgary and surrounding areas joined their PGA of Alberta golf professionals at the Winston Golf Club to compete for the 2024 Pro-Lady South Title. Nestled into the floor of an escarpment and bisected by Nose Creek, the Winston’s 18 hole, Par 72 layout includes a challenging and enjoyable course living up to its claim of "Calgary’s inner city hidden gem".
The team from Water Valley GC, Jeremy Dueck and Megan McKenzie, had it rolling as they topped the field with 45 stableford points on their way to victory. "What a fabulous experience playing in my first Pro-Lady event," said McKenzie. " I loved the stableford format, as it made it fair across the playing field. Super fun course with some challenging greens, but they ran so true it was awesome to see the longer putts drain right to the hole - and we made some long putts yesterday!"
The PGA of Alberta will host the second iteration of the Pro-Lady on August 12th at the Ranch G&CC. Thank you to our sponsors adidas Golf, EFW Radiology, and Jancor Agencies.
| Pos. | Professional | Facility | Partner | Score |
| 1 | Jeremy Dueck | Water Valley GC | Megan McKenzie | 45 |
| 2 | Taylor Irvin | Country Hills GC | Joanne Chilton | 44 |
| 3 | Doug Repp | Glencoe G&CC (The) | Beth Brownrigg | 42 |
| T-4th | Josh Fleming | 365 GOLF Inc. | Titia Born | 41 |
| T-4th | Randy Robb | Mickelson National Golf Academy | Cara Smith | 41 |
| T-4th | Chris Horton | Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC | Lori Grandon | 41 |
| T-4th | Darcy Boudreau | Woodside GC | Jodie Quantz | 41 |
| T-8th | Kurtis Foote | Valley Ridge Golf Academy | Blanche Loyer | 40 |
| T-8th | Tyler LeBouthillier | 365 GOLF Inc. | Wendy Ellacott | 40 |
| T-8th | Chris DiPasquale | Par 3 Golf Academy at Bridge Valley Golf | Laura Jensen | 40 |
| T-8th | Mike Matuch | Bearspaw GC | Erin Wagner | 40 |
CALGARY—Michael Harrison stormed his way back from a five-shot deficit in the blistering heat to win the 2024 PING Club Professional Championship on Tuesday at the prestigious Calgary Golf and Country Club.
The head professional at the Coal Creek Golf Resort fired a one-under-par, 69, to secure himself the opportunity to playoff against David MacComb (Royal Mayfair Golf Club). The duo carded identical scorecards of 73-69—142 over the two-day event on the tight 6,503-yard track.
“It was hot and a challenge both days. I didn’t get off to the fastest start in round one, but I battled back, just kind of hung around and stayed really patient today,” said Harrison, who was born and raised in Camrose, Alta. “Today I got off to a much better start. I felt like I was there all day, had much better looks and a few good saves with a lot of good bounces. The course was in great shape – they did an awesome job hosting here.”
The graduate from the University of Alberta who played college golf at Augustana Campus, made a stellar par on the 18th and final hole to keep his hopes alive.
“That was a big save on 18 to finish my round and get into a playoff with Dave. I was very happy with that,” he said.
The duo headed back to the par-5 opening hole to determine the winner.
“That is my first playoff. I’m brand new to that kind of feeling,” added Harrison. “I wanted to play aggressively, kind of how I started the day, so I pulled driver and was trying to flag hunt into that first playoff hole. Luckily, it was a two-putt birdie and that was enough.”
MacComb was forced to settle for second place at 142 after making bogey on the extra hole. Three others were tied for third spot at 143 including defending champ, Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff Golf and Country Club) and first-round, co-leader, Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club).
Black had a three-shot lead in the field of 69 PGA of Alberta pros after Monday’s opening round after carding a 68 alongside Matthew Kirlin (Lynx Ridge Golf Course).
Next up on the PGA of Alberta’s tournament schedule is the adidas Golf – EFW Radiology Pro-Lady South event, July 25, at The Winston Golf Club.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Championship season kicked off today at Calgary G&CC with 69 Club Professionals battling to claim top spot. The smoldering weather continued down by the Elbow River, which offered no reprieve from the record temperatures that will continue tomorrow in Calgary. Tee times will start at 7:30am for round 2 of the PING Club Professional Championship.
Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) and Matthew Kirlin (Lynx Ridge GC) lead the field after round 1, both shooting a 2-under 68. Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) looks to make a push tomorrow morning after finishing 3 shots back of the leaders carding a 1-over, 71.
Leaders After Round 1
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Kevin Black | Redwoods Meadows G&CC | 68 |
| Matthew Kirlin | Lynx Ridge GC | 68 |
| Dallas Cantera | Cardiff G&CC | 71 |
| Craig Gibson | Sirocco GC | 72 |
| Scott Stiles | Earl Grey GC | 72 |
| Jamie Kureluk | GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot | 72 |
| David MacComb | Royal Mayfair GC | 73 |
| Todd Halpen | Golf Future | 73 |
| Adam Bruce | Northern Bear GC | 73 |
| Jason Stanier | Inglewood G&CC | 73 |
| Eric Locke | Priddis Greens G&CC | 73 |
| Michael Harrison | Coal Creek GR | 73 |
Round 2 Draw
The PGA of Alberta is asking its membership to nominate deserving colleagues who have made significant contributions to the game of golf over the past year for one of nine awards that will honour their extraordinary achievements in 2024.
The call for nominations will be officially open July 23 – August 27, 2024. Members who submit a nomination will receive two, Top-100 points. Winners for each award will be announced at the PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception and Ceremony slated for October 23, closing out the second day of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show at Calgary’s BMO Centre.
“The PGA of Alberta Awards program is a critical pillar for recognizing and celebrating the efforts of our members’ exceptional contributions to golf in our communities,” said Chris Paskin, Chair of the PGA of Alberta Awards Committee and head golf professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
“The role of the local golf professional extends far beyond playing competitively or helping others with their games. Golf professionals are community leaders who are crucial to nurturing the sport’s growth and sharing the life skills the game presents within the community. I think it is important to recognize the tireless efforts of these professionals, regardless of the role they are playing, and I highly encourage all of the members of our association to get involved in this process and nominate one of their peers today.”
Members and industry affiliates are encouraged to nominate as many individuals as possible during the process via the PGA of Alberta website for one of the following awards:
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Class "A" Professional of the Year
- Club Professional of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Junior Leader of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Sales Representative of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
You can review the full criteria for each award here: PGA of Alberta Awards Criteria
Once the nomination period closes, all nominees will be notified by e-mail they have been nominated for an award. Nominees are then required to complete an application to move forward in the awards process.
“A sub-committee comprised of awards committee members and past winners of the respective award will review all of the nominations. Using a platform called SmarterSelect, a ranking system will be followed to determine the five finalists in each category,” said Paskin, who added that nominees are encouraged to also submit a video bio as part of their application.
The five nominees with the highest ranking are then presented to a 12-member main awards committee who are all past Club Professional of the Year recipients. The committee will rank the finalists once again to determine a winner.
The PGA of Alberta will also use the celebration ceremony to present the Jack Skellern Patron of the Year, Top 100 winner, Championship winners, Order of Merit champions, and Player of the Year.
The stats, both in terms of kids impacted and kilometres on the odometer, are mighty impressive.
And Matt Seifert is adamant that he is just getting started.
Seifert is determined to both give back and grow the game. That’s why he just returned from his latest RV road-trip to northern Alberta, travelling from course to course — and from campground to campground — to conduct clinics for juniors and women at facilities that don’t employ a certified teaching pro.
“There’s about 150 courses (across the province) with PGA of Alberta pros,” Seifert said. “And there are just shy of 300 that I’ve found that do not have a pro. My goal is to go to every single one of them. The only problem is it will take me about 10 years.”
That’s not so much a problem as a passion for Seifert, also an instructor at Golf Future in Calgary.
Two summers back, he was on the road for a 24-day stretch. He even made it as far as the Northwest Territories.
He had to cancel his plans in 2023 due to forest fires but was determined to hit the highway again.
“This latest one was 13 days, just me and a truck and trailer,” said Seifert, who covered more than 3,200 kilometres on his most recent roadie and worked with upwards of 500 golfers along the way — roughly 400 juniors, 140 women, and 20 dads or husbands. “I made it all the way up to High Level, which is the most northern golf course in Alberta. I made it to Fairview, where I had probably the best experience I’ve had on the RV tour. I actually had to go back for my day-off because there was such a demand for lessons.”
Seifert knows first-hand that the demand isn’t limited to Alberta’s major centres.
While he’d started to groove his golf swing as a youngster in Calgary, he was just about to start Grade 10 when his family moved to the village of Linden, a farming community with a population in triple digits.
The nine-hole Acme Golf Club became his home hangout.
“All of a sudden, everything I had in the city, all the golf resources, everything was gone and I was kind of left to fend there for myself,” Seifert said. “But I just worked really hard and there were some people that didn’t know a lot about golf but still inspired me to pursue it as a career when no other kid in town was even looking at golf as a career. So, I was lucky.
“I guess I’m one of the few professional athletes to ever come out of Kneehill County. So that’s pretty cool for me.”
There have been, in Seifert’s golf journey, plenty of pretty cool moments.
He’s competed on the mini tours. He’s worked in Australia and New Zealand. He has volunteered at the Hero World Challenge in Bahamas, a star-studded shootout that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation. That has provided the opportunity to chat with some of the biggest stars in the sport — from Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa to Nelly Korda and Michelle Wie and even Tiger himself. Seifert has a cherished photo with the 15-time major champion.
“I’ve dined with celebrities and I’ve caddied for presidents and I’ve met Tiger Woods,” said Seifert, not boasting but rather explaining why he feels indebted to the game of golf. “I’m like, ‘This shouldn’t have happened to a small-town kid.’ This RV tour means the world to me, because it wasn’t supposed to happen to me. But it did.”
That is exactly why Seifert, who just turned 40, gasses up and hits the road — because he hopes it will eventually happen again for some other kid from some other speck on the map in rural Alberta.
He plans to focus a little closer to Calgary in 2025, since he’ll soon have a baby at home. He has already started a list of stops in southern Alberta.
“I’ve had parents who will tell me, ‘I haven’t been able to make my kid smile in two months and all of a sudden, you have them smiling and they want to come back to the golf course the next day,’” Seifert said. “For me, I get emotional just talking about it. But that was my goal to start. It wasn’t about making money. I just wanted to give back to the game of golf. It was if one small-town kid sees my tour bag, like I saw Ron Laugher’s or Dale Tomlinson’s or Greg Griffith’s when I was kid … If one kid decides to pursue golf and they get to live half the life I’ve lived travelling the world, to me that’s it. One kid is enough.
“I’m very lucky right now that dozens and dozens of these hundreds of kids are starting to think, ‘I want to work in a pro-shop’ or ‘I want to play on the PGA Tour or the LPGA Tour.’
Things like that probably weren’t on their minds until I rolled through.
“I know we’re definitely inspiring a few kids out there. And with kids and sports, that’s what it is all about.”
CALGARY—Chris Horton was crowned champion of the Players Tour presented by Duca del Cosma after carding back-to-back birdies in a playoff that extended two extra holes under blistering Alberta sun at the Mckenzie Meadows Golf Club on Thursday.
Horton, an Apprentice Professional at the Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club, matched jabs with Kevin Black, in the playoff after both Calgarians carded 7-under-par 65s.
The head-to-head duel continued into the first extra hole, a 555-yard par-5, where the PGA of Alberta pros both made birdie. Horton continued his birdie streak to the 351-yard par-4 to lock up the victory.
“I was excited to head out against Kevin. I wasn’t sure if he was going to make it back,” said Horton, who added Black was the first group out on the day and left the property after his round so had to be called back for the playoff. “We both made some birdies and then he was in the fairway bunker on the second hole, and I hit it in close to seal the deal.”
Horton made the turn in 34 after carding four birdies and two bogeys on the opening side before catching fire on a back nine that saw him rattle off five birds in a six-hole stretch.
“On the front nine I had a few soft bogeys so I wasn’t sure how the day was going to go, and then I got it going on the back and finished well,” said Horton, who was hitting bombs in addition to firing darts at the flagsticks.
“I knew the course was fairly short, with short par-4s that you can get to in one. I just stayed aggressive all day. I hit three of them under regulation with a lot of two-putt birdies. It made it feel like a pretty easy round out there. It was an awesome, the course is in great shape, and the greens were rolling well.”
Black, who holds the post as Director of Golf at Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club, was also as hot as the prairie sun on the closing nine, firing five birdies and an eagle of his own for a round of 36-29—65.
Five southern Alberta pros posted 18-hole spins of 67 (-5). Tyler LeBouthillier (365 Golf Inc.), Jason Stanier (Inglewood Golf and Curling Club), Austin Keller (The Links of Glen Eagles), Ethan Palmer (Cottonwood Golf and Country Club), and Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Curling Club) all finished deadlocked in third place in the field of 70 players.
Terry Carter claims top spot in the senior division
Terry Carter (National Golf Academy at McCall Lake) was the lone golfer in the 18-man senior division to shoot a sub-par round. After opening with an eagle, Carter mixed together third birdies and one double-bogey for a score of 69 (-3).
Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) shot an even-par 72 for second place. Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf and Country Club) and Brian Bassen (Strathmore Golf Club) matched rounds of 73 to finish T3 under ideal conditions.
The PING Club Professional Championship is next up on the 2024 tournament docket where a field of 71 PGA of Alberta pros will tee it up at the pristine Calgary Golf and Country Club, July 22.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
The Education Committee would like to announce that the committee has officially been dissolved and is commencing a new application process. If you wish to be considered for the Education Committee, please submit a brief cover letter stating why you wish to be involved and a summary of your contributions to the association in recent years.
All submissions should be sent to Thomas Powley ([email protected]) before the deadline of July 23rd at 4:00PM. The new committee will be announced by August 2nd.
Responsibilities
The Education Committee shall meet as a committee up to 4-times per year and at the call of the chairs for:
1. Spring Seminar.
2. PD Series.
3. Teaching Summits.
4. Buying Show Education.
5. Further education development that works within the scope of the PGA of Canada curriculum.
6. Proactively obtain input and suggestions from members on their level of satisfaction with suggestions for improvement of the education portfolio.
7. Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
8. Undertake other activities assigned by the Board of Directors.
9. Review the terms of reference on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change.
The committee chair will provide a report on committee activity at each Board of Directors meeting even if no formal committee meetings have taken place.
Top 100 Points - Each member will receive 5 Top 100 points for being a part of the committee (see more information here).
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
LACOMBE, Alta.—Adam Bruce celebrated a two-shot victory at the Players Tour 1-Day presented by Duca Del Cosma at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
The born and raised Edmontonian, who is the head golf professional at Northern Bear Golf Club, topped the 64-man field with a sizzling round of 67 In near perfect conditions.
“It was pretty boring to be honest for the first 14 holes, but I managed to birdie my last four,” said Bruce, who found his passion for tournament golf while playing on the MacEwan University Varsity Golf Team. “I got a couple of lucky breaks, but it was a pretty solid round. The course is in amazing shape and the greens rolled very true. Putting is usually a struggle for me but on greens like this it is tough to have a bad day putting.”
David MacComb (Royal Mayfair Golf Club) was the next best finisher, posting a round of 69. Gage Murphy (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) completed his 18-hole spin of the testy Lacombe track at 70.
Next up on the summer PGA of Alberta calendar is the Pro-Junior at the Valley Ridge Golf Club, July 9.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Welcome to the Association
Congratulations to the 3 players who passed the Play Ability Test yesterday at Lacombe GC. The 3 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (79) or (81) for +50 to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Score |
| Mike Caines (365 GOLF) | 74 |
| Gabriel Schaadt (Banff Springs GC) | 79 |
| James Ferrier (365 GOLF) | 80 |
Fresh Golf Solutions will join the PGA of Alberta Senior Championship at Trestle Creek GR on August 26th & 27th
Fresh Golf is a search firm that specializes in finding leaders in the Golf & Club world. Since early 2022, Fresh Golf has found candidates for Head Professionals, General Managers, Superintendents, Marketing & Communication, Sales, Chefs, C.O.O.’s and Executive Directors.
To separate itself from other search firms – besides pricing that all Clubs can afford – the advisory and search team is the most connected team in the industry because they are still active members of the golf world.
Fresh Golf Solutions has had a number of searches for golf roles in Alberta market recently. They also updated their website, continue to supply weekly emails to the golf community about all the roles in Golf & Clubs and expanded their recruiting team. In addition, they assist candidates’ growth by offering to assist in resume review at no cost.
If your facility needs help finding a leader in the future or you want to know what you need to be ready for your next job search, please go to www.freshgolf.ca or contact:
Scott Kolb - Founder and lead recruiter
[email protected]
"Sundog Eyewear is proud to sponsor the Pro-Pro Scramble event this year, continuing our longstanding partnership with the PGA of Alberta," said Corey Austin, GM of Sundog Eyewear. "Our mission is to enhance the performance and comfort of golfers with high-quality eyewear. As we expand our offerings with brands like Barstool Sports, Blue Tees, Black Clover, CMC Design, and Tour Tee, our golf professional partners have embraced these brands, allowing us to deliver exceptional products to golfers in Alberta. We are excited to support Alberta’s golf professionals and celebrate our partnerships at the Pro-Pro Scramble Event."
About Sundog Eyewear...
Sundog Eyewear is committed to providing performance-driven sunglasses for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Our advanced lens technology ensures superior clarity, protection, and comfort, meeting the unique needs of golfers in various conditions. Sundog remains a top choice for Alberta Golf Professionals, representing brands such as Barstool Golf, Blue Tees, Black Clover, CMC Design, and Tour Tee. The list of brands Sundog represents continues on our mission to provide high-quality, performance driven products that are industry leading in their respective categories.
For Pro Shops, we offer customizable solutions tailored to your needs. Join us in our commitment to excellence and experience the Sundog Eyewear difference.
For more information, please visit www.sundogeyewear.ca or contact:
Kim Carrington – Southern AB
403.804.5464
Shawn Stewart – Northern AB
780.220.7888
Program focused on introducing people with a physical disability set for August 16 in Calgary
Golf professionals in Alberta are teeing up a drive to break down barriers and make the game more inclusive for people with physical/cognitive disabilities, Indigenous communities, and women, by hosting a series of community outreach learn-to-play sessions at facilities throughout the province this summer.
Funded by Jumpstart, PGA of Alberta’s Assistants Board will host a series of clinics in Calgary and Edmonton with the goal of making the game of golf a more welcoming and inclusive place for all to enjoy.
“We created this program as a way for our PGA of Canada Golf Professionals to not only assist with instructing the grass roots portion of the game, but to also reach those demographics who can sometimes be unserved when it comes to receiving golf instruction” said Bryce Halverson, Head Associate Golf Professional at Carnmoney Golf Club.
“The PGA of Alberta is committed to elevating the experience for numerous traditionally under-serviced demographics in the community by doing our part to provide positive experiences through golf instruction and activities. We hope to further strengthen the overall local golf community with inclusivity and diversity,” added Stephen Yanitski, Assistant Golf Professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
Both Halverson and Yanitski, along with Jumpstart and the PGA of Alberta, created a plan to serve this need, and identified four key community groups they will open doors to, and positively impact in 2024: people with a physical disability; Indigenous communities; women/girls; and Els for Autism/Special Olympics.
A FREE program for golfers of any age with physical limitations will be available on August 23rd from 12 noon – 5 p.m. at the Valley Ridge Golf Club in Calgary. A total of 24 participants will be instructed by six PGA of Alberta Assistants Board members through four, one-hour stations: driving range; putting green; short game area; and activity time. Equipment will be provided and prizes up for grabs. Registration is available at www.golfgenius.com/ggid/aw9g3p/register.
PGA of Alberta golf professionals Shannon Raina (Earl Grey Golf Club) and Tyler Leicht (Derrick Golf and Winter Club) will team up to host a FREE one-day summer camp for up to 16 Indigenous youth at Rundle Park Short Course in Edmonton on August 16, 2024. Participants will receive six hours of FREE instruction, access to equipment, lunch, and a sleeve of golf balls at the conclusion of the camp. Registration details are to follow.
Calgary-based professionals – Amy Popkes (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club) and Lisa Rosengarten (Glencoe Golf and Country Club) will lead a series of FREE events focused on supporting Els 4 Autism, Aspergers Friendship Society, and Special Olympics.
A Special Olympics Tournament was held at Silver Springs Golf and Country Club, June 20. Additionally, an Els 4 Autism tournament will be held on August 12 at The Links of Gleneagles. Prior to taking the course, all kids will participate in a two-hour instructional clinic as a way to get them involved in the game.
Over the last two months, Elizabeth Stewart (Petroleum Golf and Country Club) and Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club) introduced more than 70 junior girls and young women to the game. Four instructors joined forces to teach newcomers to the game in May at Victoria Golf Club. Participants then tested their skills in a fun round of golf at Rundle Park in June, creating an additional opportunity to bring young girls and women around the city together. PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals were on-hand to provide instruction throughout the round.
“I personally experienced the power sport can have, as a young child and now in my career as a golf professional. Sport and physical activities are fundamental for all of us to learn new skills, boost confidence, build self-esteem,” said Elizabeth Stewart, Associate Golf Professional at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club. “These clinics will not only introduce kids from these communities to the game, but they will create opportunities to meet other kids, and provide new experiences while having fun putting, playing and just enjoying themselves. Gina and I are hopeful that introducing young girls and women to the sport while representing women in prominent roles in the golf industry will inspire each of them to pursue their goals and success in their own lives. Representation and participation in golf are integral to ensuring this demographic feels that they belong in the golf community.”
Joey Busetto and fellow pros at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club will also host two more FREE adaptive golf lessons throughout the summer: July 26 (chipping, pitching, putting) and a three-hole on-course session August 23 where a golf professional will be in each group. Registration is available through the following link: https://www.parasportsab.com/we-offer/adapted-golf-9/.
For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.
Todd Kuczma, beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the age of 48 years.
Todd was born in Ontario and moved to Alberta when he was four years old. Growing up he moved with his family to Houston, Texas and Red Deer before finally settling in Calgary in 1988. Todd had an incredible sense of humour, (he could make anybody laugh), an easy-going personality, patient, kind and would do anything for the people he loved at the drop of a hat. Todd was friends with everyone he met for life. From an early age, he participated and excelled in sports. He had two great loves in his life – his son, Jake and the game of golf.
In his early twenties, he became a member of the Canadian Professional Golfer’s Association and worked at several golf courses in and around Calgary. In 2015 he left the industry to work for Canadian Engravers. At about the same time he started his own business under Blackwolf Golf Inc. It was a way for his friends and golf associates to participate in high-level golf competitions at affordable rates. Later he was able to successfully add engraving golf merchandise as a significant part of the business.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, 5757 – 4th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1K8, www.kidscancercare.ab.ca.
CALGARY—Calgary’s Craig Gibson and Jason Renneberg joined forces to win the 2024 Sunice Bobby Jones Tournament of Champions presented by Motocaddy Canada at the Carmoney Golf Club on Monday.
Gibson, a PGA of Canada professional down the road in the south end of Calgary at the Sirocco Golf Club paired up with his club champion, Renneberg, where the duo fired a sizzling 8-under-par 64 in the breezy conditions.
“It was a beautiful day. The golf course is in amazing condition, playing hard and fast out there. Jay and I made a lot of putts today. We made some nice bombs to make some birdies,” said Gibson. “We had a nice hot finish with three birdies on the last five holes that sealed the deal for us.”
The Tournament of Champions brought together 52 PGA of Canada professionals in Alberta with the club champion from their home course.
“It’s a great tournament,” added Renneberg. “It was a great opportunity to come and play the course and with my pro. Craig is a stud so is very easy and fun to play with.”
Kevin Graf and Jason Haley from Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie, Alta. finished one-shot off the leading mark in second place. Eric Locke and Nick Pothier from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club carded a 67 to finish in a three-way tie for third with Jamie Gerlitz and Matt Whittaker from Picture Butte Golf Club and Samuel Kirkness and Gerry MacDonald Jr. out of the Inglewood Golf and Country Club.
Next up on the 2024 PGA of Alberta Tournament schedule is the Players Tour 1-Day event at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club, July 4.
PGA of Alberta hosted their first Pro-Am of the season at Cardiff G&CC, a semi-private golf club located just 12 minutes north of St. Albert. Built on one of Alberta’s first underground coal mines, its unique setting offers challenges to golfers of all levels, including Seniors from around the province who joined their club professionals to compete for the 2024 Pro-Senior title.
The team from Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Jeremie Pasitney and Ted Asai, lead the field with 45 points in the best ball stableford format. On their way to victory, Pasitney and Asai carded 2 eagles and 7 birdies to edge out the team from Picture Butte GC, Jamie Gerlitz and Clint Collier, by one. In solo third place, Jeff Cuthbertson and his partner Paul Prefontaince from Stony Plain GC, did their best to chase down the leaders with 8 birdies of their own but ended 2 points shy of our winners.
| Position | Professional | Facility | Partner | Stableford Points |
| 1st | Jeremie Pasitney | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | Ted Asai | 45 |
| 2nd | Jamie Gerlitz | Picture Butte GC | Clint Collier | 44 |
| 3rd | Jeff Cuthbertson | Stony Plain GC | Paul Prefontaine | 43 |
| T-4th | Jeremy Lavallee | Cardiff G&CC | Peter Blandy | 42 |
| T-4th | Tyler Robinson | The Quarry | Robert Robinson | 42 |
| T-6th | Mel Dies | Nanton GC | Garry Winslade | 41 |
| T-6th | Murray McCourt | Ranch G&CC (The) | Kevin Karius | 41 |
| T-6th | Keith Whitecotton | The Quarry | Brian Samletzki | 41 |
| T-9th | Nic Longley | Sliver Springs G&CC | Mark Stobart | 40 |
| T-9th | Dean Dereniuk | Meadowlands GC | Dave Gyori | 40 |
| T-9th | John Wilson | Montgomery Glen GC | Bob Mullen | 40 |
| T-12th | Dallas Cantera | Cardiff G&CC | Glenn Girard | 39 |
| T-12th | Kyle Wade | PGA of Alberta Member | Bruce Wade | 39 |
| T-14th | Scott Westman | Ranch G&CC (The) | Bob Janow | 38 |
| T-14th | Andre DiBartolo | Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC | Rob VanOuwerkerk | 38 |
| T-14th | Chris Hughes | Edmonton CC | Clint Hogge | 38 |
EDMONTON—Calgary’s Mitchell Fox made it look easy on Tuesday despite challenging conditions to close with a 5-under-par, 67 for a handy five-shot victory at the Players Tour 2-Day competition at the Cougar Creek Golf Resort near Edmonton.
The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course charged into Oil country, teeing up his work week by taking a two-shot lead into Tuesday’s final round of the 36-hold event. Fox was one of two players in the field of 45 to break par, posting a 69 on the 6,542-yard layout in Monday’s opening round.
The former Canadian Tour player mixed together one eagle with five birdies and two bogeys for a sizzling 67 in the final trip around the tree-lined, rolling layout to secure the win (69-67—136).
“I played really good today. It is the type of course that you have to find your way around it, and hit to certain spots, but the course is in great shape, it was a good day and I’m happy with how I played,” said Fox, the son of a Class A Professional who turned pro himself in 2007 before joining the PGA of Canada just four years ago.
Tyler LeBouthillier (365 Golf Inc.) was one of two other players behind Fox to card a round in the 60s in the final round.
LeBouthillier chalked up five birdies of his own to go along with one bogey to lock up second spot with rounds of 73-68—141. Adam Bruce (Northern Bear Golf Course) also fired a 68 to finish in a tie for fourth place at 145 with Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Course). Cuthbertson was one of just four players to go sub-par on Tuesday.
Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club), who was sitting in second spot at 71 after the opening round, dropped a spot on the leaderboard following a final-round 18-hole spin of 73 for a total of 144.
The Pro-Senior Pro-Am, presented by Golf Trends Inc. and Levelwear is next on the 2024 tournament docket. A field of 46 teams will tee it up at Cardiff Golf and Country Club on June 20.
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
The first 2-day Players’ Tour event teed off today at Cougar Creek GR just west of Edmonton. After a rainy and windy start, the skies opened up to a beautiful afternoon for the 45 players in the field, who hope for calmer weather tomorrow morning as round 2 begins at 7:30am.
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) leads the field by 2 after five birdies lead to an opening round of 69. Following close behind is Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who had three birdies of his own to finish the day with a 1-under 71.
Leaders After Round 1
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Mitchell Fox | Speargrass GC | 69 |
| Kevin Black | Redwood Meadows G&CC | 71 |
| Scott Smith | Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre | 73 |
| Levi McDermott | Big Buck Golf Centre | 73 |
| Tyler LeBouthillier | 365 GOLF | 73 |
| Matthew Mah | Mill Woods GC | 74 |
| Jake Behiels | Cougar Creek GR | 75 |
| Jeff Cuthbertson | Stony Plain GC | 75 |
| Michael Thompson | Windermere G&CC | 75 |
| Shawn Proulx | River Ridge G&CC | 75 |
Round 2 Draw
Right from Day 1, Chris Cooke may have been destined to follow his father, Darren, into the golf industry.
Darren has been a staple for the past 36 seasons at Canmore Golf & Curling Club where he serves the dual role of general manager and director of golf. Chris is now the head professional at neighbouring Silvertip Resort, another beauty in the Bow Valley.
“The day that Christopher was born, he didn’t go straight home from the hospital. He came to the golf course first,” Darren reminisced. “There was a group of old guys that played cards in the pro shop all winter long, so we had to come and show him off. So, the first stop was the golf course.
“And ever since then … ”
Chris grew up at Canmore Golf & Curling Club, as much a constant as the stunning mountain views. It was, as he put it, both his “daycare” and “playground.”
He was only eight when he picked the range for the first time. When he was attending high school just down the street, Darren noticed that his lunch bill at the course was usually doubled.
After Chris completed his collegiate golf career at the University of Central Arkansas, he ultimately decided to try for his pro card.
He and his dad are now PGA of Alberta peers. When asked about his son, “proud” is the word that Darren uses most often.
“He always seemed to be where everybody came to have fun,” Chris said, sharing his childhood impressions of the life of a golf pro. “And when you get to work at a place where everybody goes to enjoy themselves, it makes for a pretty good work environment, for the most part.
“We’re here to facilitate enjoyment, to facilitate camaraderie, to facilitate fun. It’s just such a great sport to be involved with.”
Now in his ninth season as a pro, Chris has even more appreciation for why his father has such a sterling reputation in the golf biz. Darren was the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 2014.
“He really cares about everyone else before himself,” Chris said. “There is no job that is too big or too small for him to take on, and I have always really respected him for that. Some people think, ‘Oh, as a golf pro, you just walk the range and teach a few lessons.’ They don’t tell you that sometimes you have to clean the bathrooms or once in a while, you have to do some real dirty jobs that aren’t very glorious. But it’s all about getting it done.”
Whatever it is that you’re trying to get done, it helps to have somebody you can lean on for advice, experience or just a sounding board. For this father-son duo, that goes both ways. Golf isn’t the Cookes only shared passion. They also like to strap on the pads and tend the nets at the hockey rink.
“We share a lot of conversations back and forth, and I learn a lot from him too,” Darren said. “With the PGA of Alberta and PGA of Canada, it’s always been about networking and helping each other and sharing. Of course, when it’s your family member, sometimes those conversations are easier and sometimes they’re a little more difficult.
“I know in our area, with all of the golf courses, you can ask anybody around here and you’ll get an honest answer about what’s going on. Everybody is willing to help out. And when it’s your son, you answer that phone quickly and maybe get it done a little quicker, because it’s a part of you.”
For the Cookes, golf has been a big part of their lives. This Father’s Day will be extra special for Chris — his first with a child of his own. His daughter, Ruth, was born last August. And yeah, she is already a regular at the course.
“Through the winter, there was a simulator set up in the Canmore pro shop,” Chris said. “So, I would take her around there quite frequently and we’d hang out with Grandpa and I’d hit a couple shots and she’d be cruising around and she just wanted to grab every golf club or every golf ball she could see. It’s cool to see her so excited already and I just want to continue to expose her to all the greatness that golf can deliver. If she chooses it as one of her pastimes, great. And if not, so be it. She’ll have a lot of other activities going on. But just the way she’s already grabbing that golf club, I think she’s going to be hooked.”
That would be a case of history repeating itself.
“There’s not many places I’d rather be other than the golf course or hanging out with my family,” Chris beamed. “And at the golf course, I get to do both.”
Congratulations to the 5 players who passed the Play Ability Test today at Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC. The 5 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (78) or better to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Score |
| Michael Zorn (River Ridge GC) | 77 |
| Austin Gendreau (River Ridge GC) | 77 |
| Ethan Rimmer (Miskanaw GC) | 77 |
| Cameron Boyd (Japser Park Lodge GC) | 78 |
| Nicholas Heyland (Windermere G&CC) | 78 |
Kirkness claims 2024 title in second extra hole, Carr captures seniors crown after first playoff hole
EDMONTON—Samuel Kirkness and Glenn Carr proved victorious following extra holes at the Players Tour presented by Duca del Cosma at the Mill Woods Golf Course.
Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) captured the main event in a two-hole playoff, while Carr (Lakeside Golf Club) triumphed in the first extra hole to take the seniors’ category.
Kirkness – the 2023 Club Professional Championship winner – finished deadlocked at 70 with Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre), Jacques Plouffe (Royal Mayfair Golf Club), Nick Vandermey and Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) following an 18-hole spin of the 6,778-yard track in Edmonton.
Kirkness, Heffernan and Whitecotton dropped Plouffe and Vandermey after matching pars on the first extra hole, a 381-yard par-4. The PGA of Alberta heavyweights exchanged shots to the green on the par-5 538-yard test where Kirkness solidified the title with a birdie.
A close battle also unfolded in the seniors’ division (golf professionals 50 and older) where Carr (Lakeside Golf Club) and Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf and Country Club) carded identical scores of 76.
Carr wasted little time putting his name in the history books as the 2024 winner, topping DiBartolo on the first extra hole – the 364-yard, par-4 10th hole.
Just over 100 players teed it up through the rainy conditions in the morning shotgun start.
Final Results - Seniors Division
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Mathew MacDonald and Weston Gillett can look out the window and sometimes feel like they’re watching a rewind from their junior-golf days.
That’s one of the unique perks of working as head professional at the same course where you first fell in love with the sport. In MacDonald’s case, that would be Olds Golf Club. Gillett, meanwhile, learned the finer points of the game on the fairways and greens at Lacombe Golf & Country Club.
“I can’t remember who came up with the term, but I was what they called one of the ‘grapes’ of the pro-shop, because I would just hang around,” MacDonald said with a chuckle. “There were weeks when I was out here seven straight days as a kid. It was basically whenever mom and dad were able to get me to the golf course, I was usually more than willing to go.
“So yeah, I can definitely see a part of myself in some of these youngsters.”
Gillett, his fellow PGA of Alberta pro, knows that feeling.
Long before he had an office at Lacombe Golf & Country Club, he was one of the young whippersnappers with a stall in the junior club storage area.
Whenever he wanted to practice or play, he’d simply lace up his sneakers and walk to the course. When he arrived, he typically had to empty his pockets.
“Luckily, I didn’t live too far from here,” Gillett reminisced. “Back when I was a kid, the highway wasn’t as busy as it is now. I wouldn’t recommend walking anymore, but it wasn’t that busy back then.
“So, I’d walk over, and then on the other side of the highway, there’s ball diamonds across
from our ninth hole. I used to walk up between the ball diamonds and the golf course and I’d find tons of golf balls. I remember never having to buy balls because I’d find them as I was walking.”
Gillett had such fond memories of his upbringing at Lacombe Golf & Country Club — and his stints as a high-schooler on the maintenance crew and pro-shop staff — that he admits there was a bit of apprehension as he pondered whether to apply to be the head pro in his hometown. He’s now in his sixth season in the role after making the move from Drayton Valley.
“This golf course, this Club, it’s always been very important to me because it’s kind of where I grew up, and I didn’t want to go in and have a negative outlook if something were not to be quite as I perceived it,” Gillett explained. “But it’s been really good. It’s all been super positive.”
MacDonald is just getting settled into his new job as pro/manager at Olds. He worked up the road in Innisfail for the past three years.
“This was always something that was in the back of my mind that I wanted to potentially do,” he said. “I mean, this course kind of gave me my start in the golf world — both as a back-shop kid when I was younger and again as I was starting to make my way into the professional ranks. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for the town of Olds and for the golf course. When I had an opportunity to jump up and take the position, I jumped into it with both feet. It’s been a really fun experience so far. It’s very interesting. I always say it’s very weird that I get to sit on the other side of the same desk where I used to get in trouble if I did something wrong out here.
“But it’s been a lot of fun. Pretty cool.”
For Gillett, MacDonald, and other professionals now working at the same facilities where they were first introduced to the game, the best part isn’t the opportunity to occasionally relive their youth.
It’s the opportunity to influence the next wave.
When Gillett was a smooth-swinging junior, Kevin Snell was head pro at Lacombe. He was delighted when Snell, a PGA of Alberta life member, stopped by on his first day on the job to offer his congratulations.
“I see a lot of kids that come out here, and I see a little bit of myself in them,” said Gillett, now a proud father of three. “I was always treated really, really well by the previous pros when I was kid and they’d take me out to play. I know the first couple times that I played with Kevin when I was 12 or 13 years old, I was just in awe of what he could do with the golf ball. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t like Tiger Woods or anything. But to me, it was.
“I can remember walking in the shop and Kevin had his bag there with his name on it, and I thought that was so cool. I thought that was just one step below seeing Tiger Woods.”
MacDonald, too, can rattle off a list of pros who had a major impact on his growing love for golf and instilling the values that you learn while chasing birdies and pars — honesty, integrity, and responsibility to name a few.
“One of the things that I’ve always remembered is that those individuals always made time for me, always took time to say hello or come walk out on the putting green to see how I was doing,” MacDonald said. “They always made themselves very available. They were very generous with their time. And I always try to remember that — that I probably wouldn’t be here in the position that I’m in if it wasn’t for their encouragement, their kindness and their willingness to have that influence on my golf game and my life. I always try to remember that no matter what comes up, it’s the people first and making sure that people feel valued and welcomed. A simple tip on the driving range can go a long way toward helping a relationship grow. In my case, it helped me create a career out of it.”
The PGA of Alberta will be hosting its Summer Teaching Summit on June 5th and 6th with a location change to Golf Future in Calgary, Alberta.
Start your golf season by learning from Ryan Dailey, Co-Founder - Operation 36, who will be joining us to facilitate his level 1 coach certification from 8am - 3:30 pm both days. Each event is led by a team of PGA golf professionals who are on staff at Operation 36 HQ. These pros have run the program successfully and have helped thousands of golf pros execute successful programs. This will be the first time the certification has been hosted at a venue in Canada in 15 years.
We have the opportunity to offer the program at 50% off the regular rate at $500 to attend the level 1 certification course with food and beverage scheduled at Golf Future included.
Here is the link to the education portal Operation 36 will use to post updates, schedule, and any other information leading up to the summit: Operation 36 - Education Portal
Registration opens Friday, May 3rd at 10 am
Celebrating Jim’s amazing 75 years, Guest Speakers, Tributes and Videos will be full of laughs, smiles and tears.
You can join the Celebration via the live stream link below at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 2nd.
New Economic Impact Study Released
OTTAWA, May 23, 2024 – After a four-year pause due to COVID-19, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) are on Parliament Hill leading National Golf Day and discussing with Parliamentarians the many positive benefits of golf for Canadians.
The golf industry representatives are also releasing the results of a new Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study highlighting golf’s financial contributions and incredible popularity as the number one participation sport in Canada.
National Golf Day also celebrates golf’s physical and mental health benefits, its safe sport attributes, social merits, environmental stewardship, diversity, life skills for youth, and economic value to the business community. National data indicates that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have entered the sport since Covid-19, totaling six million Canadian golfers and further strengthening golf’s status as the number one participation sport in the country.
“Canadians played 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a considerable 24% increase from the last Study in 2019,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and Chair of NAGA.
“Existing golfers have been playing more often and new golfers have been taking up the game at impressive levels,” said Calderwood. “The broad appeal of golf as a safe, healthy, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed by all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets, anywhere in Canada, generates continued growth in the game. The impressive economic impacts that are then generated reflect that popularity.”
NAGA conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure such financial contributions as employment, charitable support, tourism, and gross domestic product. The sport and business of golf are thriving post-pandemic and continue to be an important economic engine for Canadians and their communities across Canada. Some of the highlights from the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study include:
- Golf contributes a massive amount to Canada’s GDP at $23.2 billion, an increase of $4 billion since the previous Study
- Golf supports 237,000 person-years of employment, illustrating its importance as a vital source of livelihood for countless Canadians. Nearly 135,000 Canadians work directly in golf, with 45,000 being student employment.
- Golf-related activities generated over $14.2 billion in labour income, sustaining families and generating significant economic spin-off spending.
- $382 million was raised through golf activities for charities across Canada, a return to the pre-Covid-19 range and tops among all participation sports.
- Approximately 6 million Canadians played golf in 2023, an all-time high for the number one participation sport in the country, generating 74 million rounds played.
- Golfer spending totalled $14.2 billion in 2023.
- Golf course operations contributed $8.1 billion to Canada’s GDP.
- Capital expenditure by golf course operations in 2023 was $907 million.
- Taxes paid to governments by the Canadian golf industry were $4.7 billion in 2023.
“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just the economic contributions. It is also a holistic solution to many of life’s necessities and an activity that can enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada.
“Golf is a healthy, safe activity, promoting environmental stewardship, providing exceptional social value, and is great for business. And importantly, we’re seeing tremendous diversity in our growth with incredible levels of engagement,” said Applebaum. “In addition, the recent success of our Canadian LPGA and PGA Tour Pros has further propelled the enthusiasm for the sport, with such stars on the world stage as Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor.”
- Other attributes of Canadian golf include:
- 18 holes of golf burns up to 2000 calories, a very healthy 15 km walk and active exercise in nature.
- 95% of golfers in Canada feel that golf is very good for their mental health, which has also been clinically proven.
- 83% of Canadian golfers state that the social aspects of golf are important to them and improve their lives.
- Spectator interest in professional golf is at an all-time high. The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are setting records for attendance and commercial success.
- Golf is a trusted Safe Sport environment for both recreational and competitive play.
- Canadian golf has been experiencing great diversity, including a 6% increase in active women golfers and 33% growth in BIPOC golfers in 2023.
- Off-course golf including simulator play and virtual golf experiences have bolstered the growth in participation.
- Sustainable golf has become a leading environmental stewardship movement in Canadian golf, with golf courses throughout the country embracing sustainability pledges and best practices.
Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience that could not be found elsewhere.
With golf now better recognized as an important part of the solution, and all of the health, social and economic benefits, the positive spotlight on golf and its impact on Canadian communities has since sustained most of that increased demand.
In summary, the study clearly shows that golf is good for Canada and Canadians.
Congratulations to the 7 players who passed the Play Ability Test today at Highwood Golf. The 7 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (79) or better to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Score |
| Robert Wilkie (Priddis Greens G&CC) | 71 |
| Devon Timson (Stewart Creek GR) | 76 |
| Dylan Bells (Willow Park G&CC) | 76 |
| Cole Charrois (365 GOLF) | 78 |
| Jae Hyun Jeong (Banff Springs GC) | 78 |
| Steve Madden | 79 |
| Matthew Zeiter | 79 |
HIGH RIVER, Alta.—Be assured the mixed team of PGA of Alberta professionals, Randy Hunter and Katy Rutherford, are driven to win the Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play – South presented by Nike that teed off Tuesday at Highwood Golf.
But, the lone male-female tandem from Silver Springs Golf and Country Club are on a mission this summer far greater than wrapping their hands around the coveted team trophy. They, along with the 62 other pros from southern Alberta who teed it up for the season-long team event, are also on a mission to grow the game.
“I’m a huge proponent of professional golfers playing golf. I highly encourage it at the Club. I highly encourage Katy to go play in any event she needs too, and to play PGA of Alberta events, networking, to see everybody playing,” said Hunter, head golf professional, Silver Springs Golf and Country Club, who added that Nic Longley – an apprentice professional from his Club – also teed it up on Tuesday.
“I think it is also great to play with a fellow teammate at Silver Springs and very important to get out and play in these events, support these events and show the PGA of Alberta that we are nice and strong.”
Rutherford, the reigning PGA of Canada Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year winner, was one of three women to mix it up with the men in Tuesday’s opening round of 16 matches. Carmen Kinas (Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club) and Nicola Greaves (Willow Park Golf and Country Club) also supported the mission to get more women playing competitively, or for fun and fitness.
“There are lots of (women) in the industry. It is just kind of paving the way to let everybody else know that we are here, that we are great golfers and that we want to compete,” added Rutherford. “It’s great to show face and have good representation more and more in each event.”
Calgary’s Rutherford and Hunter let their golf clubs do the talking on Tuesday in High River, winning their opening match 2&1 in a hard-fought affair over Mathew MacDonald (Olds Golf Club) and Dylan Wood (Innisfail Golf Club).
“It was a great match, a great golf course,” said Hunter. “We were all square sitting through nine and then had to put the pedal down on the back nine which was great. We made some birdies and coming home there were some fun holes. It was a great match, great to get out here to play with Katy and great to get the win.”
With the Team of MacDonald and Wood driving the green on the 15th and 16th holes of the 6,500-yard, par-71 layout that puts a premium on hitting fairways and greens, it was critical to make birdies for those seeking a ticket to the second round of the season-long event.
“Just staying patient (was the key). This golf course definitely has some drivable holes at the end, so par definitely didn’t leave you out of it. You had to make birdies here to win a hole, so definitely staying patient and staying in the mix,” said Rutherford.
The remaining matches will be played at times and golf course locations in Southern Alberta decided by contestants throughout the remainder of the season.
Results: Tuesday Round of 16 Matches
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
For Kim Valleau, this prestigious honour provided a reminder of past success, of her days as a trophy-collecting force on the post-secondary golf circuit.
It presented a chance, too, to reflect on her path to a career in the sport that she loves.
Valleau, now head professional at The Winston Golf Club in Calgary, was inducted this past week in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Hall of Fame.
“It’s very meaningful to me,” Valleau said prior to Friday’s enshrinement ceremony in Red Deer. “I just feel like that’s where I really got into golf. I played competitive in high school, but it means a lot because I feel like that’s where I feel like my career in golf kind of started. Even though I didn’t think I’d be a golf pro when I was playing college golf, that’s what it turned into.”
It was abundantly clear, back when she was racking up birdies on behalf of the Mount Royal Cougars from 2003-07, that Valleau had a bright future in golf.
She won the ACAC’s individual crown in five consecutive seasons and helped the Cougars to claim the team title in four of those. Her Hall of Fame bio mentions “an unparalleled legacy of excellence and achievement on the course.” That’s lofty praise.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Valleau, who hails originally from Nipawin, Sask. “To play college golf, it was a big deal to me. It was very important, a big part of my life. So, it’s nice to be recognized for that.”
It is, indeed, another stellar addition to a resume that also includes a double nod as both the PGA of Alberta’s Class A Professional-of-the-Year and the PGA of Canada’s Stan Leonard Assistant Professional of the Year in 2022.
As a student-athlete standout at Mount Royal, Valleau earned an applied business degree in entrepreneurship, sport and recreation. While she’d work summer jobs in pro shops, often chasing morning shifts with afternoon rounds or practice sessions, she admits this wasn’t always her intended career path.
“When I graduated from Mount Royal, I was actually working for the 2009 Tim Hortons Brier as the admin assistant, so I took care of all the volunteers,” Valleau reminisced. “And then our head professional at the time, Wayne Fairbairn, asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to try to get your pro card?’ I said, ‘Sure, I’m not really doing anything after the Brier ends.’ So, I went back to the golf course, took my Player Ability Test, which was two days at the time, and passed. And honestly, the rest is all history.”
Valleau has now been a fixture at The Winston — formerly known as Calgary Elks — for 15 years and was recently promoted to head professional. She is proof of the positive impact of the PGA of Alberta’s mentorship program, having benefitted from the opportunity to learn from her experienced counterparts and now sharing that expertise as a role model for the next wave.
“I like the connections that you’re able to make through golf, whether it’s somebody that you’re playing with, playing against or serving members or making someone’s day,” Valleau said. “Working in the golf shop, you’re always asking, ‘How was your round?’ And you rarely hear, ‘Oh, I hit it straight sideways today.’ You never hear about the bad shots, right? You hear, ‘Oh, I hit it really close today on Hole 8’ or something like that. You always hear about the good things, which is awesome.”
These days, she should be hearing something else — ‘Congrats, Kim.’ After all, a Hall of Fame induction is a heck of an honour.
BEAUMONT, Alta.—Patience was the key for 64 PGA of Alberta professionals who teamed up for a head-to-head clash against their peers, not to mention Mother Nature, on a cool, rainy day to open the 2024 Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play North presented by Nike on Thursday at the Coloniale Golf Club near Edmonton.
“It was a battle out there,” said David MacComb, head professional, Royal Mayfair Golf Club. “We knew we needed to be very patient and try not to get into too much trouble. It was a grind.”
MacComb and his partner Matthew Mah (Mill Woods Golf Club) had their hands full with an opening-round match against Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Club) and Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair Golf Club).
“It was a really tough draw with Mike and Jeff, who we also played last year. I work with Mike, and so I know how good he is,” said MacComb following a 4&3 victory.
“My partner and I ham and egged it pretty good. We both hit some poor shots but didn’t do it at the same time which was key, and we got away with a couple of short game saves. The course was great. It surprised a lot of people. It is awesome, a really cool place and it is not that easy.”
The Colonial Golf Club provided a gnarly test with difficult bunkers, large lakes and narrow fairways. Mother Nature threw another challenge into the mix with heavy rain plummeting down for most of the day on the lengthy track that stretches out to just over 7,000 yards from the tips.
“The course was in really good shape considering how much rain we got,” said Dallas Cantera, general manager, Cardiff Golf and Country Club who teamed up with his colleague Jeremy Lavallee for a 4&3 victory of their own over Kevin Day (Billy D’s Driving Range) and Grant Cammidge (Jagare Ridge Golf Club).
“The key was we needed to get the right yardages and figure out how long it would actually play, tried to stay warm and we just had to stay positive with the elements and not let it affect you. At the end of the day, we were just trying to make as many pars as we can and go from there.”
The remaining matches will be played at times and golf course locations in Northern Alberta decided by contestants throughout the remainder of the season.
“It’s a great event and is nice to have teams out there for match play,” added Cantera. “There is lots of good competition in the field. I enjoy getting to see some of the courses we might not normally play, and it is a good way to meet other pros.”
The opening rounds of the Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play – South Presented by Nike is slated for May 21 at Highwood Golf Course in High River.
Results: Thursday Round of 16 Matches
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
BANFF, Alta.—Captains Robbie Johnson (Banff Springs Golf Club) and Amy Popkes (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club) set the tone for a Team Red victory at the PGA of Alberta’s inaugural Banff Springs Ryder Cup on a chilly Monday in the mountains.
The Red squad celebrated a 24.5 to 20.5 victory over Team Black in the Ryder Cup format that saw 60 PGA of Canada golf professionals from throughout Alberta square off on the 6,389-yard track rolled out alongside the scenic Bow River at the foot of Mount Rundle. Each team, featuring a mix of 30 men and women, played best ball on the front 9 and a scramble format on the back side.
The Team Red Captains won their match 3 UP over Team Black Captains, Josh Fleming (365 Golf) and Lisa Rosengarten (Glencoe Golf and Country Club).
Team Black was up early in the overall standings before Team Red came charging back, winning five of the final six matches on the course in the overall results.
It was the first year for the Banff Season Kick-Off event – a new initiative as the PGA of Alberta works together with its membership to create more competitive opportunities in a fun and welcoming environment for all players.
Complete Results of Matches:
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/10579445917818077630
For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/
Lethbridge pro defeats Medicine Hat’s Dillon Batsel in first extra hole
PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.— Taylor Jetten and Dillon Batsel grew up playing basketball and a bit of golf against each other in southern Alberta.
On a blustery Monday afternoon, they squared off once again – this time on the ninth tee box at Picture Butte Golf Club – to determine the winner of the season-opening PGA of Alberta Players Tour Series after the two southern cowboys matched rounds of 67s in an 18-hole spin around the 6,500-yard track.
When the dust finally settled around the first hole of overtime, the par-5 ninth green, it was Jetten – an assistant professional at the Lethbridge Country Club – taking his first career PGA of Alberta title.
“It was great. I got lucky out there on a couple of big putts and got lucky on a few of the bounces,” said Jetten, who added the course was in great early-season condition. “It’s early (in the season) and a lot of the other boys probably haven’t played a lot, but we got lucky in southern Alberta and have gotten out a few times. It’s always windy so it kind of played to my advantage with all of the wind today.”
Jetten secured the $900 winner’s cheque after getting the best of his Medicine Hat rival and defending champion of the event, Batsel, with a par on the first extra hole.
“I remembered earlier that 14 years ago I lost in a playoff in my Junior Club Championships, so I was like ‘hey you got another shot’ and I just wanted to capitalize on it,” added Taylor. “I got a little lucky on the playoff where he (Dillon) miss hit a few shots, and I snuck out the win.”
Batsel, a six-year associate professional from Desert Blume Golf Club, took home $600 for the runner-up finish. A trio of players – Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort), Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club), and Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club) all posted 68s to share third-place money of $450 each.
The tee sheet for the first PGA of Alberta event on the 2024 slate featured 50 professionals from across the province.
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to bring our community of golf professionals together once again in Picture Butte for the season-opener,” said Robert Rousselle, executive director, PGA of Alberta. “We are grateful to head professional, Dean Sklarenko, and his staff for hosting our community this week. Congratulations to each of the participants.”
A newly created Team Event, Banff Season Kick-Off, will be held at Banff Springs Golf Club, May 13. For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit The Tournament Registration Page.
HOLE-IN-ONE INSURANCE is now available for the 2024 golf season! For more information about the HIO program and to submit your event, click the button below.
TOP 10 BENEFITS OF THE PGA OF ALBERTA HIO PROGRAM
- Competitive industry rates
- Prize Premiums available from $500 - $50,000
- Fixed-rate for field sizes from 32 to 199 players
- Easy to purchase online
- Easy payment options
- Purchase for one event OR an entire season’s worth of events at once
- Modify your events by contacting the office based on any changes that occur throughout the season
- Fees/Premiums are waived if the tournament is canceled due to inclement weather
- No dealing with the insurance company directly
- Supporting the Association and golf industry
Questions?
If you have any questions on how this program can work for you, please contact Marlene Sanderson by email ([email protected]) or phone (403-256-8894).
While this is the start of their busy season, or what some might call their crazy season, you won’t catch any golf professional complaining.
As Matt Johnson, the general manager at Royal Mayfair and president of the PGA of Alberta’s Board of Directors, put it: “This is the start of a pretty heavy sprint, but we all look forward to this time of year. There are no bad days when you’re open in April.”
As April gives way to May, most courses across the province are now up and running for the 2024 season.
“No matter how many years you’ve been doing this, it’s always exciting,” said Tiffany Gordon, who has 35 years of experience in the golf industry — probably just as many awards and accolades — and is now the director of clubhouse operations and membership ambassador at Carnmoney. “You grind down and you do a bunch of work through the winter and you’re always working on new ways to do things or ways to make things better or to keep things going. But you miss the people, right? It’s exciting when you open the gates, and you get everybody out playing golf again. I think that rejuvenates everyone.”
The people are the best — and the biggest — part of this business, which is why the PGA of Alberta has launched a new season-long storytelling campaign to help you get to know the more than 670 golf professionals across the Wild Rose Province.
There are plenty of great, and inspiring, stories to tell.
There are familiar names, those who have chased birdies on some of the biggest stages in the sport, and compelling family connections — spouses, sons following their fathers, a set of twin siblings. There are life members eager to share their years of experience and wisdom and not-so-long-ago junior golf standouts who are now growing the game as mentors and role models for young girls and boys.
Whether at a top-end private club, a dedicated fitting or practice centre or an off-the-beaten-path rural course, the common bond for all PGA of Alberta golf professionals is a passion for this great game and a tremendous pride for their place in it.
“We wear a lot of hats, and we do a lot of things, but most importantly we’re ambassadors for the game,” said Gordon, the PGA of Alberta’s national director. “We could be doing anything from teaching and coaching to running events to managing facilities to playing to heading up associations or being involved at the Board level. There’s really nothing that we don’t touch, and that’s pretty special.
“There’s a number of opportunities for us to lead in the game and what you do is you just promote how good this game is for people, in general. Whether you’re at a private club, a public club, a resort, the most important thing is we’re encouraging people to play the game. Because it’s good for them. It’s good for families. It’s good for couples. It’s good for women. It’s good for every aspect of your community. That’s the great thing about being an ambassador, too, is all that community-driven opportunity that we have.”
Because as the 800,000 golfers across the province — all of them ready to be digging divots rather than shovelling snow — return to their favourite courses to tee up a new season, it’s likely the first face they will see is a PGA of Alberta professional.
“We’re kind of the front desk for your experience at any club,” Johnson said. “We feel like we’re leaders in understanding what the expectation of the golfer is. Nothing against the other departments at the clubs, but we deal one-on-one with the golfers more than anyone else does and so it’s up to us to promote the game of golf, engage people in the game of golf, make it fun, make it enjoyable, and knock down barriers for all to feel welcome and enjoy this game.”
This responsibility is not taken lightly by any of Alberta’s golf professionals – even those cutting their teeth in the business, including Dillon Batsel who is in his sixth year as an associate professional at Desert Blume Golf Course down in Medicine Hat.
“I think all golf professionals understand we are integral to developing a positive culture for people who play golf and enjoy the game at our facilities,” said Batsel. “For me personally, it is all about the people. I love seeing, helping and spending time with people who share my passion for the game.”
Inspired to chase a career in golf by his junior program coordinator, Terry Meidinger, while playing as a youngster growing up in Medicine Hat, Batsel is keen to pay it forward and positively influence a new generation of birdie seekers.
“Watching Terry run our junior program, he cultivated a lot of why I was drawn to golf (helping me understand the role of working in a pro shop) – you have to work hard, play hard because I think while we are busy, it is important to carve out a little time to play. That is important for people to see us playing,” added Batsel, who also particularly looks forward to the return of the adrenaline rush felt while helping guests improve their games.
“I think that is what we all teach for. We strive to put a smile on the face of the person taking the lesson, seeing someone new to the game hit their best shot, or helping someone struggling with a certain aspect of their game overcome it. It is great when you feel like you are marginally responsible for giving them hope.”
That positive sentiment of golf being back is felt by golf professionals opening the tee sheets at public and private courses all around Alberta.
“It’s exciting to be a golf pro at this time of year,” added Johnson. “You wake up in the morning and you look forward to going to work because it’s usually a positive environment. You see people with huge smiles on their faces, especially when they’re coming back to golf. That energy, it’s infectious.”
Travel Craft will be a Presenting Sponsor for the Pro-Junior during the 2024 season!
"Travel Craft is proud to be a sponsor and partner of the PGA of Alberta," said Stephen Melling, President of Travel Craft. "Our services are focused on providing memorable golf club travel experiences. Our packages are custom designed to obtain this goal."
About Travel Craft...
For Clubs who wish to offer member trips: we work with you to plan, price, market, and solidify the experiences you desire. For Clubs who arrange their own member trips: our logistics reduce your time commitment and provide insurance coverage options for your participants. As a registered and accredited travel agency we receive net group pricing that saves your members money and allows us to provide complimentary host offerings. Call us today and let’s get you to spectacular golf locations!
For more information, please visit www.travelcraft.ca or contact their Representative below:
Stephen Melling - President
[email protected]
(403) 393-0883
Motocaddy distributed by MKRAK is very excited to once again be a sponsor of the PGA of Alberta as a Presenting Sponsor for the Tournament of Champions.
As golfers ourselves, we know the game is all about having fun – whether that’s a social round with your friends or in a tournament," said Adriana Molano, MKRAK. "Millions of golfers around the World can testify that golf’s physical and mental wellness benefits are as compelling as the challenge of hitting a perfect shot. In the past, walking golfers had a simple choice between carrying their clubs or using a pushcart."
About Motocaddy...
We are here to tell you that there is an even better option – an electric trolley! Think motorized pushcart with a vast array of features to allow you to get all the benefits of walking the course, without hindering your performance, and lowering the risk of injury! You don’t need to take our word for it though. Independent research found that an electric trolley is regarded as the "most satisfying" way to transport your clubs around the course, with around half of owners wishing they’d made the switch sooner!
For more information please visit www.motocaddy.ca or www.mkrak.ca or contact their Representative below:
Shawn Stewart - Northern Alberta
[email protected]
(780) 220-7888
Longman Agency - Southern Alberta
[email protected]
(403) 607-1160
Teena Margaritis - Head Office
[email protected]
(514) 212-1618
365 GOLF will be the new Presenting Sponsor for the Mentorship Tournament during the 2024 & 2025 seasons.
"At 365 GOLF, we’re dedicated to cultivating a vibrant community where passion for the game intertwines with unmatched coaching opportunities and a genuine love for golf," said Josh Fleming, Director of Player Development. "This event is a testament to dedication, offering a platform for experienced pros and aspiring talents to exchange experiences, wisdom, and laughter both on and off the course."
About 365 GOLF
What is our mission here at 365 GOLF? It is very simple and boils down to this: bringing enjoyment and inspiration to every golfer’s game. Having fun should come first, and we aim to do so in all areas of your game—long game, short game, putting, the mental side of the game, course management, etc. You can expect to achieve your goals for the game of golf with our fun, engaging, and customizable coaching programs.
365 GOLF coaches are dedicated to creating an inclusive and inviting atmosphere where every golfer, regardless of their background or skill level, is welcomed and supported in their journey. They believe in the power of diversity, recognizing that golf is a sport for everyone to enjoy.
For more information, visit 365golf.ca or contact their representative below:
Josh Fleming - Director of Instruction
Phone: (587) 576-4653
Email: [email protected]
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PGA of Alberta Tournament Registration will open Monday, March 18th at 10:00am.
Reminder: All Members registering for any tournament must fill out a Tournament Eligibility Form prior to registration. Click here: https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/tournament-eligibility-form/
Banff Spring Kick-Off - New Event for 2024
Banff Springs will host a season kick-off for the 2024 season. This event will be a Ryder Cup format where 60 players will be divided into two teams. Players will then be paired with someone from their team to compete against a twosome from the the opposing team in a match (9-hole best ball, 9-hole scramble).
Designed to be a social event where Members can network with other PGA Members within the association. There will be no purse but prizing will be available during and after the round.
This will be an 8:30am shotgun, followed by a meal and prize presentation. The famous par 3 "Devil’s Cauldron" will be played with heritage clubs.
There will be a room block available for those looking to stay at Fairmont Banff Springs on Sunday, May 12th (double occupancy rooms). This will be in conjunction with a horse race organized by the Banff Springs staff.
The Association is excited to announce that Levelwear has expanded it’s partnership to become the new Presenting Sponsor for the Pro-Senior.
“On behalf of everyone at Levelwear, we are ecstatic to be able to expand upon our partnership with the PGA of AB through 2025 with the addition of Presenting Sponsor of the Pro-Senior event," said Bob Else, Director of Sales. "As a small Canadian-owned and designed company, we truly value the support, dedication, and loyalty we receive from the PGA of Alberta membership and feel it’s imperative as a brand and company we reciprocate upon this mutual support.”
About Levelwear...
Levelwear is where life and style become one. We’ve taken our 35-year history in apparel manufacturing and used it to create innovative, premium quality athletic and lifestyle apparel to keep you performing at a higher level. Detail, style, and comfort—we proudly do it all. Step onto the course in unmatched style with our Levelwear performance enhancing golf apparel. Expertly designed with mobility in mind, our wide range of polos, bottoms, and mid-layer pieces will keep you comfortable from your first swing to your last.
Levelwear has supported the PGA of Alberta through the Awards Cocktail Reception since 2022 and they are excited to join PGA of Alberta Members out on the course for 2024.
For more information, visit https://ca.levelwear.com/ or contact their representative below:
Dani Pacheco | Sales Representative
Cell: 587.999.1060 | Email: [email protected]
Congratulations to the following members on being elected to the Board of Directors on March 2 at the PGA of Alberta Annual General Meeting:
- Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC, newly elected)
- Jeff MacGregor (Glendale G&CC, re-elected)
- Josh Fleming (365 GOLF, re-elected)
- Shawn Lavoie (PGA of Alberta Member, re-elected as Vice President)
Congratulations to the following members on being elected to the Assistants’ Board of Directors:
- Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, newly elected)
- Gina Nelson (Highlands GC, newly elected)
- Lisa Rosengarten (Glencoe G&CC, re-elected)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC, re-elected as Vice President)
- Tyler Leicht (Derrick G&WC (The), newly elected)
Click the following links to view the entire Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board.
Trestle Creek Golf Resort will play host to its first ever PGA of Alberta event when it welcomes the Seniors and Ladies’ Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell, August 26-27, 2024.
Located 45 minutes west of Edmonton, Trestle Creek Golf Resort will offer a spectacular 18-hole championship test. Designed by Brad Dupuis, who has also built courses for Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Peter Dye and Von Hagge Design throughout the world over the last four decades, is sure to offer a fun competition for Alberta’s top Seniors and Ladies’.
“We are super excited to be hosting the PGA of Alberta Seniors and Ladies’ Championship,” said Art New, who is entering his second year as the Head Golf Professional at Trestle Creek Golf Resort. “This layout, is so much fun to play and has some of the most challenging greens in the province!"
“Trestle Creek is not about your good shots, but it is definitely about where you miss! It’ll be fun to watch some of the best seasoned professionals taking this challenge on.”
The Seniors and Ladies’ Championship is unique event that consists of two separate tournaments held in conjunction with each other. Gina Nelson and Larry Petryk, who emerged victorious in 2023, are sure to be on everyone’s radar as we inch closer to the 2024 Championship.
"I’m looking forward to defending this year’s PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship at Trestle Creek Golf Resort,” said Petryk, who captured the 2023 title following a three-hole playoff at Silver Springs Golf and Country Club.
“This will be an excellent venue for this tournament, and it will provide a significant challenge. The field always includes a tremendous history of players with numerous accomplishments both on and off the course. I’m very thankful for the privilege to participate and hopefully can find some similar success once again.”
Gina Nelson captured her third Ladies’ title in 2023 after winning back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.
“I am excited to get to try and defend my Ladies’ Championship title this summer on a fun and challenging venue that is sure to be a great test for a Championship,” added Nelson. “I’m thankful to Art New and his team for hosting this event, it is definitely something to look forward to this season.”
A full 2024 tournament schedule will be released on March 4.
The contenders for the PGA of Alberta’s Assistants’ Championship presented by Cobra Puma Golf will head back to Sirocco Golf Club.
A true links course that winds its way through the Pine Creek Valley that hosted the prestigious event for Assistant professionals in Alberta in 2021, will welcome the tournament back August 6-7 in 2024.
Time will tell if Wes Heffernan can capture a third straight title. The accomplished Calgarian first hoisted the trophy in 2022 at The Derrick Golf and Winter Club before successfully defending his title one year ago at Stony Plain Golf Club.
“I am very excited to defend this year at a golf course that I have played well before,” said Heffernan. “This is always a great tournament test and I am really looking forward to the challenge.”
Designed by Architect Bill Robinson, every hole on the 7,185 yard par-72 design offers unique challenges and unparalleled beauty. Sirocco boasts gritty character that presents a comprehensive challenge to golfers of all abilities.
“We are excited and honoured to host the prestigious 2024 PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship and look forward to crowning a champion,” said Craig Gibson, Head Professional, Sirocco Golf Club. “Players will be tested off the tee box and will be required to place their approach shots into the correct areas on the green or will face some treacherous putts. The course will provide plenty of birdie opportunities, but a big number is not far away at any moment if players lose concentration.”
Tournament Registration
Tournament Eligibility Form Now Live: All Members wishing to participate in tournaments are required to submit the PGA of Alberta Tournament Eligibility Form below prior to having their event registration accepted and confirmed.
Schedule Release: The PGA of Alberta tournament schedule will be released for viewing on March 4 at the AGM.
Tournament Registration: All tournaments will be open for registration on Monday, March 18 at 10:00am.
Only 15 Spots Remaining!
Registration Closes March 1st at 4:00pm
The 2024 Spring Seminar is quickly approaching, join us to learn from the exceptional line-up of speakers, indulge in the amazing food provided by Gordon Food Service and a chance to network with fellow PGA of Alberta Members during the Cocktail Reception at the conclusion of day 1 with beverages provided by Triple Bogey!
Reminders for the Seminar
- Visit the PGA of Alberta table for registration prior to breakfast day 1. Doors will open at 8:00am
- Business Dress Code is required for all participants of the Seminar
- The Annual General Meeting will start at 9:00am on March 4th, all Members are welcome to attend
- Stay and enjoy the cocktail reception at the conclusion of the presentations on March 4th
- All food will be provided at the Seminar for all attendees
Spring Seminar Information Package
Top 100 Points - Every Member that attends the Spring Seminar will receive 5 Top 100 points per day (10 points total) for this program year
The PGA of Alberta is bringing its Club Professional Championship to the Calgary Golf and Country Club in 2024.
The oldest private golf club in the province that spirals along the Elbow River, will play host to the top club professionals July 22-23.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Members of the Calgary Golf & Country, we are honoured to host the 2024 Ping Club Professional Championship,” said Philip Nurse, Executive Manager, Calgary G&CC. “The PGA of Alberta and the Calgary G&CC are synonymous with tradition and an overall love for the game of golf. It is with great pleasure that we extend our warmest welcome to all Club Professionals joining us for this year’s event.”
The 2024 event will be a special one for the Head Professional of the Calgary Golf & Country Club, Tom Greiner, who announced he is retiring at the end of this year.
“As we seize this moment to spotlight the premier professionals in the province, it is with a mixture of reverence and nostalgia that the Calgary Golf & Country Club acknowledges Tom Greiner, during this, his final season,” added Philip. “Tom has dedicated more than four decades of his career to the Calgary Golf & Country Club, earning him the status of a respected PGA member.”
The field is sure to attract the province’s top playing professionals including Samuel Kirkness. The Inglewood Golf and Curling Club pro will set out to successfully defend his 2023 title.
“I am very excited to compete against the best players in the province at one of the best venues in the province,” said Samuel. “A huge thank you to Tom and his team for hosting, and I look forward to celebrating his amazing career. Calgary G&CC is going to be a great venue for the PGA of Alberta Club Professional Championship, and I’m excited to try and defend the title in 2024.”
Once again, the Club Professional Championship is made possible thanks to the generous support of PING in their continued investment in the PGA of Alberta.
Further Championship highlights will be communicated soon, with the complete 2024 tournament schedule being released on March 4.
Spring Seminar Early Bird Registration will end tomorrow, February 21st at 4:00pm
The PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar is less than 2 weeks away! There are limited spots remaining, so don’t miss out on a chance to start the season at The Derrick G&WC with our talented line up of speakers. All food will be provided for breakfast and lunch both days, and stick around for the cocktail reception following day 1 to network with other Members throughout the province that are attending.
Schedule
March 4th
| Time | Presentation | Topic |
| 8:00am- 9:00am |
Breakfast | |
| 9:00am-10:30am | Annual General Meeting | |
| 10:30am-10:45am | Break | |
| 10:45am-12:15pm | Chris Dornan | FINDING YOUR STORY: Building Brand, Understanding The Impacts and Navigating For Success |
| 12:15pm-1:00pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00pm- 2:00pm |
John Deneer | ALBERTA GOLF: Information to Serve You, Your Members and Your Business |
| 2:00pm- 3:00pm |
Brad Smith | THE VALUE OF A NAME: Improving Sales and Service Through Personalized Marketing |
| 3:00pm- 3:15pm |
Break | |
| 3:15pm- 4:15pm |
Chris Reid | TAKE CARE OF YOUR COURSE’S MOST IMPORTANT ASSET: Your Customer |
| 4:15pm- 7:00pm |
Cocktail Reception |
March 5th
| Time | Presentation | Topic |
| 8:00am- 9:00am |
Breakfast | |
| 9:00am-11:00am | Jeff Hay | VARSITY GOLF RECRUITING: US College Golf Recruiting Seminar |
| 11:00am-11:15am | Break | |
| 11:15am-12:15pm | Stacey Meyer | WORKING WITH YOUNG ATHLETES: Resilience, Respect & Accountability |
| 12:15pm-1:00pm | Lunch | |
|
1:00pm- |
Kelly Hrudey | MORE GOOD DAYS: Work Life Balance and Mental Health |
For more information, CLICK HERE for the Spring Seminar information package. Hotel information available on the Education tab under Spring Seminar.
Top 100 Points - Every Member that attends the Spring Seminar will receive 5 Top 100 points per day (10 points total) for this program year
Join Scott Cowx at The Golf Factory February 24th & 25th
Final days to register for the first Teaching Summit of 2024.
Scott Cowx (2019 PGA of Canada Teacher of the Year). With a career spanning nearly three decades, Cowx, a renowned coach in swing biomechanics, has educated over 3,300 coaches worldwide and uses the innovative HackMotion technology for enhanced golf instruction.
"Having participated in both online and in-person seminars led by Scott Cowx, I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact he has on coaching and instruction skills. Cowx’s approach, deeply rooted in his expertise in swing mechanics and his effective use of HackMotion, significantly enhances a coach’s ability to prioritize swing adjustments and build rapport with clients. His methods not only improve coaching techniques but also offer practical strategies for generating year-round income through swing mechanics instruction. For coaches looking to retain clients, ensure steady income, and accelerate their professional growth, embracing the insights and technologies shared by Scott Cowx, like HackMotion, is invaluable." - Todd Haplen (Education Committee Chair)
The Golf Factory will play host to Scott from 9:00am-4:00pm both days with lunch provided on site. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your teaching toolbox and learn from one of the worlds top instructors.
Top 100 Points - Every Member that attends the Teaching Summit will receive 5 Top 100 points.
Wes Heffernan looks to defend coveted title on PGA of Alberta competition calendar!
The PGA of Alberta has targeted Stony Plain Golf Course to play host to the 2024 PGA of Alberta Championship, presented by Cobra/Puma Golf and Mobilicab, August 19-20.
The flagship event on the summer calendar will see nearly 100 of the top PGA of Canada golf professionals from the Wild Rose province descend on the west side of Edmonton to battle it out for the prestigious title.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring the most significant event in 2024 to northern Alberta, and to Stony Plain Golf Club which promises to test Alberta’s best,” said Robert Rousselle, Executive Director, PGA of Alberta. “We look forward to working with the team at Stony Plain to stage another successful chapter in the events rich history.”
Calgary’s Wes Heffernan will be looking to add another chapter to the PGA of Alberta’s history books when he tees it up at Stony Plain this summer. Heffernan has had success on the diverse Stony Plain track. The 46-year-old fired rounds of 67-65 one year ago to take the 2023 Assistants’ Championship title.
“Stony Plain is 6,800 yards on fun,” stated Jeff Cuthbertson, Executive Professional, Stony Plain Golf Course, who added the course has played host to multiple PGA of Alberta and Alberta Golf events throughout its history.
“There will be chances to score, but beware, there are stretches where you are just looking to hold on. We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to host the PGA of Alberta Championship, and I know the course will present a fair test of golf.”
Mitchell Fox a name that is sure to be on the leaderboard. The smooth-swinging bomber who has Indigenous roots with ties to the Blood reserve south of Calgary placed second at the 2023 PGA of Alberta Championship and was also runner-up to Heffernan at the Assistants’ Championship one year ago.
Players will have a relatively fresh slate of greens to take aim at when they roll into Stony Plain. All 18 greens were renovated in 2019.
Stay tuned for more Championship highlights leading to the full tournament schedule release on March 4th.
Deborah Kathleen Zupan (March 9, 1952 - December 29, 2023)
It is with great sadness that the family of Debbie Zupan announces her passing on Friday, December 29, 2023.
Debbie will be greatly missed by her husband of 49 years, Cyril; her sisters, Susanne Gamache (Darrell), and Charleen Zdril; and her brother, Jerry Elless; and her extended Zupan and Gamache families. She was predeceased by her mother Alice, and father Ted.
Debbie enjoyed the winters in Arizona with her friends down south as well as many trips to Europe and Slovenija.
The family wishes to thank the Doctors, Nurses, and Caregivers of Units 94/91/62/61 at the Foothills Medical Centre, the CareWest Glenmore, and Unit 32 of Honor Health Scottsdale for the comfort and care they provided.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Community (800-85 St SW, Calgary) at 1:00 p.m. Father Edmund Vargus will be presiding. Following the Mass, a reception will be held at the Slovenian Canadian Club at 2335-16aSt SE.
Debbie was an ardent Volunteer for Calgary Meals on Wheels for 26 years. In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution are invited to donate to Calgary Meals on Wheels (5759 80th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4S6) or at calgarymealsonwheels.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Kathleen Zupan Click Here
The PGA of Alberta will be hosting it’s first Teaching Summit of 2024 on February 24th & 25th at The Golf Factory in Edmonton.
Start your golf season by learning from Scott Cowx, 2019 PGA of Canada Teacher of the Year, who will be joining us to share his teaching philosophies and what he has learned working with countless PGA professionals. Scott most recently spoke at the 2023 PGA of America National Conference and is an author & researcher for multiple golf technology companies.
Notable Accomplishments
- Teaching career of nearly 3 decades
- Current professional clients on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Kornferry Tour
- 3300+ Coaches worldwide educated under the Scott Cowx certified methodologies
- 5 Juniors players coached over the past 25 years reaching Canadian national men’s and ladies teams
- Pulpit Club Director of Instruction for the past 4 years
The Golf Factory will play host to Scott from 9:00am-4:00pm both days with lunch provided on site. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your teaching toolbox and learn from one of the worlds top instructors.
With a strong background in community sport, Thomas Powley has been given the nod to fill the role of Education and Community Lead for PGA of Alberta effective, February 1.
A recent graduate of Mount Royal University’s Health & Physical Education program with a major in Sport & Recreation Management, Powley brings an unwavering passion for the sport industry in Canada to Alberta’s golf industry. He began his professional career at Lululemon Athletica where he has served multiple positions including Product Operations Lead and Educator.
“Thomas brings energy, drive and a keen understanding of the golf community to this important administrative position,” said Robert Rousselle, Executive Director, PGA of Alberta. “We look forward to having him on our team as we continue to work towards better serving our more than 650 Members while delivering improved programming and events they need and deserve.”
Reporting to the Executive Director, Powley will work closely with the Tournament and Communications Coordinator as well as the Communications advisor. He will also be responsible for overseeing the partners; as well as supporting all staff members with administrative duties.
Powley brings a strong skillset in time management, proficiency in computer systems, and experience in event coordination and social media management to the position. His passion for events and engagement combines knowledge and creativity working with social media and as an independent freelance videographer.
Powley is also an accomplished athlete and aspiring coach. He played varsity rugby at Mount Royal University and is committed to giving back to the community through helping young athletes in sport. Powley was a sport development summer camp instructor at WinSport in 2019 and with aspiring alpine skiers learning to race competitively.
Please join us in welcoming Thomas Powley to the PGA of Alberta.
In the world of professional hockey, what plays out behind closed doors is just as important as what plays out on the ice itself. Former professional goaltender, Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster and NHL on Sportsnet analyst Kelly Hrudey will take us behind the scenes of his 17-year career with the NHL, sharing stories he lived from both inside and outside the locker room and work life balance while playing in the NHL.
Before launching his broadcast career, Kelly Hrudey spent 17 seasons as an NHL goaltender between Islanders, Kings, and Sharks. In 1987, Hrudey played in a four-overtime Game 7 thriller making 73 saves in a 3-2 Islander win over the Capitals. Prior to joining Sportsnet in 2014, he debuted Hockey Night in Canada radio in 2007. Today, he appears on Hockey Night in Canada and is also a regional colour commentator on the Calgary Flames broadcasts.
Hrudey joined CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada full-time in 1998-99, following four years of contributing to the show on a part-time basis during his final four seasons in the NHL. In addition to his work as a studio analyst, Hrudey served as a co-host for the post-game show, After Hours, and also worked as a game analyst for western game broadcasts.
In 2007, Hrudey received a Gemini Award for Best Studio Analyst, recognizing his work on Hockey Night in Canada. In addition to his work with the NHL, Hrudey has covered three Olympic Winter Games including Salt Lake 2002, Torino 2006, and Sochi 2014.
Hrudey joined the NHL on Sportsnet team in August 2014, bringing more than 20 years of broadcast experience to his role. He is a studio analyst for NHL on Sportsnet national broadcasts, including Hockey Night in Canada, and is also a game analyst for Sportsnet’s Calgary Flames regional broadcasts.
Kelly resides in Calgary, AB, with his wife Donna. They have three daughters, Kaitlin, Megan, and Jessica Hrudey.
Kaitlin and her Husband, Hayden, started More Good Days Clothing company, with their focus to improve awareness about mental health by sharing stories through art, charity, and positive mental health messages.
Kelly is an advocate for mental health awareness and has multiple foundations he represents to continue to spread the word and end the stigma.
JAMES (JIM) HADLEY JEMPSON
April 29, 1948 – January 13, 2024
Jim, beloved husband of Shelley, suddenly yet peacefully passed away at the age of 75 surround by his loving Family.
Jim was a Loyal & Proud Husband, Father, Papa, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. A Legend & Mentor in the Golf Industry and a cheerleader to us all in Life and Sport.
Jim leaves behind a community who have been profoundly impacted by his Guidance, Wisdom and Compassion. His genuine care for others has forever shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.
Born in Calgary in 1948 in the Community of Parkhill, Jim’s passion for Sports began at an early age. His Dad, Jimmy, was a professional hockey player & he was determined to follow in his footsteps.
After graduating from Viscount Bennett in 1966, Jim worked for Bud Loftus as a caddy at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, where he fell in Love with the property. After 2 years at the club, he changed sports and moved to BC where he played Hockey for the Nelson Maple Leafs. Jim was proud to tell anyone who would listen, that he was part of the 1968 Cyclone Taylor Cup Championship Team.
In 1970 Jim was offered and accepted a Hockey Scholarship at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, where he was also a member of the golf team. After coming to the realization that he wasn’t going to make the NHL, Jim told us it was time to make a Life Decision, either Audition for Slap Shot 2 with Paul Newman and Hanson Brothers or “Get on with Life”. He chose to get on with Life and what a life it was!!
After moving back to Calgary With No Money and No Job, Jim returned to a familiar place to look for work, Willow Park Golf & Country Club. His parents were original Members there, and Jim grew up playing Junior and Intermediate golf at the club. Head Pro Bill Quilley hired him in April of 1971, Jim said he turned in his hockey stick and skates for a re-spike wrench, a shag bag to hand pick balls on the range and a wet towel to clean clubs.
By the end of June, he was the only Pro shop employee left and his probationary apprenticeship was in full swing resulting in a career that spanned over 50 years.
His passion for golf led him to the Royal Mayfair Golf and Country club in Edmonton under the leadership of Derek & Irene Gibson. Jim then accepted his first Head Professional job at Sturgeon Valley. While in Edmonton, Jim and Shelley got together and eventually purchased a home in St. Albert. According to Jim her contribution was the down payment and three children, his contribution was the mortgage payment and three used cars!
In 1982 Willow Park Golf & Country Club came calling! Jim was offered & accepted the Head Professional Position. Shelley joined Jim in the Pro Shop which was the best move for “Me and Us” according to Jim. As independent concessionaires, the dynamic duo in life and in business were recognized with numerous awards for their talent in merchandising and sales.
Jim has been the recipient of some notable awards and competitions including 1976 PGA of Alberta Championship, 1997 PGA Club Professional of the Year and 2003 PGA of Alberta Merchandiser of the year. Most recently Jim was recognized as the 4th member to receive the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Leadership Pillar. Jim was also very proud to be a Life Member of the PGA of Canada.
Over his storied career Jim had the opportunity to play with Legends including Moe Norman, George Knudson, Stan Leonard, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Bob Charles and the Great Arnold Palmer.
Jim was also a philanthropist at heart and during his lifetime he and Shelley contributed personally to numerous charities. The one that held a special place in his heart was the Willow Park Charity Classic. It all began in 1988 with a simple conversation, a glass (or two) of Scotch and notes on a napkin between Jim and Willow Park owner Amos Carpenter. Together that day they created something very special. To date the tournament has donated over 12.7 million dollars to various Calgary Charities.
Jim was “guilty” of sending out handwritten letters of congratulations and encouragement to award winners and new head professionals. He encouraged them to be faithful to their profession and pass on their skills to those that follow.
Jim encouraged them to make a difference in their pursuit of golf excellence.
Outside of Golf, Jim and Shelley loved to travel with trips to Bermuda, Florida, Palm Springs, Arizona, California, Cook Islands, Scotland, England and Wales just to name a few. Maui was their special place, where for over 30 years they enjoyed fun in the sun with their family and friends.
In retirement, Jim & Shelley spent many days travelling around Alberta watching their grandsons play hockey and lacrosse. Jim always said he was on a personal mission to find the perfect arena hot dog!
"To the world he was a man, to us he was the world”
Jim is survived by his loving wife Shelley, his faithful fur buddy Oakley, his Children Kim Carrington (Joanne Johnson)
- Martin Carrington
- Tanya & Trevor Forbes, Grandsons Cody & Cale
- Sister Ismay Seyer, Sister in Law Laurie Martin
- Numerous & loving Nieces and Nephews
- Jim was predeceased by his Mother Ismay and his Father Jim
We are grateful to the incredible team of Doctors and Nurses at the Rockyview General Hospital Coronary Care Unit for the kindness & compassion given to Jim and our Family during the short time he was in their care.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date.
In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to:
Rockyview General Hospital Coronary Care Unit
Heart & Stroke Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society
The 2024 Spring Seminar is scheduled for March 4th & 5th at The Derrick G&WC. This will be the second year returning to an in person event and the Education Committee is looking to build off momentum from 2023. Early Bird registration is open Now until February 21st at 4:00pm, don’t miss out on kick starting your 2024 season with the PGA of Alberta Flagship Education Event.
Speaker Announcements
Chris Dornan
MEDIA MUSCLE WITH CHRIS DORNAN
FINDING YOUR STORY, BUILDING BRAND, UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS, NAVIGATING FOR SUCCESS
Chris Dornan is one of Canada’s most prolific sports PR consultants, providing media and public relations support over the last 20 years to many of Canada’s amateur and professional athletes and sport organizations.
Having represented Canada at nine Olympic and six Paralympic Games, along with countless major international events, Chris opened his own communications consulting company in 2008 — High-Performance Public Relations – where he provides communications support to Own the Podium along with five of Canada’s summer and winter sport organizations. He has played a key role in building brand and media opportunities for many of Canada’s most successful athletes in winter and summer sport. In addition, Chris is also the media director for two of the PGA TOUR’s leading Champions Tour events: Insperity Invitational (The Woodlands, TX) and Shaw Charity Classic (Calgary).
Media Muscle - the media and brand training leveraged by personal experiences with many of Canada’s top athletes
What Chris will deliver…
- Find Your Story.
- Learn how to Build Your Brand and stay true to your Brand through good and bad days.
- Learn how to create messages and communicate through stories in a compelling way that delivers results
Jeff Hay
VARSITY GOLF RECRUITING: US COLLEGE GOLF RECRUITING SEMINAR
JEFF HAY is a professional consultant who has assisted hundreds of junior golfers and their families navigate the obstacles and challenges of the college golf recruiting process. He has extensive experience in placing golfers in all associations (NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA) and divisions.
Jeff’s knowledge and experience as a college golf advisor was developed over his 16 years as a Director of Golf at three full- time residential junior academies in Florida, including Core Golf Academy (2006-2016), Bishop’s Gate Golf Academy/IJGA (2017- 2019) and Sean Foley Performance (2019- 2022). In his role at each academy, his main focus was to ensure the quality of the golf program and monitor the progress and development of each and every student while assisting them in finding their “best fit” school and golf team at the collegiate level.
A life-long member of the PGA of Canada, Jeff’s passion for assisting junior golfers began when he was the Golf Professional at the National Golf Club of Canada, where he was also the lead instructor for the famed “Elite Junior Program” under the tutelage of former PGA Tour Professional and Canadian Golf Hall-of-fame inductee Ben Kern.
Only golf show in Alberta to feature enhanced exhibitors, exclusive show specials on equipment and clothing along with competitions and $30,000 in prizing
CALGARY—Mark your calendars Alberta golf fans!
The PGA of Canada golf professionals, retailers and industry leaders throughout the province will unite in Calgary’ BMO Centre (Hall D), March 16-17, to officially tee off the 2024 golf season with Alberta’s only golf and travel show.
More than 4,000 passionate golf enthusiasts from all facets of the game will connect at the 2024 edition of the annual golf celebration to discover the newest innovations, test the latest equipment and technology, capitalize on exclusive deals on golf getaways and build business opportunities.
“In an effort to enhance the golf show experience for our members, exhibitors and golf enthusiasts in the province, this is the first time in our history that we are holding one show in Alberta,” said Robert Rousselle, executive director, PGA of Alberta. “Working together with our members throughout the province, it is our shared goal to deliver an even stronger consumer product to create greater connections in the golf community with industry leaders and Canadian golf professionals, while further growing the game.”
The PGA of Alberta launched ticket sales (Click Here for More Information) for the show in January. Calgary Golf Show general admission tickets: Adults $15; Seniors (65+) $13; Students (13+) $12, Kids (12 and Under) Free online or at the door.
Each ticket will provide access to the Indoor Driving Range, Clearance Centre, exclusive show specials from exhibitors, and a wide range of activities for all golf enthusiasts regardless of age or ability.
Doors open March 16 at 9 a.m. and on March 17 at 10 a.m. The first 50 paid people through the door each day will receive a FREE Canada Golf Card (card valued at $70+).
Manufacturers will be on-hand at the Indoor Driving Range with a new selection of product for attendees to test. Alberta’s top golf instructors will be there to provide tips and fine-tune your game with FREE lessons. Club fitting appointments at the show can also be booked in advance.
Put your tips to the test to win more than $30,000 in great prizes including green fees, equipment or golf destination packages while participating in one of several competitions that will be held including:
- Long Drive Competition sponsored by PXG
- Closest to the Pin Competition sponsored by Par2Pro
- Upswing by Alberta Golf Presents So You Think You Can Putt Challenge
- Long Putt Challenge
- Chipping Challenge
All proceeds from contest registrations will support Kids Cancer Care.
After taking a few rips, or ramping up your short game, guests can head over to the Clearance Centre that will be loaded with endless deals on clubs, clothing, and accessories.
This year’s show will also put a greater focus on engaging junior golfers to the game with a full slate of activities. Every junior at the show will receive a club to help them swing into their 2024 golf season. Junior-specific clinics will be held each day from 1 - 2 p.m. in addition to complimentary face painting and balloon twisting (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. both days) by Terrrrrific Face Painting.
“Whether you are a beginner or an avid golfer, it is our goal to make the Calgary Golf Show the place to be in Alberta, and a show you won’t want to miss,” added Rousselle. “This show is the first sign that a new golf season is around the corner and a great place to reconnect with friends in the game to map out your course for the season ahead.”
Find a new place to play at home or book a golf vacation from one of the more than 30 exhibitors.
Exhibitor options are still available until March 8 by Registering Here.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.albertagolfshows.com, or contact [email protected].
Interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2024? If yes, click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination Form. Deadline to submit your interest is this Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 11:59pm.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the members. There are between nine and twelve members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class "A" members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2024 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class "A") and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class "A" members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Five (5) spots are open for election in 2024 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
The PGA of Alberta is proud to officially announce the Top 100 PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals for 2023 as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada & TaylorMade Golf Canada. See the list below for more details! These Members will receive a custom Top 100 logo recognizing their accomplishment.
Award Winner - Jeff MacGregor (Glendale G&CC)
This year saw another exciting finish with two members being tied for 2nd, Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) and Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC), finishing just 2 points behind Jeff MacGregor (Glendale G&CC) who finished with an incredible 127 points.
This is the highest point total in the history of the Top 100 program, and thirteen Members finished the year with at least 100 points. This program continues to grow year after year, showcasing the development within the PGA of Alberta.
Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the Top 20 of the program this year; Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood, Golfuture YYC, Valley Ridge GC/ Valley Ridge Golf Academy, and Ranch G&CC (The).
Top 100 Professionals 2023
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PGA of Alberta Member
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Babkirk, Tyrel
Apple Creek GC |
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Nevada Bob’s (Grande Prairie)
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Redwood Meadows G&CC
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Stewart Creek G&CC
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Bunner, Alexander
Belvedere G&CC |
Busetto, Joseph
Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
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Edmonton Petroleum G&CC
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Cartier, Jacob
Glendale G&CC |
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Chow, Kevin
Blackhawk GC |
Chown, Braden
Bearspaw GC |
Glendale G&CC
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Silvertip GR
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Cooke, Darren
Canmore G&CC |
Copeland, Josh
Wainwright GC |
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Donihee, Chris
Valley Ridge GC |
Belvedere G&CC
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Royal Mayfair GC
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McKenzie Meadows GC
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Foote, Kurtis
Valley Ridge Golf Academy |
Freeman, Matt
Canyon Meadows G&CC |
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Friedrick, Matthew
Brooks GC |
PGA of Alberta Member
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Sirocco GC
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Carnmoney GC
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Ponoka GC
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Woodside GC
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Willow Park G&CC
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Halverson, Bryce
Carnmoney GC |
Hanson, Leif
PGA of Alberta Member |
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Glendale G&CC
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Hardy, Richard
McKenzie Meadows GC |
Harrison, Michael
Coal Creek GR |
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Hartford, Gary
Highlands GC |
Henzie, Dave
Cottonwood G&CC |
Woodside GC
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Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC
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Horton, Paul
Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC |
Edmonton CC
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Johnson, Greg
Golfuture YYC |
Johnson, Robbie
Banff Springs GC |
Kirkness, Samuel
Inglewood G&CC |
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Lee, Tommy
Carnmoney GC |
Leicht, Tyler
The Derrick G&WC |
Longley, Nic
Silver Springs G&CC |
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Coloniale GC
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Luopa, Shaun
Strathmore GC |
MacComb, David
Royal Mayfair GC |
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MacDermott, Brice
Windermere G&CC |
MacDonald, Mathew
Olds GC |
MacGregor, Jeff
Glendale G&CC |
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Mackey, Joshua
Windermere G&CC |
Mah, Matthew
Mill Woods GC |
Modern Golf
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McCluskey, Phil
River Bend G&RA |
McDermott, Ryan
Royal Mayfair GC |
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Mills, Matthew
Douglasdale GC |
Mills, Troy
Jasper Park Lodge GC |
Nelson, Gina
Highlands GC |
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Nelson, Graeme
The Derrick G&WC |
Inglewood G&CC
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Cottonwood G&CC
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Paskin, Chris
Valley Ridge GC |
Pecman, Tyler
Mill Woods GC |
Piercey, Shaun
The Ranch G&CC |
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The Hamptons GC
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Plosz, Jason
FootJoy - Acushnet Canada |
Popkes, Amy
Silver Springs G&CC |
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Mickelson National GC
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Windermere G&CC
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Wintergreen G&CC
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The Glencoe G&CC
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Rutherford, Katy
Silver Springs G&CC |
Lakeside GC
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Stewart Creek G&CC
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Glendale G&CC
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Stanier, Jason
Inglewood G&CC |
Stiles, Scott
Earl Grey GC |
Bearspaw GC
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The Hamptons GC
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Windermere G&CC
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Tomlinson, Dale
PGA of Alberta Member |
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Valleau, Kim
The Winston GC |
Inglewood G&CC
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Highlands GC
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Vandermey, Nick
Windermere G&CC |
Vandermey, Spencer
Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Westman, Scott
The Ranch G&CC |
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Willner, Tyler
Lakeside GC |
Earl Grey GC
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Wilson, John D.
Priddis Greens G&CC |
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Yanitski, Stephen
Valley Ridge GC |
Willow Park G&CC
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New for 2024 - Program Rotation Year
After internal review to align with PGA of Canada, the Association will revert to the original program rotation from October - September. For 2024, the program year will begin January 1, 2024 and run until September 30, 2024 including points for attending the 2023 Buying Show. This will allow the winner from each year to be nominated for the PGA of Canada’s Tex Noble Professional Development Award.
PGA of Alberta Welcomes Chris Dornan as New Communications Advisor
In an effort to raise awareness of its members, events and programs throughout the province, the PGA of Alberta has named accomplished communications consultant, Chris Dornan, in a newly-created role of communications advisor.
Dornan has come a long way from his days of play-by-play commentary of the games and exploits of his siblings and friends on a quiet cul-de-sac in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to becoming one of Canada’s most prolific sports PR consultants.
The common thread? Storytelling. And creativity.
Dornan has provided media and public relations support over the last 25 years, specializing with many of Canada’s amateur and professional athletes and sport organizations. Having represented Canada at nine Olympic and five Paralympic Games, along with countless major international events, Dornan opened his own communications consulting company in 2008 — High-Performance Public Relations – where he provides communications support to Own the Podium along with a number of Canada’s summer and winter sport organizations. He has played a key role in building brand and media opportunities for many of Canada’s most successful athletes.
Having launched his career with Golf Canada (1997-2000), Dornan has since made a professional return to the sport as the media director for two of the PGA TOUR’s leading Champions Tour events: Shaw Charity Classic (Calgary) and Insperity Invitational (The Woodlands, TX) where he continues to work closely with the TOUR communications and business affairs teams, along with the players at each of his events. Dornan has also continued to support Golf Canada’s communications team over the years when called upon: providing advice and counsel while serving on communications committees; leading Olympic Team announcements; and he was the lead media advisor on-the-ground for Canada’s golf team at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in November.
“There is an obvious professional and business fit with bringing Chris on board to support our increasing operational responsibilities, while helping to tell the important stories of the people in our membership,” said Robert Rousselle, executive director, PGA of Alberta. “A strategic and creative thinker, Chris brings a wealth of media and communications experience and relationships in and outside of our community to the role, with extensive knowledge of the golf industry in Alberta, across Canada and internationally.”
A journalism graduate of Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto (now Toronto Metropolitan University), Dornan spent two years in a public relations agency with a client-base that included: Molson, Nike Canada; and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment before moving west to Calgary to take on the role of director of communications with the Calgary Olympic Development Association (now WinSport) for six years. He has also worked as a news reporter with CTV in Saskatoon, and as a freelance writer for numerous magazines and newspapers across the country.
Dornan has also done work for the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Alberta Government, WestJet, Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, Luge Canada, Triathlon Canada, Ski Jumping Canada, Nordiq Canada, Hockey Canada, Swimming Canada, Curling Canada, Speed Skating Canada, Taekwondo Canada, Karate Canada, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Sport Institute Calgary, Edge Sport School, Canada Winter and Summer Games and Haywood Securities.
He and his wife Lisa are raising two “Texadians” – born in Texas and now enjoying life as dual citizens – who have fallen in love with the Calgary community while making friends and learning important life lessons as they pursue their own love of sport and play on the ice, at the ballpark, in the pool, and while working with PGA of Alberta golf professionals at their home course, Pinebrook Golf and Country Club.
For more information on his work, please visit www.chrisdornan.ca
Congratulations to Katy Rutherford of Silver Springs G&CC winning 2023 Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year Award! The Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding female player among the ranks of the PGA of Canada membership.
2023 Accomplishments
- Co-low PGA of Canada professional at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada
- PGA of Alberta Women’s Championship - Runner Up
- PGA of Alberta Order of Merit Championship - Ladies’ Division
Katy received a PAT exemption in August of 2021 and achieved her Class "A" status in March of 2023. Katy will be recognized during the PGA of Canada Awards Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 24th, 2024. Click Here for more information on the National Awards Program.
Congratulations to Stephen Yanitski of Valley Ridge GC for receiving the 2023 Stan Leonard Class "A" Assistant Professional of the Year Award! This Award is the highest honour the Association can bestow on a working Class “A” Assistant Professional at a golf course whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the PGA of Canada Class “A” Assistant Professional.
About Stephen
"Education and professional development have played a central role in my development as a golf professional and as a rounded community sport participant. I have taken every opportunity throughout my career to expand my knowledge base and skill set as a golf professional and manager of community recreation and sport."
- PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Board Member since 2020
- Education Committee Member since 2019
- 2021 PGA of Alberta Junior Leader of the Year
- SAIT Head Coach for 5 years
- 2021 ACAC Coach of the Year
Stephen will be recognized during the PGA of Canada Awards Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 24th, 2024. Click Here for more information on the National Awards Program.
Featured Facility Friday
Looking to promote your facility this off-season? Take advantage of the Associations social media initiative where we feature a new facility every Friday in the off-season on our X and Instagram accounts (~ 8,500 followers!).
How It Works
All you have to do is submit the required information on the form (see link below) to have your facility featured! Please note that facilities will be selected at random and all information must be filled in to be considered (unless noted as optional on form). In the event we have more submissions than Fridays available, we will store your information to be used the following off-season.
Important
To prevent having multiple submissions from the same facility, please collaborate with your staff/team to ensure only one application is sent for the initiative.
Prize Giveaway
As you’ll see in the form, please let us know if your facility is willing to donate a prize giveaway to help increase engagement with your post! This is OPTIONAL and not mandatory but will help increase the amount of viewers for your post. Prize could be green fees, merchandise, lesson, gift card, golf simulator usage, etc. As part of this giveaway, viewers will need to follow your facility’s account along with other conditions in order to be eligible to win.
Past Examples
Below are a few posts from past years. This will give you an idea of the exposure your facility will receive as part of this initiative:
- Example #1 - Apple Creek GC - Click here to see post
- Apple Creek GC gained 55 followers in the four days after the post
- 2,683 impressions on post
- 154 likes on post
- Example # 2 - Edmonton Petroleum G&CC - Click here to see post
- Edmonton Petroleum G&CC gained 51 followers in the four days after the post
- 2,749 impressions on post
- 194 likes on post
- Example #3 - Stewart Creek G&CC - Click here to see post
- Stewart Creek G&CC gained 99 new followers in the four days after the post
- 3,792 impressions on post
- 326 likes on post
If you want your facility featured, DEADLINE to submit the form is January 31st, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE - Priority will automatically be given to facilities that were not part of the initiative last year.
Pro Tip Tuesday
Pro Tip Tuesday is a social media initiative that showcases your skills as a Golf Professional to help bring exposure to you and your facility. The Association wants to give golfers a reason to check out the PGA of Alberta Instagram account, including your own! We will start posting Pro Tip Tuesday submissions in January.
How Do You Become A Part Of Pro Tip Tuesday?
All you need to do is create a quick tip video between 30 seconds to 2 minutes and submit using the Dropbox link below. One video will be posted per week during the off-season beginning in January.
In addition to golf instruction tips, we are allowing other categories of submissions for Pro Tip Tuesday including the following:
- Fashion tips - Types of apparel to wear on certain days, clothing accessories, latest fashion trends, etc.
- Technology tips - Different technologies to utilize to improve game, technology features most golfers are unaware of, new technology in the golf industry, etc.
- Rules of Golf tips - New rules in the game, common rules the average player is unaware of, proper rule procedures, etc.
- Etiquette tips - Things the average player should be doing on the golf course, how to best fix a divot/ball mark, pace of play etiquette, etc.
Video Tips
- Be Professional. You are representing the Association so ensure you look and act the part.
- Intro. State your name, club, and position as the intro to your video.
- Length. Ensure your video is between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Rehearse. Practise your video tip a few times before the final "shoot".
- Setting. Make sure there’s no noise/visual distractions around you so viewers can focus on you. Your video can be shot indoors or outdoors.
Look at past examples of Pro Tip Tuesday videos for inspiration:
- Example #1 - Click Here
- Example #2 - Click Here
- Example #3 - Click Here
Top 100 Points
Everyone who participates in Pro Tip Tuesday will earn 3 Top 100 points for the program year. You can only receive 3 points per year. We recommend doing more than one video but a max of 3 points will be rewarded for the Top 100 program.
Deadline
Deadline for submission is January 31, 2024.
Dropbox Link > CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT VIDEO WHEN COMPLETE
The PGA of Canada is thrilled to announce the finalists for its 2023 National Awards.
“We are blessed to have a family of over 3,800 professionals who proudly share their passion and expertise with golfers from coast to coast,” said Gord Percy, the Association’s President. “On behalf of the PGA of Canada, I would like to congratulate all finalists for their outstanding accomplishments this year. I look forward to celebrating their collective achievements.”
Each year, a National Selection Committee evaluates nominations from professionals across Canada. Winners for each national award will be recognized during PGA of Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Good Luck to the following Alberta Professionals up for a National Award in 2023:
- Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC) - Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
- Steven Young (Banff Spring GC) - Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
- Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) - George Knudson Teacher of the Year
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year
- Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Nicola Greaves (Willow Park GC) - Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) - Ben Kern Coach of the Year
- Silvertip Resort (Head Professional - Chris Cooke) - Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
- Garrett Hadfield (Rundle Park GC) - Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year
- Lyndon King (Collicutt Siding GC) - Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year
- Carson Taylor (Winston GC (The)) - Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year
- Chris DiPasquale (Par 3 Golf Academy at Bridge Valley Golf) - Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year
- Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) - Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year
- Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
- Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
Click Here to view all Finalists.
Interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2024? If yes, click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination Form. Deadline to submit your interest is Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 11:59pm.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the members. There are between nine and twelve members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class "A" members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2024 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class "A") and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class "A" members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Five (5) spots are open for election in 2024 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
REMINDER - SAVE DRAFT FEATURE
You can save your forms online before submitting. Please follow the steps below:
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every form on the website
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
- Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
- Submit when finished
The PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Board will be presenting 5 webinars from December - April with the intention of providing professional development for all Assistants within the industry. This will provide an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers. Details for each webinar will be released closer to each date, they will all be from 10:00am-11:15am on Zoom.
December 18th, 2023 - Increasing Employment Term & Building Brand Recognition
Panelists
- Cameron Cox (Glen Abbey GC)
- David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Kim Valleau (Winston GC(The))
- Pat Wilmot (Earl Grey GC)
Mark Your Calendars For Future Webinars!
January 15th, 2024 - Creating and Establishing Your Own "Business & Brand"
February 6th, 2024 - Industry Trends (Fashion, Purchasing, Event Types, Leagues, etc.)
March 12th, 2024 - Understanding Compensation Structures, Negotiating Contracts, KPI’s and Bonuses
April 9th, 2024 - Work/Life Balance: Mental and Physical Health
*Reminder this is free to all Members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar up to a maximum of 6*
The PGA of Canada Head Professional Championship presented by Callaway Golf was hosted at Iberostar Playa Paraiso GC in Cancun, Mexico. Alberta was represented by 11 professionals including; Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) and Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), who formed the Alberta Team during competition.
Samuel Kirkness took home Low Club Professional honors, edging out teammate Weston Gillett , who made a 50-foot birdie on his final hole to force the playoff. Kirkness quickly answered with a 15-foot birdie to claim the Low Club Professional Trophy on the first sudden death hole.
Congratulations to all our professionals representing Alberta during the 5 PGA of Canada Championships, some notable accomplishments include:
PGA Championship of Canada
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) - T3rd
Eric Locke (Priddis Greens GC) - T7th
PGA Women’s Championship of Canada
Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) - T6th overall and tied for the lowest PGA of Canada Member
PGA Senior’s Championship of Canada
Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) - T26th
PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada
Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) - 2nd
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) - T5th
Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf) - T7th
The Assistants’ team also defended their title thanks to the efforts of David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC), Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR), Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre).
PGA Head Pro Championship of Canada
Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - T5th and Low Club Professional
Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) - T5th
Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) - T8th
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program (separate from the PGA of Canada Mentorship Program) provides guidance and direction to first-year Members of the Association. 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 in the golf industry.
Click Here to see Program Feedback from Mentors/Mentees
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 Mentee with a Mentor that lives in a close proximity.
Expectations of Mentors
- Commit to your Mentor/Mentee relationship(s) for a minimum of 1-year.
- 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). For example, this can be accomplished over a round of golf or at an Association tournament/event.
- 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. All Mentors must execute the action items as indicated and submit the Evaluation Form before being eligible to receive points. Points are ONLY awarded for the first-year of your pairing.
Become A Mentor in 2024
If interested in being involved, click the link below to submit the "Become A Mentor" form by January 31st, 2024. After the form has been submitted, you will be added to the Mentor list (if eligible) and MAY be assigned a Mentee in February (depending on total number of Mentors/Mentees, and geographical location).
Click Here for Mentor Form
Become A Mentee in 2024
All new Members of the Association are automatically signed up to be a Mentee in the program. If you received your card in 2023, you will AUTOMATICALLY be assigned a Mentor in February of 2024.
If interested in being a Mentee and you are not a new Member as stated above, please contact [email protected] at the PGA office for more information. Mentors are assigned based on several factors including geographical location to the Mentee.
2024 Day Planner
There are only 6 hard copies of the 2024 Day Planner left!
If you want to purchase one of these, contact Marlene Sanderson [email protected]. The digital version is also available now for download (click link below).
EARLY BIRD Exhibitor registration is OPEN for the 2024 Calgary Golf Show!
Why Exhibit at the Calgary Golf Show?
More than 4,000 passionate golfers attend the Calgary Golf Show each year and use the Show as a great resource to further their engagement with the game in a variety of ways. When you Exhibit at the Show, you’ll have the opportunity to raise the profile of your business or facility, while also selling (green fees, products, etc.) directly to consumers. With an indoor driving range, a massive Clearance Centre, and many other family friendly Show activities including a Long Drive Competition, there is something for all ages, ensuring Exhibitor access to a broad range of demographics.
Calgary Golf Show
March 16th & 17th, 2023 | BMO Centre (Hall D)
Top 100 Points
All PGA of Alberta members at a facility that pays for a booth at the Calgary Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the new program year!
Early Bird Deadline
The Early Bird registration deadline is January 10th, 2024. Be sure to take advantage of these discounted rates and don’t miss out on being a part of the Calgary Golf Show! If you have any questions about the Show, please contact Michelle Moody at [email protected]. Click link below to Register (login required).
November 23rd, 2023
March 4th & 5th, 2024
To Be Announced...
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to have announced the winners of the 2023 PGA of Alberta Awards on October 18th at the Calgary BMO Centre. Individuals were recognized for their achievements throughout the season and their career, as well as for their contributions to the Association and the game of golf.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists this year on a fantastic season! The following categories were recognised at the Awards Banquet this past week with recipients listed below.
- Club Professional of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Class "A" Professional of the Year
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- Junior Leader of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Sales Rep of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Jack Skellern Patron of the Year
- Player of the Year
- Order of Merit Division Champions
Club Professional of the Year
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Chris Paskin
Valley Ridge GC
Executive Professional of the Year
Steven Young
Banff Springs GC
Class "A" Professional of the Year
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Stephen Yanitski
Valley Ridge GC
Apprentice Professional of the Year
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Elizabeth Carr
Edmonton Petroleum G&CC
Teacher of the Year
Josh Fleming
365 GOLF
Junior Leader of the Year
Nicola Greaves
Willow Park G&CC
Coach of the Year
Scott Stiles
Earl Grey GC
Sales Representative of the Year
Karly Blake
Maui Jim
Retailer of the Year
Silvertip Resort
Head Professional - Chris Cooke
Jack Skellern Patron of the Year
Cobra Puma Golf
Premier Partner
Player of the Year
Wes Heffernan
Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre
Order of Merit Champion - Head Pro Division
Kevin Black
Redwood Meadows G&CC
Order of Merit Champion - Ladies’ Division
Katy Rutherford
Silver Springs G&CC
Order of Merit Champion - Assistants’ Division
Mitchell Fox
Speargrass GC
PGA of Alberta is excited to announce a new partnership with VUED through 2026!
VUED will be the Exclusive Digital Display Provider for the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, Spring Seminar and Calgary Golf Show.
About VUED:
VUED, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, is a prominent player in the digital out-of-home advertising industry. With the dedicated support of 200 high traffic VUED Hosts located across Alberta, we are fostering a local business coalition with a distinct advantage.
Out valued VUED Host partners enjoy a range of benefits, including complementary digital displays and collaborative campaign opportunities. Our advertising clients benefit from cost-effective precise targeting, and extensive exposure throughout the city.
Our mission is straight forward: to create a digital platform that helps businesses’ get seen by their target audience via strong strategic alliances. We take pride in commending a three-year partnership with the PGA and eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements we can accomplish together.
For more information on advertising and how to become a VUED Host, please visit www.vued.ca or contact their Representatives below.
Melody Zhang - Marketing and Public Relations Manager
(403) 400-5058
[email protected]
James Wang - Co-Founder
(403) 918-0269
[email protected]
The Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with Duca del Cosma for the next two years!
Duca del Cosma will now be the Presenting Sponsor for three PGA of Alberta Players Tour tournaments during the 2024 & 2025 seasons at a North, South and Central venue.
About Duca del Cosma:
Duca del Cosma is all about bringing fashion, function, and unbeatable comfort to the world of golf. Inspired by the Italian lifestyle, their vibrant collections seamlessly merge fashion and golf, making them a must-have for golfers, whether they’re on the course or off it.
Having originated in Europe two decades ago, Duca del Cosma has consistently led the charge in redefining golf fashion. Their modern line of shoes is tailored to meet the demands of today’s golfers, seamlessly marrying chic Italian design with top-notch materials and expert craftsmanship. The result is an incredibly comfortable product that exudes style, both on and off the golf course.
As an award-winning brand, Duca del Cosma maintains an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovative fashion. They consistently stay ahead of global fashion trends and integrate cutting-edge technology to enhance their luxury products. In today’s contemporary golf shoe market, their offerings stand out, seamlessly combining fashion, function, and supreme comfort in a way that sets them apart from traditional brands.
For more information, go to their website www.ducadelcosma.com or contact their Representative below:
Clive Grant - Clive Grant Golf Services
(403) 830-4240
[email protected]
We are excited to announce the 2024 PGA of Alberta Awards finalists.
Apprentice Professional of the Year Finalists
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In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC)
- Kevin Robinson (Windermere G&CC)
- Marcus Meneghetti (Evergreen GC)
- Nic Longley (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Tyler Leicht (Derrick G&WC (The))
Class "A" Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Amy Popkes (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC)
- Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC)
- Ryan McDermott (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Club Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC)
- Jeff MacGregor (Glendale G&CC)
- Kyle Boyd (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC)
- Pat Wilmot (Earl Grey GC)
- Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC)
Coach of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Darcy Dhillon (Red Deer G&CC)
- Derek Baker (Derek Baker Golf Academy)
- Jamie Reimer (Golfuture YYC)
- Luke Workman (Glencoe G&CC)
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC)
Executive Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Brice MacDermott (Windermere G&CC)
- Curtis Robertson (Valley Ridge GC)
- Greg McGarry (Glendale G&CC)
- Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC)
- Steven Young (Banff Springs GC)
Junior Leader of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Chris McKenzie (Miskanaw GC)
- Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Nicola Greaves (Willow Park G&CC)
- Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Retailer of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Blackhawk GC (Kevin Chow)
- Evergreen GC (Josh Walker)
- Silvertip Resort (Chris Cooke)
Sales Rep of the Year
In alphabetical order by first name.
- Colin Gilliard (PING Canada)
- Karly Blake (Maui Jim)
- Neil McGonagle (Golf Trends Inc.)
- Ryan Doucette (adidas Golf Canada)
- Tanice Bosanko (Play Well Agencies)
Teacher of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Bruce Hardy (Glendale G&CC)
- Josh Fleming (365 GOLF)
- Mike Bosch (Pinebrook G&CC)
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC)
- Tyler LeBouthillier (365 GOLF)
Awards Banquet
Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 18th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:30pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D).
This is a complimentary event sponsored by Gordon Food Service, Levelwear, and all Exhibitors & Attendees are encouraged to attend. Click Here to register you and your staff for the Buying Show.
The 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show is approaching fast, make sure to register for all these great events. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out. Click the links below to find out more!
Cocktail Reception at Hotel Arts
October 17th, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Hosted at Hotel Arts, less than a 10-minute walk from the BMO Centre, stop by to network and enjoy the night with fellow PGA Members. Complementary food and beverage will be provided by Gordon Food Service, Triple Bogey, and Tribal. There will also be live music, Canadian singer-songwriter JIMI (@jimisound), presented by G&G Brands.
Awards Banquet
October 18th, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
At the conclusion of Day-2, all attendees are welcome to attend the PGA of Alberta Awards Banquet. The Cocktail Reception will start at 5:00 pm directly outside the front doors of the hall with food once again provided by Gordon Food Service. The Awards Banquet will follow in the Palomino Room. Come join us in celebrating all of our 2023 Award Winners!
Education Sessions
The Education Committee has confirmed three sessions this year. Please note the changes in dates and times when registering. These sessions will be hosted in Arabian Room B. See the details for each session below.
October 17th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Buying and Merchandising with Josh Walker (Evergreen GC)
2022 PGA of Alberta Retailer of the Year
October 18th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Golf Course Management presented by Tagmarshal
October 18th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Round Table Discussion
Congratulations to our 2023 Srixon/Cleveland Golf Match Play Champions.
Presented by Nike Golf
Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & Randy Robb (Mickelson National Golf Academy) have finished a long Match Play Season on top of our 62-team field from the North and South that began back in May. Cox and Robb went undefeated throughout the summer winning 5 times to sit at the top of the South Division which led them to face off against David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC) & Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) from the North. Both teams battled hard at River Bend G&RA but Cox and Robb pulled out the victory.
This marks the end of our 2023 Tournament Season!
Thank you to everyone who played this year along with all our sponsors and tournament hosts for making this another successful tournament season!
In 2003, Alan was the first PGA of Alberta Member to be awarded the Master Professional designation, a title that only 14 members in Canada held at that time. Today, Alan is one of three Master Professionals in Alberta and 25 in Canada. In 2016, Alan was selected by the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Teacher Category. Alan becomes the third Member in Alberta to receive this prestigious Award.
On behalf of the PGA of Canada & Alberta, thank you for:
- Your unwavering loyalty.
- Your relentless efforts developing your leadership facilitator skills.
- Being a long-standing role model for professionals in Alberta.
- Your pride, representation and commitment to the PGA of Canada & Alberta.
After a hard fought battle and 21 holes of golf, including 3 playoff holes, our team from the North, featuring Geoff Carew (Windermere G&CC) & Graeme Nelson (The Derrick G&CC) prevailed in the Consolation Final of the Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship presented by Nike Golf. Our South team featured Austin Keller and Jacob Suto from Bearspaw GC.
It was a close match throughout, with neither team ever getting more then 1 Up for the duration of the Match. Each team had some chances to extend and stretch a lead at various times but were never able to create the separation needed to end it during the first 18 holes. There were some excellent shots, with Geoff & Graeme each sticking it to about 2.5 feet on a Par 3 respectively. The Playoff was complete on the third or 21st hole of the match, with Graeme Nelson draining a clutch approximate 15 foot birdie putt from just off the green after leaving his tee shot on the fringe/first cut and seeing his partner just miss a similar putt.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present 4 bursaries each year to deserving Apprentice Professionals and/or Class "A" Assistant/Teaching Professionals who meet or exceed the Bursary criteria. The Association is pleased to continue awarding each bursary amount at $1,000 each! (previously $750).
All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (working 9-months or less). All Information will be held in strict confidence.
Deadline to apply for a bursary is September 30th, 2023 (end of day). The bursaries will be awarded at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th.
*Save Draft Feature*
Please remember you can save your applications online before submitting. This allows you to complete an application form intermittingly rather than all at once. Please follow the steps below.
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft.
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every application form on the website.
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" and click ’My Saved Drafts’.
- Submit when finished!
Click Here for Application Form
Congratulations to our 2023 Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Team for a third consecutive year of Victory in the InterZone Championship at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf at the Ranch G&CC! It was a hard fought and exciting two-day InterZone competition with 6 Teams battling for National bragging rights and a total purse of $3,450.00.
Wes Heffernan, Mitchell Fox, David MacComb & Michael Harrison made up the 2023 Team and started the competition with an encouraging Round 1 Team Gross score of -6 but knew they’d need something special for Round 2 with Team Ontario coming out firing. Something special did indeed happen and our Team carded a scorching Round 2 Team Gross score of -9 which saw them vault into the lead after starting the day 1-stroke down to the Leaders from Ontario. They finished the two round event at a Team Gross of -15 and just nudged Ontario for the Title by 1-stroke; Wes fired a -5, Mitch a -3 and David a -1 during Round 2 which just was enough to prevail and keep the hardware in Alberta for another year!
The 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show is just under a month away! Attendee Registration is Open - Sign Up Your Facility and Team Today!
Original Room Block is now at capacity. An overflow Room Block has been setup at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown for 219 CAD per night.
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PGA AB Overflow Room Block |
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Start Date: Monday, October 16, 2023 |
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End Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023 |
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Last Day to Book: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 |
Book your group rate for PGA AB Overflow Room Block - Click Here
Or guests can directly call Marriott Reservations at 1-877-236-2427 to book a room
The PGA of Alberta would like to invite you to attend the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show on October 17 – 19 at the Calgary BMO Centre in Hall D ! The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season.
Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province, and country, to look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry. Our Buying Show continues to be the only “full scale” show of its kind in Canada and it is with great pride that we host this show every fall for our Members, Industry Suppliers and guests of the Industry. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities, and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers/Businesses.
The Show will be hosted in Calgary at the BMO Centre (Hall D) in Stampede Park. We are excited to build off the success of previous shows which include easy transportation in & out of the city, increased networking opportunities, and walking distance from our preferred hotel partner, Hotel Arts.
If you have any questions about the Show, please contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]). Click on the "Exhibitor Hub" or "Attendee Hub" tab below for more details and to get started with your registration.
Parking and Wi-Fi are both complimentary for Exhibitors and Attendees. More details related to parking will be released closer to the Show. A code for Wi-Fi access will be given at the Show.
There are 5 Ticket Types for Attendees. Please read through the descriptions below to ensure you register using the correct category.
| PGA of Alberta Member | PGA of Alberta Professionals who have paid their annual dues and work within Alberta. |
| PGA of Canada Member (Outside of Alberta) | PGA of Canada Professionals who have paid their annual dues and are working in a Zone outside of Alberta. |
| PGA of Canada Affiliate (Non Member): Facility Owner, GM, Employee, Guest, F&B Staff | Individual(s) working at a facility with an employed PGA of Alberta/Canada Professional and are not Members of the PGA of Canada and do not pay annual dues. This ticket type is for Facility Owners, General Managers, Food & Beverage Staff, and Employees at a course or a guest who is somehow affiliated with a facility. |
| NGCOA Member |
Individual(s) whose facility is a Member of the National Golf Course Owner’s Association and does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at their facility. Please note NGCOA Members are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show. |
| Green Grass Facility |
Individual(s) who are attending the Buying Show on behalf of a facility that does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at the course and is not a Member of the NGCOA. There is a $75.00 per person charge for this ticket type when purchased in advance online and a $125.00 per person charge when purchased at the door. Please note those representing Green Grass Facilities are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show. |
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We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta member Bill Dreger.
Bill has been a lifelong member of the Association becoming a Class "A" member of the PGA of Canada in 1994 and receiving his 25-year milestone in 2020. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 57 years.
William Darcy Dreger, "Billy" born in Didsbury, Alberta has passed away in his beloved mountains of the Bow Valley. He is survived by his wife Mayuko, sons, Benjamin and Yoshi Dreger of Canmore, two sisters, Joy Hoerle of Red Deer, AB. and Gaye Pauls of Calgary, AB, plus numerous other family members.
He will also be greatly missed and deeply mourned by his second family, the Canmore golf community.
Please join for a Celebration of Bill’s Life on Wednesday, September 13th at 2:00 pm at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club.
No flowers by request. Friends wishing to remember Billy are encouraged to make contributions in support of the Canmore Junior Golf program at the Canmore Golf Course in his memory.
Call Emily at the Canmore G&CC directly at 403-678-5959 ext. 236 if donating by CC. She will process payment and email the receipt.
OR
[email protected] and provide a note saying it is for Junior Golf or Bill Dreger.
We had an exciting day for this year’s edition of the Ladies’ Division Pro-Pro Scramble sponsored by: KAILANI at the stunning Bearspaw GC. All 3 Teams finished at a great -1 under par 70 to force a playoff and after 3 holes in quickly fading light and 1 team being elimanted, are 2023 Co-Champions are the Teams from: Willow Park G&CC & Highlands GC comprising, Nicola Greaves + Gina Nelson & Winston GC (The) & Blue Devil GC comprising, Kim Valleau + Rhonda Carter. The Co-Champions will split the the Purse for the event with each team taking home, $ 650.00 split amongst themselves.
Today saw the KAILANI Pro-Pro Scramble presented by: E-Z-GO hosted at the beautiful Bearspaw GC. The course and weather were fantastic for a round of September Golf. We had a stacked field of 60 teams encompassing 120 total players in the mixed division and 3 teams in the Ladies’ Division field. It was a very exciting day with the Leaderboard jammed packed at the Top and lots of movement throughout the day.
Our 2023 Champions, hailing from: Inglewood G&CC & Priddis Greens G&CC and comprises: Samuel Kirkness + Eric Locke. They carded an absolutely scorching -13 under par 58 with an outstanding 3 Eagles & 7 on the card. They fired a mere 27 strokes on the front-9 for a ridiculous -9 and followed it up with 1 more Eagle and 2 Birdies for a back-9 total of -4 under par 31. With a playoff looming, Sam and Eric made an very timely Birdie on their last hole to prevail by 1 stroke over their nearest competitors.
In sole possession of Second Place, was: Josh Berze + Matt Bean from Priddis Greens G&CC. They carded an unreal -12 under par 59 and were the only other team to fire in the 50’s. They fired an excellent -5 under par 31 on the front-9 and followed it up with -7 under par 28 on the back-9.
In a 2-way Tie for Second Place, all carding excellent -11 under par 60’s, was the teams from: Redwood Meadows G&CC & Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre, comprising Kevin Black + Wes Heffernan & Edmonton Petroleum G&CC & Windermere G&CC composed of, Spencer Vandermey + Nick Vandermey.
Rounding out our Top-5, in sole possession of Fifth Place was: Matt Seifert + Darryl James from Golfuture YYC & National Golf Academy at Shaganappi carding a great -10 under par 61.
Closing out our Top-10, in a 5-way Tie for Sixth Place, all firing -9 under par 62’s was the teams from: Country Hills GC, Modern Golf comprising, Taylor Irvin + Jeremy Maher, Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre & GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights, comprising, Scott Smith + Tyler LeBouthillier, Earl Grey GC & Silver Springs G&CC comprising, Cullen Wanvig + Benjamin Owens, Canyon Meadows G&CC comprising, Matthew Cook + Carmen Kinas and from Priddis Greens G&CC and comprising, John D. Wilson + Jennifer Ha.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor: KAILANI & Presenting Sponsor: E-Z-GO & Host Facility: Turner Valley GC for putting on another outstanding event!
Round Two of the Pro-Assistant at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf was a successful day. We had a strong field of 60 teams and 120 Professionals competing. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with the order shifted again and Teams playing: Best Ball (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes) & Scramble (6-holes) which made for an extremely exciting Leaderboard with plenty of movement throughout both Rounds.
Our 2023 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Champions hail from: Earl Grey GC (Pat Wilmot + Scott Stiles) who put together two outstanding rounds of golf and carded an excellent -8 under par 63 today to finish the tournament at an unreal -14 under par! Pat and Scott tore the course up today with 8 Birdies on the card to clinch the 2023 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Title for the first time. They fired 22 strokes on the Best Ball format, 21 on Scotch Ball and finished with 20 on the Scramble portion.
In a 2-way tie for Second place, finishing with 2-Day totals of -10, were the Teams representing: GOLFTEC Edmonton (Jordan Maclean + Oliver Brown) & Lynx Ridge GC, X2 Defending Champions (Kaleb Gorbahn + Matthew Kirlin) who kept some heat on the Leaders all day. Jordan & Oliver played two great rounds and carded a -2 under 69 today. Matt & Kaleb played two great rounds of golf and carded a -5 under par 66 today.
In a 4-way tie for Fourth Place, all finishing with 2-Day totals of -9, were the Teams representing: River Bend G&RA (Logan Hill + Phil McCluskey), The Quarry (Keith Whitecotton + Taylor Scinski), Edmonton Petroleum G&CC (Kyle Boyd + Spencer Vandermey), Windermere G&CC (Michael Thompson + Nick Vandermey).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 3-way tie for Eighth Place, all finishing with 2-Day totals of -8, was the Teams representing: Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC (Chris Horton + Paul Horton), Mill Woods GC (Matthew Mah + Matthew Zarowny) & Big Buck Golf Centre (Garrett Fraser + Sean Mills).
Congratulations to our Closest to the Pin Winners from Day 1: Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) on #9 and Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) on #15 who both take home $200.
Congratulations to our Closest to the Pin Winners from Day 2: Ben Matthews (Miskanaw GC) on #9 and Robb James (Stony Plain GC) on #15 who both take home $200.
Special thanks to Jasper Park Lodge GC and Callaway Golf for helping make another excellent event happen this year!
Today saw Round One of the second last event of the season at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf. We have a stacked field of 60 teams comprised of 120 Professionals playing who had to brave some cool and rainy conditions throughout the day. Our Defending Champions from the last 2 Year’s are the team representing Lynx Ridge GC.
This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play but a change in the order of play with Teams playing: Best Ball (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes) & Scramble (6-holes).
Leading the Pack after an excellent Round One today is the Team representing: GOLFTEC Edmonton (Jordan Maclean + Oliver Brown) who carded an outstanding -8 under par 63 today. Jordan and Oliver had 8 Birdies on the card today. They carded 23-21-19 (Best Ball, Scotch & Scramble) to hold a 2-stroke over their nearest competitors.
In 2-way tie for Second Place is the Teams representing: Earl Grey GC (Pat Wilmot + Scott Stiles) & Windermere G&CC (Michael Thompson + Nick Vandermey) after carding excellent -6 under par 65’s today. Team Earl Grey had 7 Birdies on the card and Team Windermere had 1 Eagle and 6 Birdies on the card.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 3-way tie for Fourth Place is the Teams representing: Lynx Ridge GC (Kaleb Gorbahn + Matthew Kirlin), Blackhawk GC (Aaron Cook + Kevin Chow) & The Royal Mayfair GC (David MacComb + Matt Johnson).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 5-way tie for Eighth Place is the Teams representing: Canyon Meadows G&CC (Matt Cook + Matt Freeman), The Quarry (Keith Whitecotton + Taylor Scinski), Edmonton Petroleum G&CC (Kyle Boyd + Spencer Vandermey), Stony Plain GC (Jeff Cuthbertson + Robb James) & Mill Woods GC (James Whitton + Tyler Pecman) who all carded -4 under par 67’s today.
The first tee time is set for: 8:03 AM tomorrow and our final grouping of: GOLFTEC Edmonton & Earl Grey GC tee off at 12:24 PM.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to award five Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates this year. Three of the Scholarships are awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members and two are awarded to competitive junior golfers in Alberta who meet specific criteria. We are pleased to award the following individuals the 2023 scholarships:
Thank you to everyone that applied this year. We wish everyone the best of luck in their post-secondary education.
Click here for more information on the Scholarship Program
PGA of Alberta Bursary Program
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present 4 bursaries ($1000 each) to deserving Apprentice Professionals and/or Class "A" Assistant/Teaching Professionals who meet or exceed the Bursary criteria as outlined below. The Bursary Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 18th.
All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class A Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (Working 9-Months or Less). All Information will be held in strict confidence.
Please submit the online application form by September 30th, 2023.
Today saw Round 2 of the Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship at the beautiful Stony Plain GC and the scores and weather were sizzling! The course continued to be in amazing shape for our competitors. Congratulations to our two female professionals in the field, Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) & Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who both carded -1 under par 71’s today which set a new Official Tournament Female Course Record that they now co-share!
Continuing his incredible play this season, adding another Championship to his trophy case, was: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who successfully defended his 2022 Assistants’ Title and put together two exceptional rounds for the Championship while setting the new Official Tournament Course Record at Stony Plain GC with his exceptional -7 under par 65 today.
Wes carded an unreal -7 under par 65 today which included: 1 Eagle, 6 Birdies and only 1 bogey blemish. He fired a staggering 6-under 30 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 4 Birdies. Wes followed it up with 1-under par 35 on the back-9. He finished the Championship at -12 under par with an outstanding Championship two-day total of 132.
In sole possession of 2nd Place was: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) who kept the heat on Wes all day and put together two excellent rounds just coming up short by 1-stroke. Mitch carded an immaculate -6 under par 66 today with no blemishes on the card, firing -3 under par 33 on the front-9 and followed it up with another -3 under par 33 on the back. Mitch had 6 Birdies on the card today and finished with a Championship two-day total 133.
In a two-way tie for 3rd Place, both finishing the Championship at -5 under par with two-day totals of 139 was: Kaleb Gorbahn (Lynx Ridge GC) & Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC). Kaleb playing in his first PGA of Alberta event, carded a great -5 under par today, firing -4 under par 32 on the front-9 and following it up with a 35 on the back. Dillon carded a solid -3 under par 69 today firing 35 on the front-9 and following it up with 34 on the back.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a three-way tie for 5th Place, all finishing the Championship at -4 under par with two-day totals of 140 was: Christopher Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC), Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) & David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC).
In a two-way tie for 8th Place, both finishing the Championship at -3 under par with two-day totals of 141 was: Joshua Gorieu (Lewis Estates GC) & Mike Belbin (The Royal Mayfair GC).
In a four-way tie for 10th Place, all finishing the Championship at Even-par with two-day totals of 144 was: Spencer Vandermey (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC), Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights), Leighton Bearchell (Sundre GC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC).
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with a Birdie on # 7 & # 11 & Jacob Suto (Bearspaw GC) with an Eagle on # 6.
Special thanks to our Sponsor: Cobra Puma Golf for their continued strong support, without them, events like this wouldn’t be possible.
Special thank you to our host venue of Stony Plain GC for putting on an excellent event and big thank you to their entire team for all the hard work that went into the Championship.
Today saw Round 1 of the Assistants’ Championship sponsored by Cobra Puma Golf at the beautiful Stony Plain GC The course is in immaculate shape, conditions were excellent, which equated to a jammed Leaderboard at the Top with 17 players even or under par. It was an exciting day and sets us up for an even better Round-2 and the pitched battle at the Top for who takes home the 2023 Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship. Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) is our defending Champion prevailing at The Derrick G&WC last summer.
Our Leaders after R1, in a three-way tie, are: Defending Champion, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who came out firing today and carded an outstanding -5 under par 67. Wes carded a 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 32 on the back-9. Wes had 2 Eagle, 3 Birdies on the card today to go into tomorrow looking to 2-Peat as Assistants’ Champion.
3X former Assistants’ Champion Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) who carded a gem of a round with no blemishes to show today. Mike fired a -5 under par 67 today, carding a 33 on the front-9 and following it up with a 34 on the back-9. Mike had 5 birdies on the day and will look to add another Assistants’ Title to his collection.
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) who fired an excellent round of -5 under par 67 today, carding a 32 on the front-9 and following it up with a 35 on the back-9. Mitch had 8 Birdies on the card and will look to keep it going in the final group for R2 tomorrow and his first Assistants’ Championship Title.
In a two-way tie for Second Place, both carding great -3 under par 69’s today was: Austin Keller (Bearspaw GC) & David MacComb (The Royal Mayfair GC). Austin fired a 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 34 on the back-9, with 5 Birdies on the card. David fired a 32 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 37 on the back-9, with 5 Birdies on the card.
In a three-way tie for Sixth Place, all carding -2 under par 70’s today and remaining well in contention for the Title was: Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC), Leighton Bearchell (Sundre GC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 5-way tie for Ninth Place, all carding -1 under par 71’s, with low rounds needed tomorrow to put some heat on the lead group was: Darcy Dhillon (Red Deer G&CC), Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC), Tom Flockhart (Golfuture YYC), Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) & Christopher Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC).
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins winners: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with an Eagle on # 6 & # 10, Tom Flockhart (Golfuture YYC) with an Eagle on # 8, Simon Butterfield (Blackhawk GC) with a Birdie on # 14 and Connor Beeston (Raven Crest G&CC) with an Eagle on # 15.
First tee time is 830 AM sharp tomorrow, our final group of Heffernan, Belbin & Fox tee off at 1208 PM!
Click here for Round 1 Results.
We are excited to announce that the new Membership & Employment Committee has been formed for the remainder of 2023 and for 2024. Thank you to all the applicants who have volunteered their time and passion to help support our Membership.
A message from Co-Chairs, Jeff MacGregor & Blake Clayton:
"Jeff and I are looking forward to working closely with the new members of the Committee. We are extremely pleased the we have Members from both Public and Private facilities that will bring in their personal experience and club experiences to help engage in constructive conversation to make sure all sides of the business are represented."
The new Committee consists of:
- Jeff MacGregor (Co-Chair)
- Blake Clayton (Co-Chair)
- Nic Longley
- Tyrel Babkirk
- Michael Thompson
- Leif Hanson
- Nicola Greaves
- Bryce Halverson
- Michael Nutt
The Membership & Employment Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and will meet at minimum twice annually to address and review the PGA of Alberta’s Membership & Employment related matters.
Committee Responsibilities list below for a general outline of what is expected from Committee members.
- PGA of Alberta By-Laws.
- New Member Orientation.
- Compensation Survey.
- Job Posting Standards.
- Membership & Employment Initiatives.
- Club Relations.
- Association Resource Centre.
- Retention and attraction of Golf Professionals in Alberta.
- Proactively obtain input from fellow members on their level of satisfaction of the Membership & Employment portfolio and consider suggestions for improvement.
- Interacting with other Committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
- Undertake other activities as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time.
- Review the Terms of Reference on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change.
- Review with the Executive Director any breach of member misconduct and make recommendations for any fines or suspensions to the Board of Directors for any case related to employment or membership.
Today saw the final round of the 2023 Seniors’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in fantastic shape and conditions were overcast but still great for our competitors.
Our 2023 Seniors’ Champion, after a hard fought 3-hole playoff (#18, #10 & #18) is: Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) who prevailed to take home the Title. Larry carded the round of the day firing a -5 under par 67, carding a 34 on the front-9 and following it up with a 33 on the back to force a playoff . Larry finished with a two-day Championship total of 139 (-5 overall) after shooting even-par 72 for Round 1.
In Second Place, last year’s defending Champion and just coming up short in the playoff was: Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who carded two great rounds to finish at 5-under par overall for the Championship. Scott carded a great 2-under par 69 in Round 1 and followed it up with a solid 2-under 70 today.
In a two-way tie for Third Place, finishing with two-day Championship total’s of Even-Par, 144 was: Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) & Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi). Jeff fired a 75 & 69 and Darryl carded 69 & 75.
Rounding out our Top-5, in solo possession of Fifth Place was: Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member) who played two solid rounds of golf for the Championship, carding 72 for Round 1 and 74 for Round 2 and finishing with a two-day Championship total of 146 (+2 overall).
Congratulations to our Super Senior Division (60+) winner: Brian Bassen (Strathmore GC) who carded two great rounds to finish the tournament at +9 and Tied for 13th place of the overall Seniors’ Championship field.
Congratulations to our 2 skins winners today: Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) with a Birdie on #12 and Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC) with a Birdie on #18 who both take home $ 410 each!
Special thanks to our Sponsors: Schooley Mitchell & Inside Golf.
Big thank you to our Host facility: Silver Springs G&CC for two great days!
Click here for Final Results
Today saw the final round of the 2023 Ladies’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in fantastic shape for our competitors and conditions were overcast but still great for our competitors.
Our 2023 Ladies’ Champion went wire-to-wire over two rounds and gets her hands back on the trophy after winning the Championship in 2020 and 2021: Gina Nelson (Highlands GC). Gina played two excellent rounds for the Championship and shot an impressive -3 under par 69 for R2 today. Gina had an excellent blemish free round today, carding a 1-under par 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 2-under par 34 on the back-9, with 3 Birdies today to prevail over her nearest competitor by 3-strokes. Gina finished with a two-day Championship total of 143 (-1 overall).
In solo Second Place, last year’s Champion, was: Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who played 2 great rounds and finished 3-strokes back from the top. Katy carded an excellent -1 under-par 71 today which included 4 Birdies. Katy carded a 37 on the front-9, followed it up with a 34 on the back-9 and finished with a two-day Championship total of 146 (+2 overall).
Rounding out our Top-3 today was: Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) who played 2 solid rounds of golf, carding a 79 in R1 and a 76 today to finish the Championship with a two-day 155 (+11 overall).
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: Gina Nelson (Birdies on #6 & #11 & #13), Katy Rutherford (Birdies on #2, #15 & #18), Crystal Shapka (Birdie on #5), Carmen Kinas (Birdie on #16) & Elizabeth Carr (Birdie on #17).
Thank you to our Host facility, Silver Springs G&CC for two great days.
Click here for Final Results
Today saw R1 of the Ladies’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in mint shape for our competitors.
Leading the way and our 2020 and 2021 Ladies’ Championship Winner is: Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) who carded an excellent +2-over par 74 today. Gina played steady golf today and carded 37’s on both 9’s to hold a 1-stroke lead over her nearest competitor and to comfortably sit in the final group going out.
In solo Second Place, last year’s defending Champion is: Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who carded a great +3-over par 75 today. Katy played consistent golf today, carding 37 on the front-9 and 38 on the back-9 to sit 1-stroke off the lead and setting up a great battle for tomorrow’s final group.
In solo Third Place is: Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC) who carded a solid +6-over par 78 today. Jennifer carded 38 on the front-9 and 40 on the back-9 to fill out our final group tomorrow and remain in contention with a low round needed tomorrow.
Rounding out our Top-5 is: Carmen Kinas (Canyon Meadows G&CC) and Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) who both carded +7-over par 79’s today and will try to keep some heat on the final group.
First tee time is at 11:36 AM tomorrow and our final group tee’s it up at 12:03 PM.
Congratulations to our 1 skins winner today: Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) with a Birdie on #11 and will payout $ 220.
Click here for Round 1 Results
Round 2 Draw
Today saw Round 1 of The Seniors’ Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell & Inside Golf Inc and hosted at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC. The course is in fantastic shape and our players had an overcast but great conditions for their first round.
After Round 1, in a Two-Way tie for First Place was: Last year’s defending Champion, Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) & former Champion, Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who both carded excellent -3 under par 69’s today to open up a 2-stroke lead over their nearest competitor and setup for a heated battle tomorrow. Scott carded even-par 36 on the front-9 and followed it up with a great 3-under par 33 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies. Darryl started hot today with a 3-under par 33 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies. He followed it up with an even-par 36 on the back.
In solo Third Place is: Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA) who carded a great 1-under par 71 today to remain well in contention and slot into our Final group. Phil fired a 34 on the front-9 with 2 Birdies and a 37 on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 4-way tie for Fourth Place, after all carding even-par 72’s is: Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC), Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member), Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) & Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) who remain in the hunt with low rounds needed tomorrow.
Leading our Super Senior Division (60+) is Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) who carded an excellent even-par 72 and sitting tied 4th in the overall division.
First tee time is at 12:12 PM tomorrow and our last group tee’s it up at 2:00 PM.
Congratulations to our 1 Skins winner today who won $840 - Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) with an Eagle hole-out on the Par 4 Sixth hole today.
Click here for Round 1 Results
Round 2 Draw
After a heated battle today, three players rose above the rest to qualify for the Shaw Charity Classic event held at the Canyon Meadows G&CC on Aug. 18th-20th. The three players advancing are: Hyeong Geon Kim (-6), Jeff Gove & Ted Purdy. A 4-man playoff took place for the last spot available in the event and Ted Purdy prevailed on the 3rd playoff hole with an approx 5 foot Birdie to move on at the Event Qualifier at the beautiful Lynx Ridge GC. Good luck to all advancing players at the Main event!
Congratulations to the 14 players who passed the Play Ability Test #5 today at Highwood Golf. The 14 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (79) or better (49 years & younger) to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Sullivan Gibb | Kananaskis Golf Club | 74 |
| Michael Dumont | Woodside Golf Club | 74 |
| Bridger Atkinson | Highwood Golf | 74 |
| Adam Mawani | Broadmoor Golf Course | 75 |
| Tanner Resnechenko | Carstairs Golf Club | 75 |
| Ryan Chernuska | St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino | 76 |
| Liam Vos | Calgary Golf & Country Club | 77 |
| Dylan Buziak |
Lakepoint Golf & Country Club
|
77 |
| Mitchell Davey | Banff Springs Golf Club | 77 |
| Marcus Jones | Banff Springs Golf Club | 78 |
| Dean Revenboer | Cold Lake Golf & Winter Club | 79 |
| Riley Hobberstad |
HeatherGlen Golf Course
|
79 |
| Trevor Thon | Fernie Golf & Country Club | 79 |
| Joel Griffith | Valley Ridge Golf Club | 79 |
| Austin Snyder | Banff Springs Golf Club | 80 |
| Dean Page | Edmonton Garrison Memorial Golf & Curling Club | 80 |
Today saw the last Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful Mill Woods GC sponsored by adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presented by Pixel Army. The course was in fantastic shape and the Leaderboard saw a tight battle at the top for the title. This year’s event continued with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition.
Our Champions this year are: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) + Shari Beier who fired a superb round today to finish with a blistering 50 Team Net Stableford team points to win by 3! Shaye and Shari carded an excellent 29 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with 21 Points on the back-9 on their march to victory.
In Solo Second Place, was the team of: Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) + Kim Whitecotton who put 47 Team Net Stableford Points on the board today. Keith & Kim carded 23 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with a strong 24 Point back-9.
In Solo Third Place. was the team comprised of: Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) + Kim Sabourin who fired an excellent 46 Team Net Stableford Points today. Dallas and Kim carded a great 24 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with 22 Points on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a 4-way tie for Fourth Place after all carding a great 45 Team Net Stableford Points, was the teams: Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) + Connie Evans, Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) + Sharon Cory, Kasey Timms (Leduc GC) + Sarah Wolfe & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) + Kaitlyn Wingnean.
Special thanks to our host course of Mill Woods GC for putting on another top-notch event and to our Sponsors adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presenting Sponsor Pixel Army. Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
Congratulations to the five competitors who shot 70 or better today at Valley Ridge GC for the Pre-Qualifier to claim the 5 spots advancing to the Event Qualifier, next Tuesday, August 15th at Lynx Ridge GC. It was a perfect day for golf, and we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard. We also had an exciting 2-man playoff for the last advancing spot, both carded 2-under par 70’s today and battled on Valley Ridge #1 in the playoff.
3 Players rose above the field today to comfortably progress to the Event Qualifier, after all carding excellent 4-under par 68’s, they are: PGA of Alberta Member, Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry GC), Pat Patterson (Royal Palm Yacht & CC) & Wes Martin (River’s Edge Golf Club).
The Fourth spot progressing onwards, thanks to a great 3-under par 69, is Mike Grob who just avoided the playoff amongst the 2-under par 70’s. The playoff was between PGA of Alberta Member, Kent Fukushima (Redwood Meadows) & Hyeong Geon Kim (Georgia National) and was complete after the first hole. Hyeong prevailed after hitting a huge drive on the Par 5 first hole, making the green reachable and calmly drained his approximate 12-foot Eagle putt after hitting a good 2nd shot in to heap the pressure on his opponent.
All five players have now qualified for the main Event Qualifier, next Tuesday, August 15th at Lynx Ridge GC. The Shaw Charity Classic will be taking place at Canyon Meadows G&CC from August 18th - 20th.
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball sponsored by G&G Brands hosted at the beautiful Mickelson National GC. We had a strong field of 59 teams encompassing 118 total players for the event. Our winning Team created a bit of distance between themselves and the trailing pack but the Leaderboard was tight for the chasing pack with 29 Teams under par or even today.
Our 2023 G&G Brands Pro-Pro Best Ball Champions today were: Wes Heffernan + Scott Smith (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who carded an outstanding 10-under par 62 and were victorious over their nearest competitors by 2-strokes. Wes and Scott had a blemish free round and 10 Birdies today to take home the title firing a 30 on the front-9 and following it up with a 32 on the back-9.
In a two-way tie for Second Place was, last year’s defending Champions, Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) + Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) & Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) + Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) who battled all day and managed to keep some heat on our Leaders throughout the day. Both Teams carded excellent 8-under par 64’s. Eric and Sam had 8 Birdies today and Mitch and Dallas had 1 Eagle and 9 Birdies today.
In a two-way tie for Fourth Place, after firing great 7-under par 65’s was: Daly Hamilton (Valley Ridge GC) + Christopher Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC) & Mathew MacDonald (Innisfail GC) + Logan Hill (River Bend G&RA). Daly and Chris had 9 Birdies on the card and Mathew and Logan had 8 Birdies on the card.
In a two-way tie for Sixth Place after carding 6-under par 66’s was: Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) + Craig Gibson (Sirocco GC) & Josh Berze (Priddis Greens G&CC) + Rock Ruschkowski (Sirocco GC).
In a two-way tie for Eighth Place after carding 5-under par 67’s was: Geoff Carew + Michael Thompson (Windermere G&CC) & Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) + Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 6-way tie, after all carding 4-under par 68’s was: Chase Rau + Cody Hancock (Sturgeon Valley G&CC), Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) + Graeme Nelson (The Derrick G&WC), Shawn Proulx (River Ridge G&CC + Jaman Moussa (Country Club Tour), Grant Numrich (PGA of Alberta Member) + Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR), Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) + Spencer Vandermey (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) & Kyle Wade (PGA of Alberta Member) + Matt Freeman ( Canyon Meadows G&CC).
Thank you to our Sponsor: G&G Brands & Host Facility, Mickelson National GC for putting on an incredible event!
Attendee Registration is OPEN for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show!
The PGA of Alberta would like to invite you to attend the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show on October 17 – 19 at the Calgary BMO Centre in Hall D to showcase your company and products! The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season.
Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province, and country, to look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry. Our Buying Show continues to be the only “full scale” show of its kind in Canada and it is with great pride that we host this show every fall for our Members, Industry Suppliers and guests of the Industry. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities, and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers/Businesses.
The Show will be hosted in Calgary at the BMO Centre (Hall D) in Stampede Park. We are excited to build off the success of previous shows which include easy transportation in & out of the city, increased networking opportunities, and walking distance from our preferred hotel partner, Hotel Arts.
If you have any questions about the Show, please contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]). Click on the "Exhibitor Hub" or "Attendee Hub" tab below for more details and to get started with your registration.
Parking and Wi-Fi are both complimentary for Exhibitors and Attendees. More details related to parking will be released closer to the Show. A code for Wi-Fi access will be given at the Show.
There are 5 Ticket Types for Attendees. Please read through the descriptions below to ensure you register using the correct category.
| PGA of Alberta Member | PGA of Alberta Professionals who have paid their annual dues and work within Alberta. |
| PGA of Canada Member (Outside of Alberta) | PGA of Canada Professionals who have paid their annual dues and are working in a Zone outside of Alberta. |
| PGA of Canada Affiliate (Non Member): Facility Owner, GM, Employee, Guest, F&B Staff | Individual(s) working at a facility with an employed PGA of Alberta/Canada Professional and are not Members of the PGA of Canada and do not pay annual dues. This ticket type is for Facility Owners, General Managers, Food & Beverage Staff, and Employees at a course or a guest who is somehow affiliated with a facility. |
| NGCOA Member |
Individual(s) whose facility is a Member of the National Golf Course Owner’s Association and does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at their facility. Please note NGCOA Members are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show. |
| Green Grass Facility |
Individual(s) who are attending the Buying Show on behalf of a facility that does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at the course and is not a Member of the NGCOA. There is a $75.00 per person charge for this ticket type when purchased in advance online and a $125.00 per person charge when purchased at the door. Please note those representing Green Grass Facilities are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show. |
Looking for more information on the benefits of attending the 2023 Buying Show? Click on the button to download our Attendee Package for further details on all the Show has to offer Attendees this year!
Ready to register? Click the above button to get started.
Today saw the last Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful River Bend G&RA sponsored by Golf Trends INC and was a great day for golf. We had a field of 49 teams for a total of 98 competitors! The course was in outstanding shape and all the teams had an incredible experience at a top-notch facility.
This year saw the event continue with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition. The point allocation in this format is: 6 points for a Hole-in-One, 5 points for a Double-Eagle, 4 points for Eagle, 3 points for Birdie, 2 points for Par & 1 point for Bogey.
Our Champions were the team of: Keith Whitecotton + Brian Samletzki (The Quarry) who played an excellent round to finish with 47 Team Net Stableford Points and won through retrogression. Keith had 4 Birdies on the card and Brian had 2 Eagles & 4 Birdies for 23 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 24 on the back-9 on their way to victory.
In Second Place through retrogression was the team of: Jason Stanier + Bob Karch (Inglewood G&CC) who also accumulated an excellent 47 Team Net Stableford Points today. Jason had 4 Birdies on the card today and Bob had 1 Eagle & 6 Birdies for 24 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 23 on the back-9.
Finishing in Third today, at 44 points was the team of: Kyle Brandt + Mike Chupka (The Derrick G&WC). Kyle had 3 Birdies on the card and Mike pitched in with 1 Eagle & 5 timely Birdies of his own for 23 Team Stableford Points on the front & 21 Points on the back today.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a three-way tie with 43 points was the teams of: Host Professional Phil McCluskey + Greg Gigliuk (River Bend G&RA), Michael Harrison + Les Harrison (Coal Creek GR) & Jamie Gerlitz + Clint Collier (Picture Butte GC).
Special thanks to our host course and their entire staff: River Bend G&RA for putting on such a great event and to our Sponsor: Golf Trends INC. Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
Nominations for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Awards Program are NOW OPEN!
Each year the PGA of Alberta recognizes Members and Industry Representatives for their achievements throughout the season, their career, as well as for their contributions to the Association and the game of golf.
We encourage all Members and Industry Partners 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 this year:
- Apprentice Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Class "A" Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Club Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Coach of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Executive Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Junior Leader of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Retailer of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Sales Rep of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Teacher of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
Please note the following for the 2023 Awards Program:
Coach of the Year Award Eligibility - Nominees must be certified within Golf’s National Coach Certification Program Competition stream (Coach of New Competitors, Coach of Developing Competitors) to be eligible to be a Finalist and win the Award.
Top 100 Points - Every member that submits a nomination form by August 18, 2023, will receive 2 Top 100 points for this program year (ends December 31, 2023). The maximum points you can receive is 2 total, even if you nominate more than one person.
Nomination(s) – We encourage all PGA of Alberta Professionals and Industry Partners to nominate a deserving individual in each of the Award categories. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Awards Criteria - Click Here to view the criteria for each Award.
Deadline to Nominate - Nominations for all awards will close at the end of day on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Video Bio Submissions - All members who are nominated for an Award are highly encouraged to submit a short video bio in addition to their application form.
Awards Banquet (Save the Date) - Award winners will be revealed at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 18, at the Calgary BMO Centre (after day two of the Buying Show).
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
The 2nd and last PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Division event of the season did not disappoint with many legends of our Association competing and having some excellent playing conditions at the beautiful The Ranch G&CC.
After a hard-fought battle on the course, Jerry Linquist (Lewis Estates GC) takes home the title with an excellent score of 1-under 70. Linquist carded a great round of golf throughout today, shooting 35-35 on the front and back nines to seal the victory with 5 Birdies on the card.
Keeping Linquist on his toes and finishing in second was Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) who played great today and carded even-par 71 to fall 1 stroke short of our leader. Richard carded 35-36 with 6 Birdies on the card today. Rounding out the Top-3, both carding a score of +2 over par 73 was: Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) who carded 34-39 with 2 Birdies on the card & one of our Host Professionals Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC) who carded 35-38 with 2 Birdies on the card.
Thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team - The Ranch G&CC for helping to put on yet another successful event.
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today: Blair Oko with an Eagle on #13, Gary Christenson with a Birdie on #3, Andre DiBartolo with a Birdie on #8, Jerry Linquist with a Birdie #9, Murray McCourt with a Birdie #15 & Richard Stringer with a Birdie on #16.
Today was the sixth and final Players Tour event of the season at the beautiful The Ranch G&CC in Edmonton and our competitors were treated to an absolutely mint and fantastically conditioned course and a perfect day for golf. This was the last open stroke play event of the season that Members amass Order of Merit points from with the Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship at the end of August the final event to earn points to earn a spot on either the Head Professional or Assistants’ team to represent Alberta at the PGA of Canada Championships later in the fall.
Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) lead the field today to take home the final Players Tour title of the season. Nick fired an outstanding -5 under par 66 today on the par 71 Ranch G&CC to prevail by 3-strokes over his nearest competitors. He carded a 2-under par 33 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 1 Birdie. He followed it up on the back-9 with a blemish free -3 under par 33 with 3 Birdies.
In a tie for Second, after all carding great -2 under par 69’s was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) & Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC). Rounding out our Top-5, after carding -1 under par 70’s was: Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) & Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf Centre).
Thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team - The Ranch G&CC for helping to put on yet another successful event.
Congratulations to our Skins Winner: Jeremy Maher with an Eagle on #13.
The 2023 edition of the Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & Blue Tees is officially in the books. Today’s second round saw a continuation of the perfect conditions and our competitors battled all day to try and win their respective divisions and overall title.
Winning her first Junior Masters title in the Overall Girls’ Division was Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield GC) who prevailed on the second playoff hole (#18 X2) after making a clutch approx. 5 foot putt for par. Sophie played outstanding golf over both rounds and finished the Tournament at +11 after carding 71 in round 1 and 80 today with a two-day gross total of 151. Finishing in second this year was Carla van Remmen (Pinebrook G&CC) finishing the Tournament at +11 after shooting 73 & 78. Rounding out the top 3 was Gabrielle Roznicki (The Glencoe G&CC ) who finished the Tournament at +20 after firing 78 & 82.
Congratulations to the Winner of the U-15 Girls Division: Alessandra Sundquist (Willow Park G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +10 after carding 75 & 75 and had a two-day gross total of 150. Finishing in Second place was Rhea Deo (Royal Mayfair GC) who finished Tournament at +16 after carding 77 & 79.
In the Overall Boys’ Division, our 2023 Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & Blue Tees Champion is: Ryan Gillis (Pinebrook G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +2 with a two-day gross total of 142 carding 75 yesterday and our low round for today with a -3-under par 67. Ryan had only 1 blemish on his card today with 4 Birdies carding 34 & 33 today.
Rounding out our top 4 was, Josiah Tong (Heritage Pointe GC) who finished the Tournament at +3 overall after firing 71 & 73, Jared Code (Glencoe G&CC) who carded 72 & 72 & Ethan Howes (Broadmoor GC) who carded 69 & 75 and who tied finishing the Tournament at +4 overall.
Congratulations to the Winner of the U-15 Boys Division: Harrison Kiziak (Belvedere G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +2 with a two-day gross total 142 after carding 70 & 72. Finishing in Second place was Chase Lassman (Stony Plain GC) who finished the Tournament at +4 after carding 70 & 74.
Thank you to all our players, our Title Sponsors Play Golf Alberta & Royal Mayfair our Presenting Sponsor Sundog Eyewear & Blue Tees, and lastly Royal Mayfair for hosting their first Junior Masters. We look forward to coming back next year!
It was a beautiful day at the Royal Mayfair GC in Edmonton for Round 1 of the Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear / Blue Tees.
Ethan Howes (Broadmoor GC) in the Overall Boys’ Division and Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield GC) in the Overall Girls’ Division stood above the rest of the field today to hold the lead in their respective divisions heading into Round 2 tomorrow.
Ethan carded a great 1-under par 69 today, carding 34 on the front nine and 35 on the back-9, with 4 Birdies on the card. Sitting right behind Ethan is two players who both carded +1 over-par 71’s: Josiah Tong & Peter Hlushak who will be looking to catch our Leader. Five other players sit within 3 strokes of the lead heading into tomorrow for R2 with low rounds needed to catch the top of the Leaderboard.
Sophie carded a great +1-over par 71 today, carding 37 on the front nine and 34 on the back-9 with an Ace on #4 and 3 Birdies. Sitting just 2-strokes off the lead is Carla Van Remmen who carded +3 over-par 73 today to remain well in contention for the overall title.
In the U-15 Boys’ Division, Jayden Arnold (Earl Grey GC) had our round of the day carding an excellent 3-under par 67 to sit atop the Leaderboard in his respective division. Jayden fired a 34 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 33 on the back-9 with 5 Birdies today to give himself a healthy 3-stroke lead heading into tomorrow’s final round.
In the U-15 Girls’ Division, Alessandra Sundquist (Willow Park G&CC) sits at the top after carding a great +5 over-par 75 today. Alessandra carded 37 on the front-9 and followed it up with 38 on the back-9. She holds a 2-stroke lead over her nearest competitor.
Round 2 kicks off at 8:00 AM tomorrow with the Boys’ Divisions out first and the Girls’ Divisions following with the last tee time set for 11:00 AM. Players will battle it out so they can take home the 2023 Junior Masters title as well as their respective division title.
The Association is excited to announce a new partnership with Golf Course optimization technology expert, Tagmarshal, as it looks to engage with and add value to PGA professionals across this region. Tagmarshal will be a Presenting Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar for the 2024-2025 season. The partnership with the Association includes sharing further educational opportunities, such as online webinars and expert sessions.
Tagmarshal’s technology provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting. Using a hybrid of advanced GPS technology and powerful algorithms based on data from more than 25 million rounds, managers can optimize on-course operations, effectively manage pace and flow of play to enhance the player experience, increase efficiency through automation and generate additional revenue.
“We’re proud to be recognized as a valuable partner of the PGA of Alberta, working in synergy with their team, to grow the game in Canada. We look forward to sharing our data-driven insights and processes with their members,” said Bodo Sieber, CEO, Tagmarshal
The partnership with the Association builds on Tagmarshal’s existing partner network, which includes several PGA Sections, such as Northern Texas, Southern Texas, Southwest, South Florida, North Florida, New England, Metropolitan, Pacific Northwest, as well as the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), PGA Magazine and the Golf Business Network (GBN).
Tagmarshal partners with many private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 35 of the Top 100 US courses and more than 500 courses globally, as well as several golf management groups. Partners include Red Deer Golf & Country Club, Bearspaw Golf Club, Royal Mayfair Golf Club, Priddis Greens, Earl Grey Golf Club, Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using Tagmarshal’s optimization technology.
To learn more about the impact optimization will have at your course, please contact Stephen Knoop, Managing Director, at [email protected] or call +353 86 052 5077. Alternatively, watch their short demo at tagmarshal.com/demo.
Players were treated to a beautiful day for R2 at the PING Canada Club Professional Championship hosted at the picturesque Inglewood G&CC in Calgary. The course continued to be in mint shape for all our competitors and the weather was excellent throughout the day for the entire field.
Our 2023 PING Club Professional Champion, Head Professional of our host venue, is: Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) fresh off his strong 6th place showing at the PGA of Alberta Championship 2 weeks ago. Sam had a resolute performance on home turf with a convincing victory of a 5-stroke margin over his nearest competitors in this 2-day stroke play Championship.
Sam started the day tied in the lead (-4) in our final group and began his round on the front foot with the pedal to floor with Birdies on 3 of the first 4 holes. Sam only had 1 blemish to show on the front-9 after carding a strong 4-under par 32, with 5 Birdies, and a healthy lead established over his nearest competitors. He followed it up with a solid 1-under par 34 on the back-9 to cruise in as our 2023 PING Club Professional Champion. Sam had a two-day Championship total of 133 and finished the Championship at -9.
In a two-way tie for Second place was: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) and Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who both put together two great rounds for the Championship to finish with a Championship two-day total of: 138 (-4). Scott carded our low round for today with a blistering 64 (-7), with a 4-under par 31 on the front-9 and carded a 31 on the back-9. Kevin carded a 68 (-3) today shooting 37 on the front-9 and carding a 4-under 31 on the back-9.
In solo Fourth place was: Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC) who finishes the Championship at -2 with a two-day total 140. Jamie carded -2 today with a 2-under 34 front-9, he followed it up with an even-par 35 on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5 for the Championship, in a two-way tie for Fifth place, with two-day Championship totals of: 142 , at Even-Par was: Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) & Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park).
In a two-way tie Seventh place was: last year’s Club Pro Champion, Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & our other host professional, Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC) finishing the Championship at +1 with two-day totals of 143.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a three-way tie for Ninth place, finishing the Championship at +3 with two-day totals of 145 was: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), Matt Freeman (Canyon Meadows G&CC) & former Champion, Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC).
Click here for Final Championship results
Special Thank you to our long-time Sponsor: Ping Canada for their continued support, without it, events like this would not be possible!
Thank you to our host venue: Inglewood G&CC for another terrific event and all the help their staff provided making it a memorable Championship.
Round 1 of the Ping Club Professional Championship at Inglewood G&CC is complete. The course was in amazing condition with the greens running smooth and the sun was shining all day.
Local Head Professional Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) and Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) led the way finishing the day the day at 4-under 67. Sam was out first and shot a 34 on the front with 4 Birdies, then followed it up with a 33 on the back and 3 Birdies. Adam finished up later on carding a 33 on the front with 3 Birdies of his own, and finished his last 9 holes with 3 more Birdies.
Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) sits in solo 3rd after round 1, carding a 1-under 70. Kevin was 1-over on the front but heated up on the back with 3 Birdies to close out his day.
In a 3-way tie for 5th, Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC), Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC) and Phil McCluskey (Riverbend G&RA) all carded rounds of Even Par 71.
Round 2 will start early tomorrow morning at 7am.
Congratulations to our skins winners: Jamie Kureluk (GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot) with a Birdie on hole #1, Brad Gagne who holed out for Eagle on #16 and Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) with an Eagle on hole #18
After much thought and consideration, the Co-Chairs of the PGA of Alberta Membership & Employment Committee have decided to formally Dissolve the Committee and are excited to announce the commencement of the Application Process to join the new 2023/2024 Committee. Please reach out to either Co-Chair (Jeff MacGregor & Blake Clayton) or Robert Rousselle ([email protected]) or Aaron Mckay ([email protected]) with any questions, comments or application documents.
In the interests of creating a diverse Committee that is representative of the entire PGA of Alberta Membership the application process is open and will run until end of day, 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 30th.
All interested Members are invited to apply and letter of intent stating their motivations for joining the Committee and any relevant experiences they feel make them a strong candidate for joining.
The new Committee roster will be announced by the end August, 2023.
The Membership & Employment Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and will meet at minimum twice annually to address and review the PGA of Alberta’s Membership & Employment related matters.
Please refer to the Committee Responsibilities list below for a general outline of what is expected from Committee members.
- PGA of Alberta By-Laws.
- New Member Orientation.
- Compensation Survey.
- Job Posting Standards.
- Membership & Employment Initiatives.
- Club Relations.
- Association Resource Centre.
- Retention and attraction of Golf Professionals in Alberta.
- Proactively obtain input from fellow members on their level of satisfaction of the Membership & Employment portfolio and consider suggestions for improvement.
- Interacting with other Committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
- Undertake other activities as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time.
- Review the Terms of Reference on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change.
- Review with the Executive Director any breach of member misconduct and make recommendations for any fines or suspensions to the Board of Directors for any case related to employment or membership.
The Cobra Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship is complete and Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) has come out on top of a stellar field at the beautiful Wintergreen G&CC.
Wes followed up a 9-under 63 on Day-1, with an even par Day-2 to take home the Championship. After shooting 36 on the front, Heffernan had 2 Birdies on the back to win by 1 stroke. Wes had 2 putts to win on the 18th green and made his second, approximate 3-foot putt to prevail. He finished the Championship with a two-day total of 135.
In Second place, Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) carded a bogey free round of 4-under par 68 with 4 Birdies, to finish the Championship at 8-under par with a two-day total of 136.
In a tie for Third place at 7-under, Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) and Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC). Belbin had 6 Birdies to shoot one of the low rounds of the day at 67. Locke finished his second round with 4 Birdies to shoot a 2-under par 70 and kept the heat on Wes throughout the day. They both finished with Championship totals of 137.
Rounding out our Top-5, in sole possession of Fifth place, Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) carded a 6-under par Championship total, while carding 4-under par 68 today with 6 Birdies and finished with a two-day total of 138.
Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) followed up his 67 on Day-1 with an even par 72 to take home Sixth place, finishing the Championship 5-under par with a two-day total of 139.
Finishing our Top-10, in a 5-way tie for 7th, Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf Centre), David Maccomb (Royal Mayfair GC), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), Matt Bean (Priddis Greens G&CC) and Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR) after carding 4-under par for the Championship with two-day total’s of 140 respectively.
Congratulations to our R2 Skins Winners: (#6 Keller, Austin, #9 Nutt, Michael, #18 Pilon, Matt) who each take home $560 per skin!
Thank you to our Tournament Sponsors for their continued strong supported, Cobra Puma Golf and Mobilicab who make events like this possible!
Thank you to our host venue, Wintergreen G&CC and their staff for a great two-days and event!
84 of our Professionals’ tee’d it up at the Cobra Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship hosted at the stunning Wintergreen G&CC in Bragg Creek. The course is in fantastic shape and the Leaderboard saw plenty of movement throughout the day which made for an exciting day on the course for our competitors & spectators alike.
One player rose above the field today, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who holds a strong 3-stroke lead over his nearest competitor after firing a scorching 9-under par 63 today. Wes carded a blemish free front-9 of 2-under par 33, with a Birdie on #1 & #6. He followed it up with a blemish free back-9 with an unbelievable 7-under par 30 with 1 Eagle and 5 Birdies.
In Second Place after carding an excellent 6-under par 66 today is, Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) who carded a 4-under par 31 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 4 Birdies. He followed it up with a blemish free back-9 of 2-under par 35 with 2 Birdies.
In Third Place, in a 2-way tie, is Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), & Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC), after both carding excellent 5-under par 67’s. Eric carded 3-under par 32 on the front-9 with 4 Birdies and followed it up on the back-9 with a 2-under par 35 with 3 Birdies. Samuel carded 4-under par 31 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies and followed it up with a 1-under par 36 on the back-9 with 2 Birdies.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 4-way tie for 5th, after all carding great 4-under par 68’s is; Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR), Matt Bean (Priddis Greens G&CC), Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC).
Michael carded a blemish free front-9 of 2-under par 33 with 1 Eagle and followed it up with a 2-under par 35 on the back-9 with 4 Birdies. Matt carded a blemish free front-9 of 5-under par 30 and followed it up with a 1-over par 38 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies. Mitchell carded a blemish free front-9 of 2-under par 33 with 2 Birdies and followed it up with a 2-under par 35 on the back-9 with 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies. Braden carded a blemish free front-9 of 2-under par 33 with 2 Birdies and followed it up with 2-under par 35 on the back-9 with 4 Birdies.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 4-way tie for 9th after all carding 2-under par 70’s is; Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), Matthew Kirlin (Lynx Ridge GC), Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) and Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC).
Congratulations to our Round 1 Skins Winner, Samuel Kirkness of Inglewood G&CC with an Eagle on #1 for $1,680.00.
Click here for Round 1 results.
Follow along on the live scoring Leaderboard once Round 2 begins (click here) to see all the changes in real time.
First tee time is 8:00 AM tomorrow and the Final Group of: Wes Heffernan, Adam Bruce and Eric Locke tee it up at 12:03 PM.
PGA of Alberta Member Katy Rutherford of Silver Springs G&CC had a memorable week and great showing at the ORORO PGA of Canada Women’s Championship finishing with Co-Low PGA Professional Honours at Kingsville G&CC in Ontario and an overall T-6th finish for the event!
Check out Katy’s two rounds by clicking the links below.
Tue, July 4 - Katy Rutherford - Round 1
Wed, July 5 - Katy Rutherford - Round 2
Full Results and Purse Breakdown can be seen here
Katy featured on the "On The Bag" content segments done by the PGA of Canada and can viewed by clicking here.
Click here for full article on the PGA of Canada website by Brendan Stasiewich.
Our first Championship of the season: Cobra Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship is all set for next Monday, July 10th & Tuesday, July 11th at Wintergreen G&CC. We have 83 Professionals in the field for what should be an excellent test and challenge of their skills over the two-day stroke play competition. We will have a new holder of the Championship Title this year as last year’s Champion is out of the industry currently. Who will rise up to take home the 2023 title?
Thank you to our Sponsors: Cobra Puma Golf & Mobilicab for their continued support!
The first Tee Time is set for 12:03 PM on Monday with our last group Tee’ing it up at 4:06 PM.
Click here for the R1 DRAW.
Congratulations to the 6 players who passed the Play Ability Test today at Lakeside GC. Jeremy Dueck (Water Valley GC), Ryan Martino (Mickelson National GC), Duncan Miller (Banff Springs GC), Matthew Foti (Banff Springs GC), Spencer Draper (D’Arcy Ranch GC) & Calder Sutton (River Bend G&RA) all successfully passed after shooting the target score (78) or better (49 years & younger) to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Jeremy Dueck | Water Valley GC | 71 |
| Ryan Martino | Mickelson National GC | 74 |
| Duncan Miller | Banff Springs GC | 75 |
| Matthew Foti | Banff Springs GC | 77 |
| Spencer Draper | D’Arcy Ranch GC | 78 |
| Calder Sutton | River Bend G&RA | 78 |
The first PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Division event of the season did not disappoint with many legends of our Association competing and having some excellent playing conditions at the beautiful Lakeside GC in Chestermere.
After a hard-fought battle on the course, Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) takes home the title with an excellent score of 1-under 70. Laugher carded a great round of golf throughout today, shooting 35-35 on the front and back nines to seal the victory with 4 Birdies on the card.
Keeping Laugher on his toes and finishing in second was Brian Kollman (Golfuture YYC) who played great today and carded even-par 71 to fall 1 stroke short of our leader. Brian carded 37-34 with 3 Birdies on the card today. Rounding out the top three with a score of 2-over 73 was Scott Orban (McKenzie Meadows GC) who carded 35-38 with 2 Birdies on the card.
Thank you to our players and host venue Lakeside GC for making it a great event!
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today: Ron Laugher with a Birdie on #5 and a Birdie on #13, Glenn Carr with a Birdie on #6, Melvin Dies with a Birdie on #8, Richard Hardy with a Birdie on #12, Brian Kollman with a Birdie on #14 & Blair Oko with a Birdie on #16.
Round 2 of the Players Tour event at Turner Valley GC saw David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC) take home the title after shooting 34 on the front and 31 on the back to finish with a course record 65. MacComb shot a 2-day total of 12-under par.
Tied for Second place, Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) and Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) finished the tournament with a score of 5-under after shooting a 69 and 70 today respectively.
Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) and Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR) finished in a tie for Third, both players ended the tournament at 4-under par.
Congratulations to our skins winner today: Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) with an Eagle on hole #2.
Thank you to our Host - Turner Valley GC and their entire staff & crew for putting on an excellent event!
Round 1 one the Players Tour event at Turner Valley GC is now complete and the course was in fantastic condition.
David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC) and Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) lead the way after carding rounds of 5-under 67. MacComb made 4 Birdies and an Eagle while LeBouthillier followed with 3 Birdies and 2 Eagles.
In a tie for 3rd is Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) and Kyle Wade (PGA of Alberta member) who each carded a 3-under 69 on the day. Locke had 6 Birdies while Kyle Wade had 3 Birdies and an Eagle.
Rounding out our top-5 was Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who carded a 2-under 70, with 4 Birdies.
Round 2 will start early tomorrow morning at 9am.
Congratulations to our skins winners: Leighton Bearchell (Sundre GC) with a birdie on hole #13, and Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) with an Eagle on hole #9.
Today saw the 2023 Nike Golf Pro-Junior presented by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and AHEAD Canada. We had a stacked field of 60 teams competing at the beautiful and mint conditioned Ponoka GC. It was a perfect day for our competitors and a wonderful day was had by all. Congratulations to Daniel Boyle who had an Ace on the par 3 fifth hole today!
After an absolutely perfect day on the golf course, the Team of: Evan Van Amsterdam + Myles Marshall from Highlands GC rose above the rest of the field to win the 2023 Nike Golf Pro-Junior Title presented by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and AHEAD Canada. Evan and Myles played lights-out golf today to amass an excellent 45 Stableford Points and to win by 1 point over their nearest competitors.
Falling just one point back of our Champions in Second Place was the Team from: The Glencoe G&CC comprised of: Colin Yarchuk + Carys Code with a total of 44 Stableford points. In Third Place was the Team from: The Winston GC, comprised of: Carson Taylor + Allison Chan who finished with 43 Stableford Points. In Fourth Place (via retrogression) was the Team from: Windermere G&CC, comprised of: Joshua Mackey + Daniel Boyle finishing with 43 Stableford Points. Rounding out our Top-5, in Fifth Place (via retrogression) was the Team from: Canyon Meadows G&CC, Matthew Cook + Charlie Gillespie who finished with 43 Stableford Points.
Thank you to our host venue Ponoka GC for a fantastic Pro-Am event and to our Sponsors Nike Golf, Srixon, Cleveland Golf and AHEAD Canada for their continued support.
Congratulations to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Connor Ackroyd passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Whispering Pines G&CC, shooting 78 and 77 respectively.
All players shot the target score or better - 79 (49 years & younger) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Connor Ackroyd | The Links of GlenEagles | 77 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | The Hamptons Golf Club | 78 |
Today was the fourth Players Tour event of the season at Whispering Pines G&CC, the course was in fantastic condition and the weather was beautiful.
Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) lead the field to take home the fourth Players Tour title of the season. Wes carded a 33 on the front and a 37 on the back to shoot -2 under for the day. He had an eagle on the 9th hole to capture the only skin of the day.
In a tie for Second, Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) and Graeme Nelson (Derrick G&WC (The)) carded rounds of 2-under par.
Rounding out our Top-5 was Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR) and Tyrel Babkirk (Apple Creek GC) who shot even par on the day.
Thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team - Whispering Pines G&CC for helping to put on a successful event.
Congratulations to our Skins Winner: Wes Heffernan with an Eagle on #9
Today saw the second Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful Highwood Golf, sponsored by adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presented by Jancor Agencies. The course was in fantastic shape and the Leaderboard saw a tight battle at the top for the title. This year’s event continued with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition.
Our Champions this year are: Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA) and his partner Linda Prior, who fired a superb round today to finish with 46 Net Stableford team points to win by 1! Phil carded a 2-under 70 with a 35 on the front-9 which was followed up with another 35 on the back-9. Phil carded 1 Eagle and 5 Birdies today. His partner Linda Prior, played fantastic, with 4 total Birdies today, 3 being net birdies and the other a Birdie 2 on #3 on their march to victory.
In Solo Second Place, was the team of: Scott Smith (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) and Jaime Wong who accumulated a stellar 45 points today.
Finishing in Third through retrogression, at 42 points was the team of: Tyler Lebouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) and Wendy Ellacott.
In Fourth, also through retrogression and finishing with 42 points was the team of: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) and Brynne Davies.
Rounding out our Top-5, in Fifth finishing with 41 points was the team of: Kevin Graf (Woodside GC) and Patti Reid.
Special thanks to our host course of Highwood Golf, for putting on such a top-notch event and to our Sponsors adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presenting Sponsor Jancor Agencies. Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
Congratulations to the 13 players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC.
All players shot the target score or better - 78 (49 years & younger) or 80 (50 years & up) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following:
| Name | Facility | Score |
| Dongyoung Kim * | Virtual Tee Up Golf | 70 |
| Mark McLean | Barrhead GC | 75 |
| Matthew Zarowny | Mill Woods GC | 75 |
| Colton Girard | Sturgeon Valley G&CC | 76 |
| Graham Gagne | Pine Hills GC | 76 |
| Benjamin Choiniere | Jasper Park Lodge GC | 76 |
| Andrew Hutton | Ranch G&CC (The) | 77 |
| Evan Flynn | Riverside GC | 77 |
| Zach Giacobbo | Cardiff G&CC | 78 |
| Steele Bailey | Edmonton CC | 78 |
| Emerson Green | Heatherglen GC | 78 |
| Jared Reitz | Fort McMurray GC | 78 |
| Steve Lawrence * | Hillview GC | 80 |
* 50 and over
Today saw the third Players Tour event of the season at Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC and was a successful day with plenty of excitment. We saw some great scores on the Leaderboard today with 14 players under par or even. The shot of the day belonged to Jake Behiels (Cougar Creek GR) who had a Double Eagle/Albatross on the Par 5 Seventh Hole!
Michael Harrison (Coal Creek GR) rose to the top of a congested Leaderboard and takes home our third Players Tour Title of the season and his first Professional Title of his career. Michael carded a great round of 3-under par 69 today with 7 Birdies on the card. Michael battled on the front-9, carding a 2-over 38, but didn’t let that deter him from turning it on for the back-9 today. He fired an excellent blemish free back-9 of 5-under par 31, to prevail by 1 stroke over his nearest competitors with Birdies on the 11th, 14th & 15th and two timely clutch Birdies to close the event out on the 17th & 18th holes.
Finishing behind our Leader in a 3-way tie for 2nd after carding solid 2-under par 70’s was: Markus Clift (Coloniale GC), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) & Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC).
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 5-way tie for 5th, after carding 1-under 71’s was: Justin Berget (Sturgeon Valley G&CC), Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC), Host Professional Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) & Jake Behiels (Cougar Creek GR).
Special thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team - Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC for helping put on a successful event!
Congratulations to our Skins Winners: On #5, Landon Lischka (Northern Bear GC) with an Eagle, On #7, Jake Behiels (Cougar Creek GR) with a Double Eagle/Albatross, On #14,Justin Berget (Sturgeon Valley G&CC) with an Eagle & On #17, Markus Clift (Coloniale GC) with an Eagle.
The merger wasn’t the only exciting news in the golf world these last 2 days! An extremely exciting Round 2 of the Players Tour event at Cardiff G&CC transpired today. Conditions were perfect again for our competitors, and we saw a heated battle at the top of our Leaderboard for 1st throughout the day; a playoff was looming until a timely & decisive 7-foot putt on the 18th green sealed the victory for Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) who finished the 2-round event at -7.
Mitch was in our final group that Tee’d off at 10:10 AM this morning and carded an excellent front-9 of 3-under par 33 with 4 Birdies on the card. He followed it up with a blemish free back-9 and his clutch putt on the 18th for Birdie and the Win to edge his nearest competitor by 1-stroke. Mitch finished the event with a two-day gross total of 137 (69-68).
Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) finished in sole possession of 2nd at -6, after putting together 2 great and consistent rounds of 3-under par 69 to finish the event with a two-day gross total of 138 (69-69). Weston was even-par 36 on the front-9 today and followed it up with 3-under par 33 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies.
Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) finished in solo 3rd at -5, after carding another solid round of 2-under par 70 today to finish the event with a two-day gross total of 139. Nick carded 2-under par 34 on the front-9 with 3 Birdies and followed it up with an even-par 36 on the back-9 with an Eagle on the 13th hole.
Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) finished in sole possession of 4th at -4, carding 3-under par 69 today to finish the event with a two-day gross total of 140. Kevin carded a blemish free front-9 today of 34 with 2 Birdies and followed it up with 1-under par 35 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies.
Rounding out the top 5 for the event, in a two-way tie at -3 was: Markus Clift (Coloniale GC) & Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) who both finished the event with two-day gross total’s of 141. Marcus carded a 3-under par 69 today. Tyler carded a 2-under par 70 today.
Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) carded the round of the day, firing a stellar 6-under par 66, with a 2-under par 34 on the front-9 and a 4-under par 32 on the back-9 with 7 Birdies on the card.
Congratulations to the skins winners from today: Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) with a Birdie on #2 and Kevin Day (Billy D’s GC) with an Eagle on #6.
Thank you to our Host - Cardiff G&CC and their entire staff & crew for putting on an excellent event!
Today saw Round 1 of the Players Tour event at Cardiff G&CC and what a day for golf it was. Conditions were perfect and we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard from our competitors. Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) and Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) all carded 3-under par 69’s today to setup a stellar final group for an exciting R2 tomorrow.
Rounding out the top 5, all shooting a 1-under par 71, was: Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), & Tyler LeBouthillier(GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) who all remain well within range of our Leaders with a low round needed tomorrow to put some heat on.
In a 3-way tie for seventh, host professional, Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC), Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) & Markus Clift (Coloniale GC) who all carded solid even-par 72’s today.
Round 2 will start bright and early tomorrow morning at 8am.
Congratulations to the skins winners from today: John Crease (Jasper Park Lodge GC) with a Birdie on hole 4, Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) with an Eagle on hole 6, Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) with an Eagle on hole 9, Daniel Humbke (Lacombe G&CC) with an Eagle on hole 12 and Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) with a Birdie on hole 17.
The Association is excited to announce a new partnership with Canadian company, Travel Craft, for the upcoming year. Travel Craft is the new Presenting Sponsor of the Buying Show Welcome Breakfast on October 17th at the BMO Centre that will kick off the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
"It is with great pride and excitement that Travel Craft has partnered with the PGA of Alberta to offer our services to Members and their Clubs. Consider us your primary resource for arranging your Club Trips and Individual Travel. We look forward to working with you.” said Steve Melling, President of Travel Craft.
The Buying Show Welcome Breakfast is the exciting kick-off to our 3-day Industry/Trade Show. The Show brings together Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives, for them to prepare their inventories for the following season.
Travel Craft is a full-service travel company, providing research and pricing with market access to fantastic transportation, accommodations, meals/receptions, and golf course offerings. They provide the back shop that makes the logistics seamless for you, your club, and your members! They also facilitate the marketing materials, bookings, travel insurance, and handle any issues or special requests within the selected budget. Travel Craft provides custom designed travel arrangements and tailored group offerings with attention to detail. They will work with you to ensure a great experience. Depending on your group size, PGA of Alberta Members can “Host” the events at little or no cost to themselves; the bigger the group the more complimentary host arrangements can be made. Hosting is a great way to build your relationships, networks, member loyalty, and enjoy the trips yourself.
Learn more about their products by visiting www.travelcraft.ca or contact them directly to discuss the possibilities.
Steve Melling – President
Phone: 877-381-3416 (Toll Free)
Cell: 403-393-0883
Email: [email protected]
Applications are now open for the PGA of Alberta Junior Scholarship Program!
One of the main focuses of the PGA of Alberta has been supporting Junior Golf. Alberta Golf Professionals use their expertise to create, organize, and facilitate junior-oriented events.
The Scholarship Program is another step in the overall development of our current programming. The program provides junior golfers from around the province the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, while promoting and providing access to continuing education. Over 60 scholarships have been presented since 1998.
For more details, criteria, and to apply, please click here.
Applications close end of day on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The annual Tournament of Champions sponsored by Sunice / Bobby Jones saw some great weather and a mint conditioned The Hamptons GC giving players an absolute top-notch golf experience from start to finish! We had a packed field of 58 teams comprised of a Professional and their respective Club Champions from last year.
Today’s Tournament of Champions Winners are: The team from, Calgary G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Stefan Cox & Hunter Thomson who carded a scorching team low best ball gross round of 12-under par 60 to prevail by 4-strokes over their nearest competitors. Stefan and Hunter had 5 Birdies on the front-9 to card 31 and followed it up with a blemish-free back-9 with 7 Birdies for a ridiculous 29.
In Second Place, was, The team from: Priddis Greens G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Eric Locke & Adam Henning who carded an excellent 8-under par 64 today. Eric and Adam had a blemish-free front-9 carding a 31 with 1 Eagle and 3 Birdies. They followed it up on the back-9 with a 33 with 4 Birdies to finish 1-stroke up on the 3rd place competitors.
In Third Place, was, The team from: Picture Butte GC, comprised of: Professional, Jamie Gerlitz & Kris Wasylowich who carded an excellent round of 7-under par 65 today. Jamie and Adam carded a strong front-9 of 31 with 6 Birdies. They followed it up on the back-9 with a 34 with 2 Birdies to finish 1-stroke up on the pack right behind them at 66.
In a 4-Way Tie for Fourth Place, after all carding great 6-under par 66’s today, was the teams from: Bearspaw GC, Lacombe G&CC, Edmonton Petroleum G&CC & Miskanaw GC. The team from Bearspaw GC was comprised of: Braden Chown & Brendan Peacock who had 8 Birdies on the card today. The team from Lacombe G&CC was comprised of: Weston Gillett + Tom Mckinlay Jr. who had 1 Eagle and 4 Birdies on the card today. The team from Edmonton Petroleum G&CC was comprised of: Kyle Boyd & Alex Rakowski who had 1 Eagle and 6 Birdies on the card today. The team from Miskanaw GC was comprised of: Jason Vaughan & Ryan Coish who had 2 Eagles and 3 Birdies on the card today.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Sunice / Bobby Jones for the continued support of the Association and host venue The Hamptons GC for putting on such a first-class event. This event is dedicated to the memory of long-time Sunice / Bobby Jones rep Nevin Thompson who sadly passed away earlier this Spring.
The 2023 Alberta Teaching Summit is approaching quickly and there are a few spots remaining for registration.
This 2-day event, hosted at Golfuture YYC, is designed for golf professionals to learn from some of the zone’s top instructors and network with fellow professionals in the area. This is the only hands-on Education event of the season, so don’t miss out.
Benefits of the Teaching Summit
- Collaborate and learn from 5 of the zone’s top instructors
- Network with 15+ golf professionals over 2 full days
- Expand your teaching repertoire
- Build your personal business and provide additional value to your club/business
- Scramble Fun Night – Teams of 2 will play the Par 3 course. 3 holes alternate shot, 3 holes scramble, 3 holes best ball
2023 Teaching Summit Itinerary
The second annual PGA of Alberta Mentorship Tournament hosted at Lacombe G&CC is now officially in the books. It was a great day for golf and the playing conditions were perfect across the board. We saw some outstanding scores on the Leaderboard today and the format was a nine-hole rotation of team Best Ball and Scramble. This event was exclusive to pairings in the PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program within the last two years.
Winning the second Mentorship Tournament was the team of Kurtis Foote (Valley Ridge Golf Academy) and Christopher Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC) shooting an unreal team score of 10-under par 61 with a 33 in the best ball format and a ridiculous 28 in the scramble format. Kurtis had the shot of the day with an Ace on #6!
Rounding out the top three, in a two-way tie for second place, after carding stellar 7-under par 64’s, were the teams of: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) & Brendan Grabo (Ponoka GC) & Josh Fleming (365 Golf) and Jordan Campbell (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) who finished three-strokes back of the lead.
Thank you to all our players and Lacombe G&CC for hosting a great event! If you are a Class "A" Professional in Alberta and are interested in being a Mentor in 2024 please click here to learn more about the Mentorship Program.
Click here for full results
| 1st Place | Kurtis Foote & Christopher Horton | $500.00 Team Money |
| T-2nd Place | Josh Fleming & Jordan Campbell | $250.00 Team Money |
| T-2nd Place | Weston Gillett & Brendan Grabo | $250.00 Team Money |
Our Hole In One Insurance program, provided by, NFP Canada Corp. in partnership with the PGA of Alberta. NFP Canada Corp. is proud to offer a minimum $500 policy coverage to our Members and Western Canada.
Don’t have a section in your Corporate Tournament Package about Hole In One Insurance?
Want to stir up some excitement for your guests? Add a HOLE IN ONE CASH PRIZE contest at your event and give your guests a chance to win some money!
Any cash prize amount between $500 to $50,000 (or more!) per hole can be included for your event. Contact your Event Coordinator or Head Professional for pricing or with any questions you may have.
Not only will offering Hole in One cash prizes create excitement at your event, it can also provide the perfect sponsorship opportunity for your partners.
Click the button below for the following...
Please contact the Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) with any enquires regarding Hole In One Insurance.
Opening round matches are now complete at RedTail Landing GC. We had 30 Teams and 60 Professionals’ competing today who were treated with a warm, sunny day and fantastic course conditions.
Thank you to our Sponsors: Srixon/Cleveland Golf & Nike Golf
Congratulations to the following Teams that were victorious today:
| Team | Facilities | Result |
| Spencer Vandermey + Nick Vandermey | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Windermere G&CC | 2 & 1 |
| Brent Chapman + Keith Whitecotton | Northern Bear GC, The Quarry | 3 & 2 |
| Joseph Busetto + Adam Bruce | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, GOLFTEC Sherwood Park | 6 & 5 |
| Joshua Davison + Shawn Proulx | RedTail Landing GC, River Ridge G&CC | 2 & 1 |
| Dallas Cantera + Jeremy Lavallee | Cardiff G&CC, Northern Bear GC | 4 & 2 |
| Ryan McDermott + Braden Clarkson | Royal Mayfair GC, Glendale G&CC | 3 & 2 |
| Chris McKenzie + Ben Matthews | Miskanaw GC | 1 Up |
| David MacComb + Matthew Mah | Royal Mayfair GC, Mill Woods GC | 4 & 2 |
| Tyler Rumpel + Bruce Hardy | Jagare Ridge GC, Glendale G&CC | 7 & 5 |
| Blair McDowell + Jason Vaughan | Northern Bear GC, Miskanaw GC | 2 & 1 |
| Shaun Piercey + Murray McCourt | Ranch G&CC (The) | 2 & 1 |
| Andre DiBartolo + Jody Noseworthy | Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC | 1 Up |
| Nathan Barendregt + Tyler Leicht | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Derrick G&WC (The) |
1 Up (Playoff) |
| Jeff Cuthbertson + Mike Belbin | Stony Plain GC, Royal Mayfair GC | 4 & 2 |
| Travis Yeske + Jaman Moussa | River Ridge G&CC, Country Club Tour | 4 & 2 |
The 2023 Alberta Teaching Summit is only 3 weeks away
There are 3 remaining spots available for registration. Don’t miss out on a chance to learn and network with 5 of Alberta’s Top Instructors.
Todd Halpen (Director of Golf Instruction) - Golfuture YYC
Nicola Greaves (Associate Professional) - Willow Park G&CC
Shannon Raina (Associate Professional) - Earl Grey GC
J.R. Hogan (Professional) - GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot
Scott Stiles (Head Teaching Professional) - Earl Grey GC
This event will be hosted by Golfuture YYC. Participants will have the opportunity to expand and refine their teaching skills in the areas of;
- Building group lesson programs to maximize experience and revenues
- Key elements to ensure success with your junior programs
- Student retention
- Short game methods, systems, and best practices
For more information, click the link below to view the full itinerary.
2023 Teaching Summit Itinerary
Round One of the Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship South presented by Nike Golf, is complete and it was a perfect day for golf at Heritage Pointe GC which is in great shape for being early in the season still. We had 32 Teams and 64 Professionals’ competing today.
Full Leaderboard - Click Here.
Thank you to our Sponsors: Srixon/Cleveland Golf & Nike Golf.
Congratulations to the following Teams that were victorious today:
| Team | Facilities | Result |
| Mac Keats + Quinn Conroy | Pinebrook G&CC, Links of GlenEagles (The) | 3 & 2 |
| Richard Stringer + Shaun Luopa | Country Hills GC | 3 & 2 |
| Phil McCluskey + Logan Hill | River Bend G&RA | 2 & 1 |
| Crystal Shapka + Albert Pistorius | Calgary G&CC, Lynx Ridge GC | 5 & 4 |
| Braden Chown + Wade Waters | Bearspaw GC, Forge Golf | 1 Up (Playoff 19th Hole) |
| Mitchell Fox + Dean Spriddle | Speargrass GC, Evergreen GC | 5 & 4 |
| Stefan Cox + Randy Robb | Calgary G&CC, Mickelson National Golf Academy | 1 Up |
| Matthew Cook + Craig McArthur | Canyon Meadows G&CC | 1 Up |
| Matt Freeman + Kyle Wade | Canyon Meadows G&CC, PGA of Alberta Member | 10 & 8 |
| Jeremy Maher + Kent Fukushima | Modern Golf, PGA of Alberta Member | 4 & 2 |
| Kevin Graf + John Moug | Woodside GC, Serenity GC | 2 Up |
| Craig Gibson + Shawn Lavoie | Sirocco GC, Canyon Meadows G&CC | 4 & 3 |
| Colton Robb + James Kerby | Mickelson National GC | 4 & 3 |
| Bryce Halverson + Christopher Horton | Carnmoney GC, Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC | 2 & 1 |
| Eric Locke + Samuel Kirkness | Priddis Greens G&CC, Inglewood G&CC | 2 Up |
| Mathew MacDonald + Rees DeRuyter | Innisfail GC | 2 & 1 |
Congratulations to the 2 players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Magrath GC.
All players shot the target score or better - 81 (49 years & younger) or 83 (50 years & up) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
| Will Hazell-Penaluna | Heritage Pointe Golf Club | 69 |
| Thomas Arisman | Wintergreen G&CC |
77 |
The first Players Tour event of the season at the beautiful Magrath GC is complete and was a successful day. With score-able conditions for most of the day, we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard today with 15 players under par or even. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) rose to the top and takes home our first Players Tour Title of the season.
Starting his season off with an excellent round, Dillon carded an excellent round of 7-under 65 today with 6 Birdies on the card and only 1 bogey. Dillon carded a great 5-under 31 on the front 9 and followed it up with 34 on the back-9 to prevail by 3 strokes over his nearest competitors.
Finishing behind our Leader in a 2-way tie for 2nd after carding great 4-under par 68’s was: Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC) & Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre).
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 6-way tie after carding 3-under 69’s was: Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member), Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC), Justin Stoski (Lethbridge CC), Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf Centre), Matthew Cook (Canyon Meadows G&CC) & Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC).
Special thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team - Magrath GC for helping put on a successful event!
Congratulations to our Skins Winners: On #2, Matthew Cook, On #5, Levi McDermott, On #12, Justin Stoski, On #13, Jamie Gerlitz, who each won $175.00 per skin.
Click Here for Purse Payout
The first event of the year will head south to Magrath GC on Wednesday, May 10th. We have 36 Professionals in the field who will test their skills and compete to kick the season off! The first tee time is set for 12:00 PM with the last time set to tee it up at 1:50 PM. The first PAT of the season goes out directly after the Professionals, good luck to all our competitors in both events!
Early Bird Exhibitor Registration for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show is Now Open!
The PGA of Alberta would like to invite you and your company to attend this annual Show being hosted on October 17th – 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre. Take advantage of early bird exhibitor registration until June 30th!
Attendee Registration for PGA Members and Green Grass Facilities will open August 1st, 2023 at 10 AM.
The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season. Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province, and country, to look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry.
Ready to register? Follow these step-by-step instructions to register as an Exhibitor for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
The registration process for Exhibitors is simple and can be completed online by visiting the PGA of Alberta website. Click on the following links for the Exhibitor Information Package which includes details on Exhibitor Benefits, Show Schedule, Booth Rates, Show Terms & Conditions, etc., or to register your company for the Show.
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of Industry Member Nevin Thompson. He passed away last week at the age of 77 years. Nevin had a lengthy career as a Salesman and worked for Sunice / Bobby Jones for many years.
Our thoughts are with Nevin’s family and friends during this difficult time. Click the link below for his obituary.
Click Here for Obituary
Your expense receipt for PGA of Alberta tournaments is where you will find what tournaments you played in last season, the start date, the entry fee amount, and any winnings you received. To find this receipt on your account, please follow the steps below:
- Login to the PGA of Alberta website
- Under ‘Manage Account’ or ‘My Account’, go to ‘My Registrations’
- Select ‘2022’ where it says ‘Current Season’ (see image below)
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Downloads’ heading
- Click on ‘2022 Tournament Expense Receipt’ to view (see image below where downloads will appear on the page)
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The 2023 Alberta Teaching Summit is limited to 16 participants and spots are filling up fast. Register now to not miss out on the opportunity to learn and network with some of Alberta’s top instructors.
- Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC)
- Nicola Greaves (Willow Park G&CC)
- Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC)
- J.R. Hogan (GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot)
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC)
Each instructor will be sharing their knowledge and expertise on areas they excel in, including;
- Building group lesson programs to maximize experience and revenue
- Key elements to ensure success with your junior program
- How to access networks that already exist at your course/facility
- Student retention
- Short game methods
Participants will enjoy lunch in the banquet room each day, and a team scramble event following Day 1.
2023 Teaching Summit Itinerary
Webinar #5 has been confirmed and will cover "Work/Life Balance and Mental Health Resources"
In the world of professional hockey, what plays out behind closed doors is just as important as what plays out on the ice itself. Former professional goaltender, Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster and NHL on Sportsnet analyst Kelly Hrudey will take us behind the scenes of his 15-year career with the NHL, sharing stories he lived from both inside and outside the locker room and work life balance while playing in the NHL. Kelly is an advocate for mental health awareness and has multiple foundations he represents to continue to spread the word and end the stigma.
This will be the last of five webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| April 18th, 2023 | 10:00am-11:15am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
If you have any questions for Kelly, please write it in the comment box when registering.
Registration will open tomorrow, Friday, April 7th for the Seniors’ Division #1 Event at Lakeside GC just east of Calgary in Chestermere and is set for Tuesday, July 4th with Tee Times starting at 9:00 AM.
Click here for Event & Registration details.
Registration for the 2023 Play Ability Tests (PAT) is now open! Take note of the PAT schedule by clicking ’View Schedule’ below. There will be five PAT’S in total this season.
Be sure to pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility! For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2023.
Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’S are conducted by the Zones. Once an Applicants account has been verified on the PGA of Canada website, they will be able to register for PAT’S.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Upload a photo to prove you are 18 years of age or older (driver’s licence with the birth date visible) - click here to upload.
- Upload a reference letter from your employer/direct report - click here to upload.
- Upload a reference letter from a PGA of Canada Class “A” Member - click here to upload (*if your direct report is both your employer and a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member, only one letter of reference is required).
- Your employer/direct report will automatically be sent an email to verify your golf industry employment. They must click a button in that email to verify that you are employed at the facility indicated in the registration process.
- Upload a photo to prove you have completed the Rules of Golf Level 1 Seminar (click here to register for Rules of Golf Level 1) and upload your Rules of Golf Level 1 Certificate - here
- Upload a photo to prove you have completed the PGA of Canada On-Boarding Module (click here to register for On-Boarding) and upload your PGA of Canada On-Boarding Module Certificate - here
The 2023 Alberta Teaching Summit is a two-day event at Golfuture YYC, where PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals congregate to share ideas and improve their standing as teachers of the game. The Teaching Summit is open to all PGA of Alberta members looking to improve their abilities, strategies, and methods, especially those who are looking to find their strengths and pathway as instructors and coaches.
This year’s edition of the Alberta Teaching Summit will feature 5 leading professionals from within The Association to facilitate the event over both days, leading participants through different themes and topics. Participants will also enjoy lunch in the banquet room each day, and a team scramble event following Day 1. In 2024, the Education Committee will look to move the Summit to a premier Edmonton facility.
2023 Teaching Summit Itinerary
Registration will open at 10:00am on April 10th, 2023.
We are happy to announce that dates and venues have been confirmed for the KAILANI Pro-Pro Scramble and the Seniors’ Division #2 events for the 2023 season.
The KAILANI Pro-Pro Scramble is set for Monday, September 11th with a 2:00 PM Shotgun start at Bearspaw GC in NW Calgary with a 2:00 PM Shotgun start and 60 Team Field.
This stunning Par 71 layout measures 6868 yards of dramatic terrain set in a natural alpine amphitheatre. Whilst rewarding excellence, this Bill Newis design is also extremely playable but offers plenty of challenge. Bearspaw exploits every aspect of this impressive landscape, with water features weaving through 11 of the holes. Subtle elevation changes make for thought-provoking club selections as you navigate your way through generous tree-lined fairways. Each hole exudes individual characteristics making for diverse shot-making over 18 holes.
Due to the limited field size and anticipated demand for this event, the Registration opening date for this event will be (April 11th) at 10:00 AM to ensure every Member has an equal opportunity in registering for this event.
The Seniors’ Division #2 Event and accompanying PAT has been confirmed at Lakeside GC just east of Calgary in Chestemere and is set for Tuesday, July 4th with Tee Times starting at 9:00 AM for the Seniors’ Division followed by the PAT players.
Submit your Tournament Eligibility Form now - click here.
We are happy to announce that venues and dates have been confirmed for the following events and will be open for Registration which is set to open on Monday, March 20th at 10:00AM.
Please remember that ALL Members must submit a Tournament Eligibility Form before they will be able to sign-up for any Tournaments.
Please click HERE for the Eligibility Form.
- Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship - North
When: Thursday, May 18th
Where: RedTail Landing GC
- EFW Radiology - adidas Golf Pro-Lady North
When: Monday, August 14th
Where: Mill Woods GC
The 2023 Tournament Eligibility Form is NOW available for submission online and can be accessed by clicking HERE.
This form is required to be filled out by every member playing in a PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournament this year and is reviewed by the Office to confirm and set each Members Category Eligibility.
Tournament Registration opens next Monday, March 20th at 10 AM and the schedule is available by clicking HERE.
Our Tournament Program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our valued Partners, check out our Partners by click HERE.
Please contact ([email protected]) with any questions.
Pricing is set and confirmed for the 2023 season for our Hole In One Insurance program, provided by, NFP Canada Corp. in partnership with the PGA of Alberta. NFP Canada Corp. is proud to offer a minimum $500 policy coverage to our Members and Western Canada.
Don’t have a section in your Corporate Tournament Package about Hole In One Insurance?
Want to stir up some excitement for your guests? Add a HOLE IN ONE CASH PRIZE contest at your event and give your guests a chance to win some money!
Any cash prize amount between $500 to $50,000 (or more!) per hole can be included for your event. Contact your event coordinator for pricing or with any questions you may have.
Not only will offering Hole in One cash prizes create excitement at your event, it can also provide the perfect sponsorship opportunity for your partners.
Click the button below for the following...
Please contact the Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) with any enquires regarding Hole In One Insurance.
The Calgary Consumer Golf Show is quickly approaching and is all set for:
- March 18 & 19 at the BMO Centre - Hall D
The Show Hours are:
- Day 1 - Saturday, March 18, 2023 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Day 2 - Sunday, March 19, 2023 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Click here to check out the Exhibitor List for the show and to learn more about them.
Click Here to View Pricing & Register as an Exhibitor now
Junior Area
The Show is family friendly and all ages are welcome! Our Junior Area will feature the following and more!
- Face Painting Artist
- Balloon Twister
- Mini Putting Greens
Clearance Centre
Looking to get your hands on some golf gear which includes: Clubs, Balls, Bags, Apparel/Clothing , Shoes or accessories?
Look no further as the Clearance Center has a plethora of products to choose from, provided by 10 + facilities from the area.
Club Fittings
Looking for some new clubs and a fitting session?
The Calgary Golf Show will be offering club fittings from top manufacturers to all participants with paid entry to the show. There are limited spots each day, so book now to take advantage of this exclusive special.
All proceeds from Club Fittings will go towards the Kids Cancer Care Foundation.
Show Activities
There are a multitude of fun and exciting activities & contests going on at the Show, some of which are:
- Long Drive Competition
- Closest to the Pin Competition
- Long Putt Challenge
- Chipping Challenge
Click here to see what’s available over the 2 days.
Prize Patrol
Watch out for the Prize Patrol! They are on the loose and are armed with thousands of dollars worth of great prizes! This includes green fee packages, golf equipment and golf vacations! Prizes will be given away in all different sorts of ways such as skills competitions, trivia challenges, and other fun challenges that will get your competitive juices flowing. Prize examples include:
- Golf vacations (stay & play packages)
- Green fees (public, private, resorts, etc.)
- Equipment
*Click Here For Calgary Golf Show Tickets*
The 2023 Tournament Schedule is now live! Registration will open on Monday, March 20th at 10:00AM sharp. More event details will be released before the registration opening date. The 2023 Tournament Eligibility Form will be released soon and a communication/reminder will be sent out to all Members to submit their form before registration opens.
The following events will be released in the coming 2 weeks as details are still in negotiation being finalized with host venues.
- Pro-Lady North
- Players Tour (2-Day) - North Event
- Seniors’ Division #2 - South Event
- Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship - North
The PGA of Alberta Ladies’ & Seniors’ Championship presented by: Schooley Mitchell & MKRAK Management Inc. has been confirmed at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC in NW Calgary on Monday, August 21st & Tuesday, August 22nd. Last year’s Ladies’ Championship had a field of 11 competitors and the wire-to-wire Champion was Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC). Katy will be looking to defend her title on home turf in 2023. Last year’s Seniors’ Championship had a field of 44 competitors and the Champion was Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who reclaimed the title for an astounding 7th time in his career. We can’t wait to see who prevails at each respective Championship in 2023!
Nestled in northwest Calgary, Silver Springs G&CC prides itself on its championship par 72 golf course. Originally designed by Colorado course architect, Dick Phelps, the course winds itself through the coulees and plateaus of northwest Calgary and presents the player with a wide diversity of terrain and elevation changes for a challenging round accompanied by beautiful views.
Thank you to our presenting Sponsors - Schooley Mitchell & MKRAK Management Inc. for their continued support of the Association and of our Tournament Program, without their support our events would not be possible!
After much discussion and consideration, The PGA of Alberta Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to officially cancel the 2023 Edmonton Consumer Golf Show scheduled for April 1 - 2, 2023. The cancellation is due to a variety of reasons; paramount being the lack of registered exhibitors does not allow the PGA of Alberta to execute a show at the high standard expected, and deserved, by our valued consumers and exhibitors.
If you purchased a ticket to attend, please contact us at [email protected] and a full refund will be taken care of.
A Message from the Promotions & Communications Chair Chris Schatzmann
Throughout the last 4 months the Edmonton Golf Show committee, the Promotions and Communications committee and PGA of Alberta Administration have exhausted all existing avenues to promote exhibitor attendance to the 2023 Edmonton Golf Show. With exhibitor levels well below what the show traditionally maintained the PGA of Alberta will be unable to execute an Edmonton Golf Show that would provide adequate value to the consumers attending the show. In addition, we do not believe the presentation of the show would align with the high standards of the PGA of Alberta and our associated partners. Following consultation with the PGA office and the board executive, and with consideration of brand impact, the decision has been made to officially cancel the Edmonton Golf Show. A discussion and review of future plans for the Edmonton Golf Show will be undertaken by the Association.
The PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar is scheduled for March 6th and 7th at The Derrick G&WC. There are currently 4 spots available for anyone who wants to join the kick off event of the season.
Reminders for the Seminar
- Visit the PGA of Alberta table for registration prior to breakfast day 1. Doors will open at 8:00am
- Business Dress Code is required for all participants of the Seminar
- The Annual General Meeting will start at 9:00am on March 6th
- Stay and enjoy the cocktail reception at the conclusion of the presentations on March 6th
- All food will be provided at the Seminar for all attendees
Click here for the Seminar schedule
Click here to register for the AGM
Thank You To Our Spring Seminar Sponsors...
Thank You To Our Cocktail Reception Sponsors...
There is one week left to vote in the 2023 Board of Directors and Assistants’ Board Elections; make sure you get your vote in now! Voting is being conducted via Simply Voting again this year so check your inbox for your Election Information message if you haven’t voted already. Voting closes at 9:45 AM sharp during the AGM on Monday, March 6th.
Board of Directors Election (5 Nominees)
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting officially opened on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (13 Nominees)
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting officially opened on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Click here to see this year’s Board Nominees (login required)
The Cobra Puma Golf & Club Car PGA of Alberta Championship is confirmed and set for Wintergreen G&CC in Bragg Creek on Monday, July 10th & Tuesday July 11th, 2023. Last year’s Championship had 90 players in the field with Riley Fleming claiming the Championship after carding 65 & 63 over his 2 rounds. Who will rise to the top at Wintergreen G&CC this year?
Just 30 minutes west of Calgary, Wintergreen G&CC offers a picturesque golf course surrounded by tall forests, open fields and rolling hills. Here, mountain streams intersect with tree-lined fairways to create a golf course that is challenging for the expert golfer, yet still accommodating and playable for the novice. Wintergreen features an 18-hole championship course with a full-service practice facility for short game, putting and driving as well as a spacious clubhouse and lounge with a relaxed, country atmosphere.
Thank you to our Sponsors - Cobra Puma Golf & Club Car LLC for their continued support of the Association and of our Tournament Program, without their support our events would not be possible!
2023 Tournament Update
- The 2023 Tournament Schedule Release Date has been set for, Monday, March 6th during Day 1 of the Spring Seminar.
- The 2023 Tournament Eligibility Form will be live for submissions prior to Registration opening date
- The 2023 Tournament Registration Opening Date has been set for, Monday, March 20th at 10:00 AM sharp.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
The 2023 Election window for the Board of Directors and Assistants’ Board officially opened on Tuesday, February 14th and will close after the start of The Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, March 6th, 2023, at The Derrick Golf and Winter Club (3500 119 St NW) in Edmonton.
Start time will be 9:00 AM and voting will close at 9:45 AM.
Board of Directors Election (5 Nominees)
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting officially opened on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (13 Nominees)
Five (5) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting officially opened on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Click here to see this year’s Board Nominees (login required)
The Calgary Consumer Golf Show is just over a month away and excitement is building! The Show is a great opportunity to engage with the strong consumer demand seen throughout the wider industry and across the province over the last 3 years. The Golf Shows provide the perfect opportunity to promote your facility/business to thousands of passionate golfers before the start of the 2023 golf season. The Calgary Show sees approx. 4,500+ attendees and the Edmonton Show sees approx. 3,000+ attendees.
Exhibiting at the Shows allows your facility/company to sell green fees (bundle packs), products, memberships, league play, simulator leagues, lesson packages, etc., all while exposing your brand to the new and growing golf interested demographic in a fun environment. Leveraging access to this upswing in market sentiment can benefit all Exhibitors whether a company or facility. With the cancellation of the Golf Shows over the last three years, the 2023 Shows will give the PGA of Alberta and Exhibitors the chance to give back to Albertans that have supported golf facilities and the industry during the pandemic.
Calgary Golf Show | March 18 & 19, 2023 at the BMO Centre
Click Here to View Pricing & Register
Edmonton Golf Show | April 1 & 2, 2023 at the Expo Centre
Click Here to View Pricing & Register
A message from Chris Schatzmann - Golf Show Chairman
With member club registrations drastically behind forecasted levels, the Association wants to ensure the Calgary and Edmonton consumer golf shows remain successful events on the calendar for years to come. On behalf of the PGA of Alberta, I urge you act to get your club involved in 2023. Although recent business levels at your facilities might have you considering not participating, now is the time to get involved and to build off the momentum given to us over the last few years.
Respectfully,
Chris Schatzmann
PGA of Alberta Promotions & Communications Director
The Consumer Golf Shows are fast approaching with the Calgary Show just over a month away (March 18th & 19th, 2023) and the Edmonton Show set for April 1st & 2nd, 2023. There is still room for Exhibitors to register for either Show, with the Calgary Show Registration Deadline set for Friday, March 10th, 2023 & Edmonton Show Registration Deadline set for Friday, March 24th, 2023.
Avid golfers from all over the province attend the Golf Shows and use them as a great resource for golf trips, golf education, PGA of Alberta Facility awareness and prospective golf memberships. The consumer shows also features a discount clearance golf centre, where golfers can find great deals on past years’ clubs, balls, shoes and apparel.
Why Exhibit at the Shows?
#1 - Promote your business to over 7,000+ passionate golfers throughout the province. The Calgary Show sees approx. 4,500+ attendees and the Edmonton Show sees approx. 3,000+ attendees.
#2 - Your business has the opportunity to sell green fees (bundle packs), products, memberships, lesson packages, league play, simulator leagues, and whatever else your facility/company has to offer to the thousands of golfers in attendance. This will help offset the cost of your booth!
#3 - Take advantage of the upswing of new golfers the industry has experienced over the last three years. This is a perfect opportunity to expose your brand to new demographics in a fun environment.
#4 - Support the Association and Industry - With the cancellation of the Golf Shows over the last three years, the 2023 Shows will give the PGA of Alberta and Exhibitors the chance to give back to Albertans that have supported golf facilities and the industry during the pandemic.
#5 - Top 100 Points - New this year, all PGA of Alberta members at a facility that exhibits at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the program year! See standings HERE.
#6 - As the Golf Industry is thriving and seeing unprecedented demand over the last few years, it is more important than ever to ensure marketing, and consumer outreach in today’s current marketplace.
Early Bird Pricing will end this Friday, February 17th at 4:00pm.
This year capacity is limited to 140 so don’t miss out on a chance to learn and network with our talented line-up of speakers.
March 6th
| 8:00am-9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am-10:30am | Annual General Meeting |
| 10:30am-10:45am | Break |
| 10:45am-12:00pm | Jennifer Morton - Elevate Your Sales & Social Media Strategy |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Dr. David Legg - Gen Z and How They’re Changing Club Management |
| 2:00pm-4:00pm | Bob Wilkie - Transformational Leadership |
| 5:00pm-8:00pm | Cocktail Reception |
March 7th
| 8:00am-9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am-11:00am | Andy Hilts - Becoming A Coach: Sales Training For Golf Professionals |
| 11:00am-11:15am | Break |
| 11:15am-12:00pm | Gordon Food Service - Digital Solutions Offered To Help Support Your Food and Beverage Business |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm-3:00pm | Mike Malaska (Via Zoom) |
The application process to become a Mentor for the Mentorship Program is open until day’s end of Friday, February 24th. If you are interested, check out the Mentorship Program page here and click here to view the Application Form.
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program provides guidance and direction to new 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.
Top 100 Points…
Mentors - All Mentors will receive 5 Top 100 Points for their involvement in the Mentorship Program. 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. Points are only awarded for the first year of the program.
Click Here to view Program Feedback from Mentors/Mentees
Webinar #3 has been confirmed and will cover all topics and questions on "Increasing Your Employment Term"
The panelists will include;
Brice MacDermott (Windermere G&CC)
Sheryle Rowland (Silver Spring G&CC)
Matt Johnson (Royal Mayfair GC)
This will be the third of five webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| February 22nd, 2023 | 10:00am-11:15am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar*
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held on Monday, March 6th, 2023, at The Derrick Golf and Winter Club (3500 119 St NW) in Edmonton. Start time will be 9:00am.
Board of Directors Election (5 Nominees)
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (13 Nominees)
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Online voting via Simply Voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 14th and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Click here to see this year’s Board Nominees (login required)
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to introduce Michelle Moody as the newest member to the Zone staff in the position of Events & Membership Coordinator. Michelle’s role will consist of the coordination and execution of the Consumer Shows, the Buying Show and the Membership portfolio to name a few. The Consumer Golf Shows are fast approaching and the upcoming Spring Seminar and AGM will be the first opportunities for her to meet some of the Membership in person.
Michelle graduated from Mount Royal University in Event Management, has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Behavioral Sciences from Ambrose University. She is passionate in the field of event planning, marketing and communication. She can now be reached by email at [email protected].
Click here to view entire staff listing
Andy Hilts is a recognized expert in the business of golf instruction and a leader in the growing field of revenue optimization for golf academies. Through his consultancy, Hilts Golf, he trains and advises prominent instructors on business development and profit enhancement, via seminars and workshops that top coaches have praised for their technical detail and motivational force. From 2005 to 2013 Hilts oversaw teacher training for GOLFTEC, guiding and mentoring some 2,000 GOLFTEC coaches worldwide. Prior to that he was a full-time golf coach, giving 12,000-plus lessons. Hilts achieved the status of PGA Master Professional in Instruction just six years after his 1999 graduation from the Professional Golf Management program at Mississippi State University.
Andy was honored in 2005 as the Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year. In both 2008 and 2015 he received the Colorado PGA Horton Smith Award. From 2009-2013 Hilts was listed by Golf Digest as one “America’s Best Young Teachers,” ranking No. 3 on the magazine’s list of Best Teachers in Colorado. In 2012 the Golf Range Association of America named him one of the “Top 50 Growth of the Game Teachers.” Hilts has been a member of the Colorado PGA Education Committee since 2014. He has also served on the Instruction Committee of the PGA of America. From 2017 through 2019, Hilts handled day-to-day operations for Proponent Group, a GOLF Channel-owned membership organization comprising 700 of the industry’s top coaches.
Hotel Reservations
The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre has a room block available for all participants of this years Spring Seminar.
To book your reservation, call the Sawridge (780)438-1222 and use code "PGA"
Please be advised that Early Bird Exhibitor Rates for the Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows has been EXTENDED to Friday, February 3rd! The Association wants to encourage as many facilities as possible to attend the Golf Shows so take advantage of the discounted rates and attend the first Shows back in four years!
The Golf Shows provide the perfect opportunity to promote your facility and programs to thousands of passionate golfers before the start of the 2023 golf season!
- Calgary Golf Show | March 18 & 19, 2023 at the BMO Centre (Hall D)
- Cost of 10’ x 10’ (100 sq. ft.) is $1,095 plus $300 prize donation (retail value)
- Early Bird rate above is valid until Friday, February 3rd
- Click Here to see the current list of Exhibitors
- When registering, enter Discount Code "EarlyBirdYYC" for early bird rate (if purchasing 200 sq. ft. or more, contact [email protected])
- Click Here to Register
- Edmonton Golf Show | April 1 & 2, 2023 at the Expo Centre (Hall E)
- Cost of 10’ x 10’ (100 sq. ft.) is $995 plus $300 prize donation (retail value)
- Early Bird rate above is valid until Friday, February 3rd
- Click Here to see the current list of Exhibitors
- When registering, enter Discount Code "EarlyBirdYEG" for early bird rate (if purchasing 200 sq. ft. or more, contact [email protected])
- Click Here to Register
A message from Chris Schatzmann - Golf Show Chairman
With member club registrations drastically behind forecasted levels, the Association wants to ensure the Calgary and Edmonton consumer golf shows remain successful events on the calendar for years to come. On behalf of the PGA of Alberta, I urge you act to get your club involved in 2023. Although recent business levels at your facilities might have you considering not participating, now is the time to get involved and to build off the momentum given to us over the last few years.
Respectfully,
Chris Schatzmann
PGA of Alberta Promotions & Communications Director
Why Exhibit at the Shows?
#1 - Promote your business to over 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province. The Calgary Show sees approx. 4,000 - 4,500 attendees and the Edmonton Show sees approx. 2,500 - 3,000 attendees.
#2 - Your business has the opportunity to sell green fees (bundle packs), products, memberships, lesson packages, league play, simulator leagues, and whatever else your facility/company has to offer to the thousands of golfers in attendance. This will help offset the cost of your booth!
#3 - Take advantage of the upswing of new golfers the industry has experienced over the last three years. This is a perfect opportunity to expose your brand to new demographics in a fun environment.
#4 - Support the Association and Industry - With the cancellation of the Golf Shows over the last three years, the 2023 Shows will give the PGA of Alberta and Exhibitors the chance to give back to Albertans that have supported golf facilities and the industry during the pandemic.
#5 - Top 100 Points - New this year, all PGA of Alberta members at a facility that exhibits at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the program year! See standings HERE.
The deadline to apply to join the Tournament Committee is fast approaching and is set for the end of the day tomorrow, January 31st at 11:59 PM. If you are interested or passionate about our Tournament Program, the Committee is always looking for new Members with fresh, new and innovative ideas to help improve and grow the Program.
Please send your application documents and letter of intent (which states the applicants motivations for joining the Committee and any relevant experiences they feel make them a strong candidate for joining) to either of the Co-Chairs (Josh Fleming, Scott Anderson) of the PGA of Alberta Tournament Committee or Aaron Mckay ([email protected]).
The new Committee roster will be announced by February 9th at the latest.
The Tournament Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and will meet at minimum twice annually to address and review the PGA of Alberta’s Tournament Program.
The Tournament Committee oversees/is responsible for the following Tournament related matters.
1. Be responsible for all tournament operations, including Order of Merit and other player selection instruments
2. Establish all tournament rules, regulations and policies
3. Be responsible for all tournaments set-up standards (yardage, pin locations, etc.)
4. Be responsible for staffing (Marshals, Referees, Starting, Scoring, etc.)
5. Review tournament eligibility criteria on an annual basis and make any recommendations for revisions
6. Proactively obtain input from fellow members on their level of satisfaction with and provide suggestions for improvement
7. Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
8. Undertake other activities as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time
9. Review the Terms of Reference Committee document on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change
Application Notice, Application Form & Member Declaration Form.
The Association is excited to announce a new partnership with Canadian company KAILANI for the next three years! KAILANI will be the new Title Sponsor of the annual Pro-Pro Scramble classic which features two PGA of Alberta members participating in an 18-hole team scramble format.
“KAILANI is pleased to announce our partnership with the PGA of Alberta. With a vision to create a brand that creates exceptional product with tremendous value for our retail and corporate partners and the end use consumer,” said Sean Alexander, President & CEO for KAILANI.
A member-favourite event on the schedule, the Pro-Pro Scramble has seen an average field size of 110 players (55 teams) in the last three seasons. The host venue and date of the tournament will be released with the launch of the 2023 tournament schedule.
“We feel that this strategic partnership with the PGA of Alberta will be welcomed in an ever-changing industry that is looking for more products offerings that compliment the pro shops of their members and increases their overall revenues and opportunities. Our partnership with PGA of Alberta supercharges our commitment to increasing the KAILANI Brand recognition within the Golf Industry and beyond.”
About KAILANI…
KAILANI is a proud Canadian Owned organization servicing the Sporting Goods and Premium Insulated Cooler Products and Drinkware. With a talented design team and countless ideas, KAILANI delivers exceptional products at exceptional value. With a line of inflatable SUP Boards and Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Boards, to industry leading Hard and Soft Coolers and our insulated drinkware, you can count on KAILANI to deliver quality and performance throughout their full line of branded products, proudly designed in Canada.
KAILANI’s vision is to become Canada’s preferred Outdoor Lifestyle Brand Experience, one that matches their unique landscape, with rugged, well built products that stand the test of time. Click here to view KAILANI’s corporate catalogue.
Learn more about their products by visiting ca.kailanisports.com or contact their Representative below.
Sean Alexander President & CEO
403-437-3239
[email protected]
Follow KAILANI on social media today... 
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held in-person on Monday, March 6th at The Derrick G&WC in Edmonton, prior to the start of the Spring Seminar. Start time of the AGM will be 9:00am.
Top 100 Points - Members will receive 3 Top 100 points for attending the AGM
Sign Up Today - Register to ensure you receive all information for this year’s AGM
The PGA of Alberta is thrilled to announce an expanded partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In addition to renewing as Title Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship and Alberta National Teams, COBRA PUMA GOLF will also become Co-Title Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Championship. The host venues and dates of both championships will be shared with the upcoming release of the 2023 tournament schedule.
“The PGA and COBRA PUMA GOLF have been great partners over the past decade so it was an easy decision to extend our investment with the Association,” said Dwayne Boecker, Head of Golf for COBRA PUMA GOLF - Canada. “Adding a marquee event such as the PGA of Alberta Championship allows us to continue engaging PGA members across the province and further demonstrate our commitment to the zone.”
The PGA of Alberta Championship has been around since 1976 and is the Association’s flagship event. The Championship is the largest tournament that the PGA of Alberta organizes with the field consisting of approximately 100 players competing in a stroke play format.
The Assistants’ Championship allows Assistant Professionals from across Alberta the chance to compete against their peers in a two-day championship. This event is executed at the same level of competition as the PGA of Alberta Championship with the field consisting of approximately 70 players. COBRA PUMA GOLF has been the Title Sponsor of this championship since 2012.
The purses of both events will combine for more than $40,000 for competitors.
"On behalf of the PGA of Alberta and our membership, we are very excited to continue our longstanding relationship with COBRA PUMA GOLF ," said Robert Rousselle, Executive Director of the PGA of Alberta. "Over the years, the team at COBRA PUMA GOLF have supported our Assistants’ Championship and provided uniforms for Team Alberta members at the PGA of Canada National Championships. Premier events like our Assistants’ & PGA of Alberta Championships cannot proceed without excellent partners like COBRA PUMA GOLF and we thank them for their commitment as a Premier Partner."
About COBRA PUMA GOLF…
COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company, promoting game enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles. The brands full-range portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high-performance drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, putters and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport lifestyle inspired footwear, apparel and accessories. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. For more information, visit cobragolf.ca and ca.pumagolf.com.
For more information on COBRA PUMA GOLF, please contact one of their Representatives below.
Rick Lea Alberta Territory & Key Account Manager
403-680-7224
[email protected]
Jason Rose Sales Director, Canada
416-558-2439
[email protected]
Early Bird Registration is now open until February 17th
It will be back in person at The Derrick G&WC for the first time since 2020. There will be a limited capacity of 140 participants so make sure to register yourself and employees before the spots are filled.
The first speaker announcement includes;
Jennifer Morton (Association of Golf Merchandisers) - She is the Director of Marketing and Sales for the Association of Golf Merchandisers, a business strategist, and international speaker who has more than 30 years of marketing and golf retail experience. Her presentation will be on "How to elevate your sales and social media strategies: boost engagement and maximize success"
There is also an exciting, new opportunity for every member of the association to apply to be a presenter at this years Seminar. If there is an area of your job that you excel in and feel the membership would benefit from hearing, prepare a 5-10 minute video and send it to [email protected] by February 10th. The top 3-4 ideas chosen by the Education Committee will be asked to present at this years seminar.
Click here for more details on both presentations
Interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2023? If yes, click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination form. Deadline to submit your interest is Friday, January 20th at 11:59pm (1 week from today).
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the members. There are between nine and twelve members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class "A" members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class "A") and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class "A" members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Five (5) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
After much thought and consideration, the Co-Chairs of the PGA of Alberta Tournament Committee have decided to formally Dissolve the Committee and are excited to announce the commencement of the Application Process to join the new 2023 Committee. Please reach out to either Co-Chair (Josh Fleming & Scott Anderson) or Aaron Mckay ([email protected]) with any questions, comments or application documents.
In the interests of creating a diverse Committee that is representative of the entire PGA of Alberta Membership this process officially opens today, and will run until end of day, 11:59 PM on Tuesday, January 31st.
All interested Members are invited to submit an application form and letter of intent stating their motivations for joining the Committee and any relevant experiences they feel make them a strong candidate for joining.
The new Committee roster will be announced by February 9th at the latest.
The Tournament Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and will meet at minimum twice annually to address and review the PGA of Alberta’s Tournament Program.
The Tournament Committee oversees/is responsible for the following Tournament related matters.
1. Be responsible for all tournament operations, including Order of Merit and other player selection instruments
2. Establish all tournament rules, regulations and policies
3. Be responsible for all tournaments set-up standards (yardage, pin locations, etc.)
4. Be responsible for staffing (Marshals, Referees, Starting, Scoring, etc.)
5. Review tournament eligibility criteria on an annual basis and make any recommendations for revisions
6. Proactively obtain input from fellow members on their level of satisfaction with and provide suggestions for improvement
7. Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
8. Undertake other activities as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time
9. Review the Terms of Reference Committee document on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change
Application Notice, Application Form & Member Declaration Form.
The date for webinar #2 from the Assistants’ Board has been confirmed for January 31st from 10:00am-11:15am.
They will be focusing on various topics of the PGA of Canada Training Academy.
The panelists for this webinar will be ;
Tiffany Gordon (Carnmoney GC and PGA of Canada)
Michael Nutt (Kananaskis Country GC)
Robbie Johnson (Banff Springs GC)
If you haven’t registered for webinar #1, it is this Friday, January 13th, from 10:00am-11:15am. The topic will be Planning and Implementing Successful Leagues and Events at Your Facility.
*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar*
The PGA of Alberta is proud to officially announce the Top 100 PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals for 2022 as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada & TaylorMade Golf Canada! The list below is the top 100 point earners for 2022 program year. These members will receive a custom Top 100 logo recognizing their accomplishment.
The Top 100 Program is based on pre-determined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and demonstrate proven abilities in advancing the golf industry for the benefit of all Golf Professionals. The following areas where points are awarded are Education, Association initiatives, Tournaments and Volunteerism. Congratulations to the following Professionals (click on a name to learn more):
Top 100 Professionals 2022
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| Ajeem, Mohammed Lakeside GC |
Allred, Scott Elbow Springs GC |
Anderson, Scott Country Hills GC |
| Anderson, Stefan Lakeside GC |
Babkirk, Tyrel Apple Creek GC |
Belbin, Mike Royal Mayfair GC |
| Boyd, Kyle Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Brayton, Gordon PGA of Alberta Member |
Bruce, Adam GOLFTEC Sherwood Park |
| * Bunner, Alexander - Top 10 Belvedere G&CC |
Busetto, Joseph Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Cammidge, Grant Jagare Ridge GC |
| Carew, Geoff Golf Traders - Edmonton |
Cartier, Jacob Glendale G&CC |
Charlton, Shelley Pinebrook G&CC |
| Chow, Kevin Blackhawk GC |
Chown, Braden Bearspaw GC |
Christenson, Gary Sturgeon Valley G&CC |
| Cooke, Chris Silvertip GR |
Cooke, Darren Canmore G&CC |
Copeland, Josh Wainwright GC |
| Crease, John Jasper Park Lodge GC |
Cuthbertson, Jeff Stony Plain GC |
DesRoche, Glen Picture Butte GC |
| Donihee, Chris PGA of Alberta Member |
* Feener, Chad - Top 10 Leduc GC |
* Fleming, Josh - Top 10 365 GOLF |
| Foote, Kurtis Valley Ridge Golf Academy |
Freeman, Matt Canyon Meadows G&CC |
Friedrick, Matthew Brooks GC |
| Frose, Patrick Royal Mayfair GC |
Gillett, Weston Lacombe G&CC |
Gordon, Tiffany Carnmoney GC |
| Graf, Kevin Woodside GC |
Halpen, Todd Golfuture YYC |
* Halverson, Bryce - Top 10 Carnmoney GC |
| Hanson, Leif Mickelson National GC |
Hardy, Richard McKenzie Meadows GC |
Harrison, Michael Coal Creek GR |
| * Hartford, Gary - Top 10 Highlands GC |
Henzie, Dave PGA of Alberta Member |
Hill, Logan River Bend G&RA |
| Horton, Paul Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC |
Irvin, Taylor Country Hills GC |
Jeffries, Nicola Willow Park G&CC |
| * Johnson, Greg - Top 10 Inglewood G&CC |
Johnson, Matt Royal Mayfair GC |
Johnson, Robbie Banff Springs GC |
| * Kirkness, Samuel - Award Winner Inglewood G&CC |
Kyle, Cameron The Ranch G&CC |
Latimer, Cameron The Winston GC |
| Lee, Tommy Carnmoney GC |
Leicht, Tyler The Derrick G&WC |
Locke, Eric Priddis Greens G&CC |
| Lockert, Josh Carstairs GC |
Longley, Nic Silver Springs G&CC |
Luopa, Shaun Country Hills GC |
| MacComb, David Royal Mayfair GC |
MacDermott, Brice Windermere G&CC |
MacDonald, Mathew Innisfail GC |
| MacGregor, Jeff Glendale G&CC |
Mackey, Joshua Windermere G&CC |
Mah, Matthew Cardiff G&CC |
| McCluskey, Phil River Bend G&RA |
* McCourt, Murray - Top 10 The Ranch G&CC |
Levi McDermott Big Buck Golf Centre |
| McDermott, Ryan Royal Mayfair GC |
McKiernan, John Academy at Golf Town - Calgary |
Mills, Matthew Douglasdale GC |
| Mills, Troy Jasper Park Lodge GC |
Nelson, Gina Magrath GC |
Nelson, Graeme The Derrick G&WC |
| Paskin, Chris Valley Ridge GC |
Pecman, Tyler Highlands GC |
Piercey, Shaun The Ranch G&CC |
| Plosz, Jason FootJoy - Acushnet Canada |
Popkes, Amy Silver Springs G&CC |
Robb, Randy Mickelson National Golf Academy |
| Rogers, Marsha The Derrick G&WC |
Rosengarten, Lisa The Glencoe G&CC |
Rutherford, Katy Silver Springs G&CC |
| Scheller, J.D. Turner Valley GC |
Schubert, Gregg The Track |
* Seifert, Matt - Top 10 Golfuture YYC |
| Stanier, Jason Inglewood G&CC |
Stiles, Scott Earl Grey GC |
Sweenie, Tahlon Jasper Park Lodge GC |
| Timms, Kasey Leduc GC |
Tomlinson, Dale The Winston GC |
Valleau, Kim The Winston GC |
| Van Amsterdam, Evan Highlands GC |
Van Tighem, Taylor Highlands GC |
Vandermey, Nick Windermere G&CC |
| Vandermey, Spencer Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Werbicki, Adam The Derrick G&WC |
West, Jonathan Carnmoney GC |
| Westman, Scott The Ranch G&CC |
Whitton, James Mill Woods GC |
Wilkie, Blair Trestle Creek GR |
| Willner, Tyler Lakeside GC |
Wilson, John D. Priddis Greens G&CC |
Wisser, Adam The Ranch G&CC |
| * Yanitski, Stephen - Top 10 Valley Ridge GC |
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Click Here for 2022 Standings
Award Winner - Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC)
After taking over the lead late in the program year, Sam secured the trophy after accumulating 91 points total to win by 4! Sam is no stranger to being involved in the Association as he was the winner of the former Professional Development Program in 2018, the final year of the program before turning into the Top 100 Program.
As we’ve seen the last several years in the Top 100 Program, it was an exciting race to the very end with two other members - Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) and Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC), finishing within 7 points of Sam to claim second and third place.
Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the top 20 of the program this year; Inglewood G&CC, The Ranch G&CC, Golfuture YYC and Lakeside GC.
Cash Prizes
The Association is proud to award 20 cash prizes to the top point earners in the program. Members needed to accumulate 60 points or more to earn a cheque. Click Here to see the 2022 cash prize recipients.
Cash Bonuses
In addition to the 20 cash prizes, the Association also awarded 8 cash bonuses of $100 each to the top point finisher(s) in four categories (number of cash bonuses dependent on total number of members in each category). Click Here to see the cash bonus recipients.
New for 2023 - Program Rotation Year
The Association will now use a calendar year moving forward for the program rather than the previous October to September of the following year model. For 2023, the program year will begin October 1, 2022 and go until December 31, 2023 to cover the gap of the rotation change. After that year is finish, the Top 100 Program will run from a January 1 to December 31 timeline.
LEARN MORE HERE
Another dominant year included wins at the PGA Championship of Canada and the Cobra Puma Golf PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship. Heffernan also added runner up finishes at the Zone Championship and the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada.
His win at the PGA Championship was certainly the highlight. Just a few weeks after playing in the RBC Canadian Open, Heffernan looked right at home at Beacon Hall Golf Club, dominating throughout the week to claim the P.D. Ross Trophy.
This is Heffernan’s second time winning the Mike Weird Player of the Year Award, first winning in 2019 after claiming the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada at TPC Toronto.
Wes will be celebrated during the PGA of Canada Awards Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 26, 2023! Click here for more information on the National Awards Program.
Congratulations to Kim Valleau of The Winston GC for receiving the 2022 Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year honour! The Award is the highest honour the Association can bestow on a working Class “A” Professional at a golf course whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the PGA of Canada Class “A” Professional
Kim will be recognized during the PGA of Canada Awards Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 26, 2023! Click here for more information on the National Awards Program.
The Assistants Board is excited to present their first webinar of 2023 on;
"Planning and Implementing Successful Leagues and Events at Your Facility".
This will be the first of four webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
Stay tuned for the panelist announcement
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| January 13th, 2023 | 10:00am-11:15am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
*Reminder this is free to all members*
The Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The office will be closed starting December 19th and will open again on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. We look forward to reconnecting with everyone in the new year.
Read More
Interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2023? If yes, click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination form. Deadline to submit your interest is Friday, January 20th, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the members. There are between nine and twelve members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class "A" members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class "A") and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class "A" members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Five (5) spots are open for election in 2023 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
REMINDER - SAVE DRAFT FEATURE
You can save your forms online before submitting. Please follow the steps below:
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every form on the website
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
- Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
- Submit when finished
The Association is excited to get the Calgary & Edmonton Golf Shows back up and running after being cancelled the last three years. Please be advised that Early Bird Exhibitor pricing is available until Friday, December 16th for both Shows. Be sure to take advantage of the discounted rates and don’t miss out on being a part of the first Alberta Golf Shows in four years!
- Calgary Golf Show, March 18 & 19, 2023 at the BMO Centre (Hall D) - Click Here to View Pricing & Register
- Edmonton Golf Show, April 1 & 2, 2023 at the Edmonton Expo Centre (Hall A) - Click Here to View Pricing & Register
Why Exhibit at the Shows?
#1 - Promote your facility/company to over 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province. The Calgary Show sees approx. 4,000 - 4,500 attendees and the Edmonton Show sees approx. 2,500 - 3,000 attendees.
#2 - Your facility/company has the opportunity to sell green fees (bundle packs), products, memberships, lesson packages, league play, simulator leagues, and whatever else your facility/company has to offer to the thousands of golfers in attendance.
#3 - Take advantage of the upswing of new golfers the industry has experienced over the last three years. This is a perfect opportunity to expose your brand to new demographics in a fun environment.
#4 - Support the Association and Industry - With the cancellation of the Golf Shows over the last three years, the 2023 Shows will give the PGA of Alberta and Exhibitors the chance to give back to Albertans that have supported golf facilities and the industry during the pandemic.
#5 - Top 100 Points - New this year, all PGA of Alberta members at a facility that exhibits at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the new program year! See standings HERE.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Trevor Rioux at [email protected]. Click links above to Register (login required).
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta member Andy Black. Andy has been a lifelong member of the Association becoming a Class "A" member of the PGA of Canada in 1973 and receiving his 25-year milestone in 1998. He passed away in December at the age of 77 years.
Andy had a notable career as the Head Professional of Earl Grey GC in Calgary which lasted 27 years before he retired in 2004. During that span, Andy won the PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Championship in 1998, and won again two years after he retired in 2006, making him one of eight members to win multiple Seniors’ Championships. Our thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends during this difficult time.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 2:00pm at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary.
Looking to promote your facility this off-season? Take advantage of the Associations social media initiative where we feature a new facility every Friday in the off-season on our Twitter and Instagram accounts (over 8,000 followers!).
HOW IT WORKS - All you have to do is submit the required information on the form (see link below) to have your facility featured! Please note that facilities will be selected at random and all information must be filled in to be considered (unless noted as optional on form). In the event we have more submissions than Fridays available, we will store your information to be used the following off-season.
IMPORTANT - To prevent having multiple submissions from the same facility, please collaborate with your staff/team to ensure only one application is sent for the initiative.
PRIZE GIVEAWAY - As you’ll see in the form, please let us know if your facility is willing to donate a prize giveaway to help increase engagement with your post! This is OPTIONAL and not mandatory but will help increase the amount of viewers for your post. Prize could be green fees, merchandise, lesson, gift card, golf simulator usage, etc. As part of this giveaway, viewers will need to follow your facility’s account along with other conditions in order to be eligible to win.
PAST EXAMPLES - Below are a few posts from earlier this year. This will give you an idea of the exposure your facility will receive as part of this initiative:
- Example #1 - Innisfail GC - Click here to see post
- Innisfail GC gained 55 followers in the four days after the post
- 2,688 impressions on post
- 200 likes on post
- Example # 2 - Edmonton Petroleum G&CC - Click here to see post
- Edmonton Petroleum G&CC gained 51 followers in the four days after the post
- 2,729 impressions on post
- 195 likes on post
- Example #3 - Stewart Creek G&CC - Click here to see post
- Stewart Creek G&CC gained 99 new followers in the four days after the post
- 3,746 impressions on post
- 329 likes on post
If you want your facility featured, DEADLINE to submit the form is January 31st, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE - Priority will automatically be given to facilities that were not part of the initiative last year.
Click Here for Form
When Sirocco Golf Club Head Professional Craig Gibson stood on the 16th tee on Thursday afternoon, he trailed by four strokes.
That left just three holes to make up those four strokes on his playing partner, Rob Tadey, who entered the day with a one-stroke lead at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and supported by G&G Brands.
Oh yah; he also trailed Stephen Cox by four strokes; who was about to tee off on No. 18 at about the same time Gibson was hitting his tee shot on the par 3 16th at Verrado Golf Club just outside Phoenix, AZ.
Peeking at the leaderboard around this time, Gibson knew he needed something special to happen if he was going to stamp his name in PGA of Canada championship history.
The next half hour you almost had to see to believe:
2:34 PM: Gibson nails 30-foot birdie putt on 16 to move to -9, trialing Cox and Tadey by 3.
2:45 PM: Cox hits his second on the par-5 18th short left of the green into the desert, takes an unplayable lie and moves backwards on-line with the pin up a 30-foot, 45-degree grade hill to take a drop in (less dense) desert, ending up with a bogey to finish at -11, one back of Tadey.
2:47 PM: Gibson hits it to an inch on No. 17 to move to -10.
2:55 PM: With a one-stroke lead, Tadey hits his approach shot left, losing his ball in the desert, and makes a double bogey with his provisional to finish at -10.
3:05 PM: Gibson hits a tidy chip to kick-in length for birdie on 18 to finish at -11.
Gibson vs. Cox playoff.
Four playoff holes later, Gibson fought back tears on the 18th green after making his fourth birdie on the hole of the day.
The six-footer he made on his 22nd hole of the day wasn’t just for him – not this time – but also for his wife and baby daughter at home, 2,500 km away.
“I can’t wait to take a picture of Georgia [his daughter] and the trophy,” said Gibson, who celebrated Georgia’s first birthday alongside his wife Courtney just weeks before making the trek to Verrado Golf Club. “It’s special. I started to kiss my ball marker with her name on it, so this one, it is awesome.”
Gibson was stellar all week long, firing 66-68-71 to finish on top at the final PGA of Canada national championship of the season.
Congratulations to the following Professionals from Alberta for all finishing inside the top 25 at the Championship:
- 2nd - Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) @ -11 (68-68-69)
- T-5th - Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) @ -9 (70-68-69)
- 11th - Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) @ -5 (67-70-74)
- T-16th - Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) @ -2 (70-71-73)
- T-22nd - Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) @ E (73-72-71)
Click here for full story by Brendan Stasiewich of the PGA of Canada
After two rounds of competition, Craig Gibson (Sirocco GC) sits only one stroke back of the lead at 10-under at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada. Craig is playing his best golf right now after firing back-to-back rounds of 66-68 at the Verrado Golf Club just outside of Phoenix, AZ. He shot a bogey-free round yesterday and will look to do the same today as he attempts to win his first PGA of Canada major. Craig tees off in the final group this morning at 10:50am.
Sitting inside the top 20 of the tournament from Alberta includes the following members:
- T-4th - Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) @ -8
- T-6th - Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) @ -7
- T-8th - Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) @ -6
- T-14th - Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) @ -3
Congratulations to Team Alberta for finishing in third place in the InterZone competition at the Championship. The team consisted of Stefan Cox, Kevin Black, Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park), and Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC).
Click here for full results and live scoring throughout the round
Pro Tip Tuesday is a social media initiative that showcases your skills as a Golf Professional to help bring exposure to you and your facility. The Association wants to give golfers a reason to check out the PGA of Alberta Instagram account, including your own! We will start posting Pro Tip Tuesday submissions in January.
How do you become a part of Pro Tip Tuesday?
All you need to do is create a quick tip video between 30 seconds to 2 minutes and submit using the Dropbox link below. One video will be posted per week during the off-season beginning in January.
New This Year
In addition to golf instruction tips, we are allowing other categories of submissions for Pro Tip Tuesday including the following:
- Fashion tips - Types of apparel to wear on certain days, clothing accessories, latest fashion trends, etc.
- Technology tips - Different technologies to utilize to improve game, technology features most golfers are unaware of, new technology in the golf industry, etc.
- Rules of Golf tips - New rules in the game, common rules the average player is unaware of, proper rule procedures, etc.
- Etiquette tips - Things the average player should be doing on the golf course, how to best fix a divot/ball mark, pace of play etiquette, etc.
Video Tips
- Be Professional. You are representing the Association so ensure you look and act the part.
- Intro. State your name, club, and position as the intro to your video.
- Length. Ensure your video is between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Rehearse. Practise your video tip a few times before the final "shoot".
- Setting. Make sure there’s no noise/visual distractions around you so viewers can focus on you. Your video can be shot indoors or outdoors.
Look at past examples of Pro Tip Tuesday videos for inspiration:
- Example #1 - Click Here
- Example #2 - Click Here
- Example #3 - Click Here
Top 100 Points
Everyone who participates in Pro Tip Tuesday will earn 3 Top 100 points for the program year. You can only receive 3 points per year. We recommend doing more than one video but a max of 3 points will be rewarded for the Top 100 program.
Deadline
Deadline for submission is January 31, 2023.
Dropbox Link > CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT VIDEO WHEN COMPLETE
The PGA of Canada is thrilled to announce the finalists for its 2022 National Awards.
Each year, a National Selection Committee evaluates nominations from professionals across Canada. The winners will be revealed on social media over the next few weeks and will be celebrated during Canada Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 26, 2023.
Good luck to the following Alberta Professionals up for a National Award. To view all finalists, CLICK HERE.
- Matt Johnson (Royal Mayfair GC) - Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
- Brian Bassen (Strathmore GC) - Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) - George Knudson Teacher of the Year
- Kim Valleau (The Winston GC) - Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year
- Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - Tex Noble Professional Development Award
- Ryan Caines (Inglewood G&CC) - Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Chad Feener (Leduc GC) - Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
- Adam Werbicki (The Derrick G&WC) - Ben Kern Coach of the Year
- Evergreen GC (Head Professional – Josh Walker) - Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
- Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
- Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
- Garrett Hadfield (Rundle Park GC) - Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award
The 2023 Spring Seminar has been scheduled for March 6th & 7th at the Derrick G&WC.
The Education Committee has been working hard to compile a list of speakers for this years seminar and will provide updates as they are available along with the opening of registration coming soon. This years event will also be back in person for the first time since 2020 so don’t miss the opportunity to network and learn from some of the best in the industry.
Top 100 Points - Every Member that attends the Spring Seminar will receive 5 Top 100 points per day (10 points total) for this program year.
Spring Seminar Sponsors...
Each year, the PGA of Canada Foundation awards bursaries to assist, encourage and promote the attainment of professional development opportunities. With the 2022 year coming to an end, it is the perfect time to send in a bursary application for any professional development opportunities you may have done in the past year. You have the opportunity to be reimbursed, for up to $500.00!
For more detailed information, please see the application link below. The bursary application deadline is January 27th, 2023! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Wayne MacPhee at [email protected].
The Compensation Survey is a very important tool for the Association as it provides 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 of 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.
EARLY BIRD Exhibitor registration is NOW OPEN for the 2023 Calgary & Edmonton Golf Shows in March and April! The Association is excited to get these Shows back up and running after being postponed the last three years.
Why Exhibit at the Shows?
The Golf Shows are a great opportunity for you to promote your facility/company and programs to over 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province. Exhibiting at the Shows allows your facility/company to sell green fees (bundle packs), products, memberships, league play, simulator leagues, lesson packages, etc., all while exposing your brand to new demographics in a fun environment. Your facility/company also has the chance to take advantage of the upswing of new golfers the industry has experienced over the last three years. The upcoming Shows are scheduled as follows:
Calgary Golf Show
March 18 & 19, 2023 | BMO Centre (Hall D)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Edmonton Golf Show
April 1 & 2, 2023 | Edmonton Expo Centre (Hall A)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Top 100 Points
All PGA members at a facility that pays for a booth at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the new program year!
Early Bird Deadline
The Early Bird registration deadline is DECEMBER 16th for both Shows. Be sure to take advantage of these discounted rates and don’t miss out on being a part of the Alberta Golf Shows! If you have any questions about the Shows, please contact Trevor Rioux at [email protected]. Click links above to Register (login required).
The Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award, introduced in 2020 and named after PGA of Canada Past President and Life Member Warren Crosbie, is presented annually to a member of the Association who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and gone above and beyond to make a meaningful and lasting impact within their community.
Last year’s winner was Todd Keirstead, who is making a huge different in the lives of others with his ParaGolf Canada initiative, which has helped bring disabled golfers to the sport and back to the sport. More details on Todd’s work can be found here.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD GUIDELINES
- Involved in the promotion and development of community and/or charitable initiatives to help others, going beyond their regular day to day duties;
- Consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place;
- Recognized as someone of outstanding character.
The National Awards Committee will select a recipient based on these criteria. While achievements during the past year should be emphasized, a candidate’s entire experience and commitment to continuing their contributions will be strongly considered.
The more detailed your nomination, the better chance the candidate has of being chosen by the selection committee.
Deadline to submit – November 15, 2022
For more information and to nominate a candidate, click here.
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program (separate from the PGA of Canada Mentorship Program) provides guidance and direction to first-year members of the Association. 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 in the golf industry.
Click Here to see Program Feedback from Mentors/Mentees
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 Mentee with a Mentor that lives in a close proximity.
Expectations of Mentors…
- Commit to your Mentor/Mentee relationship(s) for a minimum of 1-year
- 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). Ex. This can be accomplished over a round of golf or at an Association tournament/event
- 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. All Mentors must execute the action items as indicated and submit the Evaluation Form before being eligible to receive points. Points are ONLY awarded for the first-year of your pairing.
Become A Mentor in 2023…
If interested in being involved, click the link below to submit the "Become A Mentor" form by January 31, 2023. After the form has been submitted, you will be added to the Mentor list (if eligible) and MAY be assigned a Mentee in February (depending on total number of Mentors/Mentees, and geographical location).
Click Here for Mentor Form
Become A Mentee in 2023...
All new members of the Association are automatically signed up to be a Mentee in the program. If you received your card in 2022, you will AUTOMATICALLY be assigned a Mentor in February of 2023.
If interested in being a Mentee and you are not a new member as stated above, please contact [email protected] at the PGA office for more information. Mentors are assigned based on several factors including geographical location to the Mentee.
Congratulations to Samuel Kirkness of Inglewood G&CC on winning his first Top 100 Award as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada and TaylorMade Golf Canada! The Top 100 Program is based on pre-defined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and demonstrate proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals and industry.
After taking over the lead late in the program year, Sam secured the trophy after accumulating 91 points total to win by 4! Sam is no stranger to being involved in the Association as he was the winner of the former Professional Development Program in 2018, the final year of the program before turning into the now Top 100 Program.
As we’ve seen the last several years in the Top 100 Program, it was an exciting race to the very end with two other members - Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) and Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC), finishing within 7 points of Sam to claim second and third place.
Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the top 20 of the program this year; Inglewood G&CC, The Ranch G&CC, Golfuture YYC and Lakeside GC.
Samuel Kirkness at Awards Banquet in October
Cash Prizes...
The PGA of Alberta is now awarding 20 cash prizes to the top 20 point earners for the 2022 program year. Members needed to accumulate 60 points or more to earn a cheque this year. Congratulations to the following recipients who will receive their prize money shortly:
| Professional | Facility | Points | Cash Prize | |
| 1st | Samuel Kirkness | Inglewood G&CC | 91 | $1,400 |
| 2nd | Greg Johnson | Inglewood G&CC | 87 | $1,100 |
| 3rd | Bryce Halverson |
Carnmoney GC | 84 | $900 |
| 4th | Chad Feener | Leduc GC | 79 | $700 |
| 5th | Stephen Yanitski |
Valley Ridge GC | 76 | $525 |
| T-6th | Murray McCourt | Ranch G&CC (The) | 74 | $362 |
| T-6th | Josh Fleming |
365 GOLF | 74 | $362 |
| T-8th | Alexander Bunner | Belvedere G&CC | 69 | $275 |
| T-8th | Matt Seifert | Golfuture YYC | 69 | $275 |
| T-8th | Gary Hartford |
Highlands GC | 69 | $275 |
| 11th | Tyler Willner | Lakeside GC | 68 | $225 |
| 12th | Shaun Piercey | Ranch G&CC (The) | 67 | $200 |
| T-13th | Kim Valleau | Winston GC (The) | 66 | $200 |
| T-13th | Todd Halpen | Golfuture YYC | 66 | $200 |
| 15th | Stefan Anderson | Lakeside GC | 64 | $200 |
| 16th | Paul Horton | Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC | 63 | $200 |
| 17th | Nic Longley | Silver Springs G&CC | 62 | $200 |
| T-18th | Joseph Busetto | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 61 | $200 |
| T-18th | Patrick Frose | Royal Mayfair GC | 61 | $200 |
| T- 20th | Jeff MacGregor | Glendale G&CC | 60 | $100 |
| T- 20th | Leif Hanson | Mickelson National GC | 60 | $100 |
Cash Bonuses
In addition to the 20 cash prizes, the Association is giving away 8 cash bonuses of $100 each to the top point finisher(s) in the below member categories (number of cash bonuses dependent on total number of members in the categories). This added amount puts the total prize money at $9,000 for the Top 100 Program (cash prizes + bonuses). Congratulations to the following:
Apprentice Professionals - Top 2
- Stefan Anderson (Lakeside GC) - $100
- Nic Longley (Silver Springs G&CC) - $100
Class A / Teaching Professionals - Top 3
- Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) - $100
- Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) - $100
- Chad Feener (Leduc GC) - $100
Head / Head Teaching Professionals - Top 2
- Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - $100
- Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) - $100
Executive Professional - Top 1
- Murray McCourt (The Ranch G&CC) - $100
Top 100 Professionals
As part of this program, the PGA of Alberta acknowledges the Top 100 Professionals which are the top 100-point earners for the program year. The 2022 Top 100 Professionals will be officially announced shortly so stay tuned for more information!
New for 2023 - Program Rotation Year
After review of the program, the Association will now use a calendar year moving forward for the program rather than the previous October to September of the following year model. For 2023, the program year will begin October 1, 2022 and go until December 31, 2023 to cover the gap of the rotation change. After that year is finish, the Top 100 Program will run from a January 1st to December 31st timeline.
View 2022 Standings Here
The 2022 edition of the PGA of Alberta Industry Directory is NOW available online in PDF! The Directory is distributed in hard copy at the Buying Show every year.
Please only share the Directory amongst your team as it is an exclusive document only available to PGA members, Buying Show Exhibitors, and industry affiliates that attend the Show. The Directory includes the following information:
- Facility Listings
- Membership List
- Industry Suppliers Index (Buying Show Exhibitors)
- Products & Lines Represented
- Notes Section (for use when printed)
Click Here for Industry Directory
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to present four bursaries annually of $1,000 each (previously $750) to deserving Class "A" Assistant and Apprentice Professionals that meet or exceed the Bursary criteria. Congratulations to this year’s recipients who were announced at the Awards Banquet on October 19th:
- Chris Donihee, Mickelson National GC
- Katy Rutherford, Silver Springs G&CC
- Stefan Anderson, Lakeside GC
- Tyler Leicht, The Derrick G&WC
Thank you to everyone who applied for a bursary this year.
Read More
The PGA of Alberta is proud to recognize Jim Jempson and Douglas Lecuyer as the newest Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for their illustrious careers and contributions made to the Profession and the Association!
Jim and Douglas were officially recognized at the Association’s Awards Banquet last week on October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre. Both gentlemen received their exclusive bronze trophies designed by Canadian Artist Don Toney, at the Awards Banquet and also gave a speech on stage in front of their peers. Learn more about Jim and Douglas’ careers by reading their bios below.
Jim Jempson
Leadership Pillar
Born in 1948 in Calgary, Jim “James” Jempson has had an illustrious, long, impactful and storied career in Golf and began his PGA of Canada journey in September of 1972. Spanning over 50 years now, having achieved Life Professional Designation in 2015, Jim has been a pillar in Alberta’s PGA Association holding various roles throughout his career.
Jim began his professional journey at Willow Park G&CC in 1972 as an Assistant Golf Professional. After 4 successful years at Willow Park G&CC, Jim then headed north to Edmonton to The Royal Mayfair GC for 3 seasons before taking the Head Professional job at Sturgeon Valley G&CC in St. Albert. After cutting his teeth at Sturgeon Valley for 4 seasons from ’78-’81, Willow Park came calling and Jim moved back to Calgary to take on the Head Professional role and was a stalwart at the Club for the next 33 years.
During his time at Willow Park G&CC, Jim was involved or responsible in several projects that had major impacts on the membership and in the greater community through charitable endeavours. One of Jim’s crowning achievements during this time was the conception of the Willow Park Charity Golf Classic that has provided 11.1 million dollars to date to various Calgary Charities. He also was key in instituting Alberta Junior Boys Camps from ’72 – ’90. The impact Jim has had as a Coach or Teacher cannot be overlooked as he has worked with a multitude of Junior Champions, most being Professionals in our Zone in similar roles of nurturing and mentoring the next generation of Junior, Collegiate and Professionals in our ever-expanding Membership.
Jim has held a multitude of roles within the PGA of Alberta Association over the years, serving as Vice President of the Association in 1983, elected as President of the Association in 1984 and serving on the Board of Directors for 7 years. He was involved in the Education Portfolio as Education Director from ’77 – ’81, during that time he served as Chairman of the Education Seminars and helped pioneer and develop National Education Meetings with Tex Noble. Jim also was involved in the development of the Recertification Program for Humber College.
He has been a recipient of some notable awards and competitions during his 50 years of Membership, including: 1976 PGA of Alberta Champion, 1997 PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year & 2003 PGA of Alberta Merchandiser of the Year.
The Association is extremely pleased and proud to recognize Jim as the fourth Member to receive the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Leadership Pillar.
Douglas Lecuyer
Player Pillar
Born in 1958 in Wainwright Alberta, Doug Lecuyer has been a Member of the PGA of Canada since 1982. Doug was a talented Junior Golfer and a gifted hockey player and followed the hockey avenue first despite his prodigious talent at golf, becoming a professional hockey player in the NHL from 1978-1983 playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins & Winnipeg Jets. Doug returned to Golf following his hockey career and had a 30+ year career as a Club and Teaching Professional in Alberta and British Columbia.
Doug has had an extremely storied tournament career as a Junior and Professional, both Provincially and Nationally, with too many results to note all. Some of his most noteworthy results are:
- Alberta Junior Champion ’73, ’74 & ‘76
- Alberta Men’s Amateur Champion in ’75 at only 17 years old
- Won the PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship in 1983 at St. Charles G&CC in Manitoba
- Played in The Canadian Open in 1984
- Winner of the PGA of Alberta Championship in ‘84, ‘85 & ‘86
- 5-time Edmonton Open Champion in ’75, ’80, ’81, ’84 & ’85
- Team Member of Alberta’s Willingdon Cup Team in ’77, ’79 & ’81
- Team Member of Alberta’s Titleist Cup Winning Team in ’96 & Member of the ’98 Team
Doug’s Club Professional career was mostly spent in Northern Alberta with lengthy stints at: Hinton GC where he spent 15 years at the Head Professional & during the large transition from a 9-hole course to full length 18-hole course), 7 years as the Assistant Professional at The Links of Spruce Grove, 9 years as the Teaching Professional at Lewis Estates G&CC & 2 years as the Head Professional of Eagle Point Golf Resort in Kamloops, BC.
In 2019, Doug received Life Member status with the PGA of Canada after being a Class “A” Member for over 30 years. Doug becomes the 4th Member to receive the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Player Pillar, joining fellow Members, Henry Martell, Frank Fowler & the late Bud Loftus.
Click Here to learn more about the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award.
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to have announced the winners of the annual Awards last week on October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre. Individuals were recognized for their achievements throughout the season and their career, as well as for their contributions to the Association and the game of golf.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists this year on a fantastic season! The following categories were recognised at the Awards Banquet last week with recipients listed below.
- Club Professional of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Class "A" Professional of the Year
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- Junior Leader of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Top 100 Award
- Sales Rep of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Jack Skellern Patron of the Year
- Player of the Year
- Order of Merit Division Champions
Club Professional of the Year
Matt Johnson
Royal Mayfair GC
Executive Professional of the Year
Brian Bassen
Strathmore GC
Class "A" Professional of the Year
Kim Valleau
The Winston GC
Apprentice Professional of the Year
Ryan Caines
Inglewood G&CC
Teacher of the Year
Scott Stiles
Earl Grey GC
Junior Leader of the Year
Chad Feener
Leduc GC
Coach of the Year
Adam Werbicki
The Derrick G&WC
Top 100 Award
Samuel Kirkness
Inglewood G&CC
Sales Representative of the Year
Brian Howard
TaylorMade Golf Canada
Retailer of the Year
Evergreen GC
Head Pro – Josh Walker
Jack Skellern Patron of the Year
Gordon Food Service
Premier Partner
Player of the Year
Wes Heffernan
Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre
Order of Merit Champion - Head Pro Division
Kevin Black
Redwood Meadows G&CC
Order of Merit Champion - Ladies’ Division
Katy Rutherford
Silver Springs G&CC
Order of Merit Champion - Assistants’ Division
Dillon Batsel
Desert Blume GC
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre (Hall D) is only 2 DAYS AWAY! If you have not registered already, please contact [email protected] if you would like to attend.
Please find the important updates below for the Buying Show including Exhibitor list, Dress Code, and more!
Buyer Hints
- Arrive at the Buying Show organized and prepared to conduct business with your Sales Representatives.
- Ensure all staff representing your facility have been registered and are aware of the Buying Show Rules, Regulations and DRESS CODE.
- Wireless Internet will be complimentary for all Exhibitors and Attendees. Wifi access code will be given at the Show.
- Badge Pickup - Go to the registration desks in the foyer space outside Hall D to pickup your Show badges. This is the pre-function space outside of Palomino rooms A-C where the Welcome Breakfast and Awards Banquet Cocktail Party are being held.
- PGA of Canada members may schedule appointments in the hour after (5:00pm-6:00pm) on Tuesday, October 18th and before the set hours (8:00am – 9:00am) on Wednesday, October 19th and Thursday, October 20th
Floor Plan Highlights
CLICK HERE to view the Floor Plan and Exhibitor booth numbers for the Buying Show. Please note the following on the Floor Plan:
- Workstations - Note the four workstations located on the top left and bottom left corners of the Floor Plan. These workstations are for all attendees of the Buying Show, and are on a first come, first serve basis. If you see a workstation open, please feel free to use it!
- Lounge Booth - As noted for the workstations, the lounge located on the bottom right corner of the Floor Plan is for all attendees of the Show and is on a first come, first serve basis.
- Business Centre (Booth #203) - Note our Business Centre on the bottom of the Floor Plan which is ran by our Partner Rileys. If you need any printing done at the Show or for your facility, please visit their booth.
- First Time Exhibitors - Please note our first-time Exhibitors at the Show are located in booths 1106 - 1130 and 201. Please make sure you check out these booths at the Show!
- New Product Area - Located in booth 1004 in the bottom left corner of the Floor Plan, the New Product Section will be highlighting the innovative products coming out in 2023. Be sure to check this area out!
- PGA of Alberta Booth - There will be seating and a kiosk setup in the PGA of Alberta booth located on the bottom of the Floor Plan. Feel free to use this area anytime during the Show.
- Invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show - Gordon Food will have a booth within the 19th Hole giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons. Contact [email protected] to invite your F&B team.
19th Hole & Events – Complimentary F&B sponsored by Gordon Food Service
Gordon Food Service will be offering COMPLIMENTARY food and beverage options for all Exhibitors and Attendees located in the 19th Hole for the entire 3-days of the Buying Show! This will help your facility/company save costs as well as gives you a chance to try their food and re-energize yourself while at the Show. You can also stop by their show booth to discuss all of your food service operation needs.
Click Here for their incredible Food Program during the Show highlighting:
- 19th Hole Breakfast & Lunch Menu’s
- Welcome Breakfast Menu (October 18th @ 8:00am) – Click Here to Register
- Hotel Arts Cocktail Reception Menu (October 18th @ 5:00pm) – Click Here to Register
- Awards Banquet Cocktail Reception Menu (October 19th @ 5:00pm) – No registration required
Dress Code
Dress code is business attire (Jeans, cut-offs, track suits, shorts, hats, etc., are NOT permitted at the Show). Dress Code is in effect at all times during Show hours.
Show Schedule & Registration Links
Click Here to view the full Buying Show schedule broken down by each day with registration links for networking events and education.
Corporate Afternoons - Invite Your Corporate Clients
Invite your corporate clients to attend the show on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon (2:00-5:00pm), preview product and place orders, saving you valuable time throughout the busy golf season. Please note, corporate clients must be accompanied by a PGA Professional on the Show floor at all times. Contact [email protected] to invite a Corporate client.
Registered Exhibitors & Products Represented
With 81 vendors registered for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus.
>> Click Here to view Exhibitor list with company website link.
>> Click Here to view Products Represented by category (39 categories listed)
Networking Events You Don’t Want to Miss! - Register Today
Opening Welcome Breakfast (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 8:00am
We will be hosting a complimentary Grand Opening Breakfast sponsored by Gordon Food Service, Impact Canopy Canada, Sundog Eyewear/Tour Tee & Jancor Agencies. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 18th located in the foyer space at the BMO Centre just outside of the Show floor. This is a complimentary event and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend. The event begins at 8:00am, 1-hour before the Show officially opens at 9:00am, and will run to 9:30am.
>> Click Here to Register
Hotel Arts Cocktail Reception (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 5:00pm
This is a complimentary Cocktail Reception sponsored by Tribal, Gordon Food Service, Hotel Arts, Triple Bogey Brewing Co. & G&G Brands will be held after Day 1 of the Show at Hotel Arts in Calgary (119 12 Ave SW, Calgary) which is a 10-minute walk from the BMO Centre! This is a complimentary event featuring beverages and appetizers and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend.
>> Click Here to Register
PGA of Alberta Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception (Day 2) – Wednesday, Oct. 19th @ 5:00pm
All Attendees & Exhibitors of the Buying Show are encouraged to join us for an evening of recognition and celebration after Day 2 of the Show on October 19th for the Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear. The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). This is a complimentary event and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend.
>> No registration required
Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
October 18th, 12:00-1:00PM
Retail Q&A with Bob Paley (Kananaskis Country GC)
Bob will holding an open Q&A on day one to help everyone make the most out of the show. Troy Mills (Jasper Park Lodge GC) will be moderating and starting off the session with some of the most frequently asked questions about the retail side of the business. All attendees are welcomed to bring their own questions which Bob will answer on the spot.
October 19th, 2:00-3:00PM
Junior Programming Panel
Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC) will be moderating a panel of Alberta’s top Junior leaders and Instructors. The panelists will be discussing their different approaches when coaching juniors as well as how they have all built successful junior programs. The panel will consist of;
Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Lyndon King (Collicutt Siding GC)
Adam Werbicki ( The Derrick G&WC)
October 20th, 12:00-1:00PM
Winter Programming and Building a Book of Business with Josh Fleming (365 GOLF)
If you want to succeed as a year-round Instructor and Coach this session is for you. With 7 years of experience at GOLFTEC and now having successfully opened his own instruction and coaching business, 365 GOLF, Josh is excited to share with you his thoughts on winter programming and building a book of business. There are some key components that are needed to succeed as a year-round Coach and Josh will share some of those with you. He will speak for 30-45 minutes and spend the remainder of the time fielding questions from the audience. Todd Halpen (Golfutre YYC) will kick off the Q&A with some thought provoking questions.
Top 100 Points: Attendees will receive 3 points/session
The Association is proud to announce that Jim Jempson and Douglas Lecuyer will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award with the PGA of Alberta for their illustrious careers and contributions made to the Profession and the Association!
Jim and Douglas will officially be recognized and receive their Awards at the Awards Banquet next week on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). Both gentlemen will be present at the Banquet and giving a speech on stage.
The Awards evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). All PGA of Alberta members and attendees of the Buying Show are encouraged to attend the Awards Banquet.
Jim will receive the honour in the Leadership Pillar which recognizes an individual for the below impact they have made to the Association and Industry. Jim will be the fourth member to receive this Award in the Leadership Pillar.
Leadership Pillar
- Mentored multiple Head Professionals
- Made significant contribution to their club
- Made significant contribution to the industry
- Most respected Professional in their area
Douglas will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Player Pillar which recognizes an individual for the below impact they have made to the Association and Industry. Douglas will also be the fourth member to receive the Award in the Player Pillar.
Player Pillar
- Won National Championship
- Won multiple Provincial Championships
- Represented Canada in competition
- Dominant player of their time in their area
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre (Hall D) is less than 1 WEEK AWAY! If you have not registered already, CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP you and your staff for the annual industry event.
Please find the important updates below for the Buying Show including Parking, Exhibitor list, Dress Code, and more!
Buyer Hints
- Arrive at the Buying Show organized and prepared to conduct business with your Sales Representatives.
- Ensure all staff representing your facility have been registered and are aware of the Buying Show Rules, Regulations and DRESS CODE.
- Parking is complimentary for all Attendees (see info below).
- Wireless Internet will be complimentary for all Exhibitors and Attendees. Wifi access code will be given at the Show.
- Badge Pickup - Go to the registration desks in the foyer space outside Hall D to pickup your Show badges. This is the pre-function space outside of Palomino rooms A-C where the Welcome Breakfast and Awards Banquet Cocktail Party are being held.
- PGA of Canada members may schedule appointments in the hour after (5:00pm-6:00pm) on Tuesday, October 18th and before the set hours (8:00am – 9:00am) on Wednesday, October 19th and Thursday, October 20th
Floor Plan Highlights
CLICK HERE to view the floor plan and exhibitor booth numbers for the Buying Show. Please note the Floor Plan is subject to change. Please note the following on the Floor Plan:
- Workstations - Note the four workstations located on the top left and bottom left corners of the floorplan. These workstations are for all attendees of the Buying Show, and are on a first come, first serve basis. If you see a workstation open, please feel free to use it!
- Lounge Booth - As noted for the workstations, the lounge located on the bottom right corner of the Floor Plan is for all attendees of the Show and is on a first come, first serve basis.
- Business Centre (Booth #203) - Note our Business Centre on the bottom of the Floor Plan which is ran by our Partner Rileys. If you need any printing done at the Show or for your facility, please visit them at the Show!
- First Time Exhibitors - Please note our first-time Exhibitors at the Show are located in booths 1106 - 1130, located on the right side of the Floor Plan. Please make sure you check out these booths at the Show!
- New Product Area - Located in booth 1004 in the bottom left corner of the Floor Plan, the New Product Section will be highlighting the innovative products coming out in 2023. Be sure to check this area out!
- PGA of Alberta Booth - There will be seating and a kiosk setup in the PGA of Alberta booth located on the bottom of the Floor Plan. Feel free to use this area anytime during the Show.
- 19th Hole F&B Area (centre of floor plan) - Gordon Food Service will be offering complimentary food and beverage options for all Exhibitors and Attendees located in the 19th Hole for the entire 3-days of the Buying Show! This will help your facility/company save costs as well as gives you a chance to try their food and re-energize yourself while at the Show.
- Invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show - Gordon Food will have a booth within the 19th Hole giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons. Click Here to register your F&B team.
Event Parking - Complimentary for All Attendees
Parking will be complimentary for all Attendees & Exhibitors. NO parking permit/pass is required.
Please quote "PGA Buying Show" at the gate to gain entry into parking lots. Exhibitors and Attendees can park in lot 14 and 20. CLICK HERE for lot map of the Calgary Stampede grounds.
IMPORTANT - If possible, please carpool to the venue with your team to be environmentally friendly and help the Association save on parking costs. If you are staying at Hotel Arts, the venue is only a 10-minute walk away!
Dress Code
Dress code is business attire (Jeans, cut-offs, track suits, shorts, hats, etc., are NOT permitted at the Show). Dress Code is in effect at all times during Show hours.
Show Schedule & Registration Links
Click Here to view the full Buying Show schedule broken down by each day with registration links for networking events and education.
Corporate Afternoons - Invite Your Corporate Clients
Invite your corporate clients to attend the show on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon (2:00-5:00pm), preview product and place orders, saving you valuable time throughout the busy golf season. Please note, corporate clients must be accompanied by a PGA Professional on the Show floor at all times. Click Here to register a corporate client(s).
Registered Exhibitors & Products Represented
With 80 vendors registered for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus.
>> Click Here to view Exhibitor list with company website link.
>> Click Here to view Products Represented by category (39 categories listed)
Networking Events
Opening Welcome Breakfast (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 8:00am
We will be hosting a complimentary Grand Opening Breakfast sponsored by Gordon Food Service, Impact Canopy Canada, Sundog Eyewear/Tour Tee & Jancor Agencies. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 18th located in the foyer space at the BMO Centre just outside of the Show floor. This is a complimentary event and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend. The event begins at 8:00am, 1-hour before the Show officially opens at 9:00am, and will run to 9:30am.
>> Click Here to Register
Hotel Arts Cocktail Reception (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 5:00pm
This is a complimentary Cocktail Reception sponsored by Tribal, Gordon Food Service, Hotel Arts, Triple Bogey Brewing Co. & G&G Brands will be held after Day 1 of the Show at Hotel Arts in Calgary (119 12 Ave SW, Calgary) which is a 10-minute walk from the BMO Centre! This is a complimentary event featuring beverages and appetizers and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend.
>> Click Here to Register
PGA of Alberta Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception (Day 2) – Wednesday, Oct. 19th @ 5:00pm
All Attendees & Exhibitors of the Buying Show are encouraged to join us for an evening of recognition and celebration after Day 2 of the Show on October 19th for the Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear. The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). This is a complimentary event and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend.
>> No registration required
Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
How to Register
Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. In order to register, please note and the follow the steps below;
- Log into the PGA of Alberta website and go to the Events tab > Buying Show > 2022 Attendee Registration.
- Click “Register Now” and follow steps to officially register for the Buying Show.
- IMPORTANT - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" below Attendee Information to register multiple people from your facility.
Click Here to Register Your Facility
The Association is excited to announce the final set of Finalists this year for the following Awards:
Club Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Kyle Boyd (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC)
- Matt Johnson (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC)
- Dean Manz (Red Deer G&CC)
- Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC)
Class "A" Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC)
- David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC)
- Kim Valleau (The Winston GC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Executive Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Greg Andrew (Stewart Creek G&CC)
- Brian Bassen (Strathmore GC)
- Darren Cooke (Canmore G&CC)
- Curtis Robertson (Valley Ridge GC)
- Steven Young (Banff Springs GC)
Junior Leader of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Derek Baker (Derek Baker Golf Academy)
- Chad Feener (Leduc GC)
- Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC)
- Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Teacher of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Josh Fleming (365 GOLF)
- JR Hogan (GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot)
- Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC)
- Cody Yaremovich (Eagle Rock GC)
Awards Banquet
Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D).
This is a complimentary event sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear, and all Exhibitors & Attendees are encouraged to attend. Click Here to register you and your staff for the Buying Show.
The Association is excited to announce the first set of Finalists this year for the following Awards:
Apprentice Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Ryan Caines (Inglewood G&CC)
- Patrick Frose (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Michael Nutt (Kananaskis Country GC)
- Amy Popkes (Silver Springs G&CC)
- Keenan Vanderkooi (Silvertip GR)
Coach of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Derek Baker (Derek Baker Golf Academy)
- Darcy Dhillon (Red Deer G&CC)
- Adam Werbicki (The Derrick G&WC)
Retailer of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by club name. Click on a club below to learn more about them.
- Banff Springs GC (Head Pro – Andrew Szewczuk)
- Evergreen GC (Head Pro – Josh Walker)
- Red Deer G&CC (Head Pro – Dean Manz)
- Silvertip GR (Head Pro – Chris Cooke)
- Windermere G&CC (Head Pro – Jason Hnatiw)
Sales Rep of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by last name.
- Karly Blake (Maui Jim)
- Tanice Bosanko (Play Well Agencies)
- Colin Gilliard (PING Canada)
- Brian Howard (TaylorMade Golf Canada)
- Kristi Larson (KL Agency)
Congratulations to all Finalists listed above! As mentioned previously, the following Award Finalists will be announced tomorrow (October 7th) at 1:00pm MST:
- 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
Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). This is a complimentary event sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear, and all Exhibitors & Attendees are encouraged to attend. Click Here to register you and your staff for the Buying Show.
The Education Committee is excited to announce the return of in-person education, presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada, at the Buying Show. There will be a session each day of the show focusing on all aspects of Retail, Junior Programming, and Winter Coaching & Business.
These sessions are open to all Members and Non-members attending the show, please note the date and time of each when registering. All three will be held in Arabian Room B and there is limited capacity so check the details right away.
Top 100 Points: Attendees will receive 3 points/session
Click Here for more details and how to register
Also, for those looking to further their education after the Buying Show, there are currently 3 spots open for the Arizona Teaching Summit at Grayhawk GC, Scottsdale, AZ from November 28th-30th. Attendees will get to learn from Peter and John Kostis who are two of the top instructors in the world.
Click Here for more details and how to register
The time has finally arrived! After reviewing nearly 90 Nominee applications and 10 hours of meetings by our Awards Committee and Sub-Committees, the PGA of Alberta is excited to soon announce this year’s Award Finalists! Beginning tomorrow, we will announce two sets of Award Finalists on the dates specified below at 1:00pm MST each day.
Awards Banquet & Cocktail Party (5:00pm - 7:30pm)
Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after the second day of the Buying Show). The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:45pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). This is a complimentary event sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear, and all Exhibitors & Attendees are encouraged to attend. Click Here to register you and your staff for the Buying Show.
New This Year > Acceptance Speech – The winner of each Award will have the opportunity to say a few words on stage at the Awards Banquet. This will give everyone the chance to express their thoughts on winning an Award in front of their peers in attendance.
Awards Reveal Schedule
Thursday, October 6th @ 1:00pm
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Sales Rep of the Year
Friday, October 7th @ 1:00pm
- 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
Please remember that we will also announce the tournament Player of the Year and Jack Skellern Patron of the Year Awards during the Awards Banquet.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AWARDS PROCESS
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre (Hall D) is only 2 WEEKS AWAY! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER you and your staff for the annual industry event.
>> Floor Plan
CLICK HERE to view the the floor plan and exhibitor booth numbers for the Buying Show. Please note the Floor Plan is subject to change.
>> Invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show
Gordon Food will have a booth within the 19th Hole giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons. Click Here to register your F&B team.
>> Corporate Afternoons - Invite Your Corporate Clients
Invite your corporate clients to attend the show on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon (2:00-5:00pm), preview product and place orders, saving you valuable time throughout the busy golf season. Please note, corporate clients must be accompanied by a PGA Professional on the Show floor at all times. Click Here to register a corporate client(s).
>> Registered Exhibitors
With 79 vendors registered for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus. Click Here to view Exhibitor list with company website link.
>> Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
>> How to Register
Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. In order to register, please note and the follow the steps below;
- Log into the PGA of Alberta website and go to the Events tab > Buying Show > 2022 Attendee Registration.
- Click “Register Now” and follow steps to officially register for the Buying Show.
- IMPORTANT - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" below Attendee Information to register multiple people from your facility.
Click Here to Register Your Facility
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Triple Bogey Brewing Co. as Presenting Sponsor of the Buying Show Cocktail Reception. Festivities get underway after Day 1 of the Show, Tuesday, October 18th.
The Cocktail Reception will be hosted at Hotel Arts (10-minute walk from the BMO Centre) from 5:00-7:30pm. All attendees and exhibitors of the Buying Show are invited to the event which includes complimentary appetizers and Triple Bogey beverages!! It’s an event you don’t want to miss! Click here to let us know you and your team will be attending.
“Super stoked to be back in beautiful Alberta supporting my great friends at the PGA,” said Geoff Tait, Founder and President of Triple Bogey Brewing. “Looking forward to getting the party started and working in close collaboration with valued members and partners. Together we grow this game.”
About Triple Bogey Brewing Co…
Founded in 2014 by Geoff Tait (the guy who brought you Quagmire Golf) and wife Megan, the Triple Bogey Brewing Company has come a long way since cracking and crushing that very first can. The company has seen year over year growth, surpassing 3 million cans sold in 2021!
2022 was Triple Bogey’s biggest year to date. The brand’s unique brand of beverages are served at over 400 Golf Courses and in excess of 800 locations; including bars, restaurants, indoor golf facilities, driving ranges, LCBO and Grocery outlets. Alongside their family of refreshingly original favourites, the debut of Half & Half Hard Lemonade & Iced Tea crushed all expectations, proving history can repeat itself.
Triple Bogey offers 3 year round full flavoured Lagers (Blonde, Light, Amber) in addition to a Non-Alcoholic option. Hard Lime Seltzer entered the mix in 2020, while Half & Half Hard Lemonade & Iced Tea made its crazy popular debut in 2022. And let’s not forget the seasonal brew Hurry Hard!, for those winter crazed curling enthusiasts.
Headquartered in Toronto and brewed in London Ontario, Triple Bogey is locally concentrated but with demand at an all-time high has established distribution partners across Canada and begun to find the fairways (and more friends) in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Be sure to visit Triple Bogey Brewing Co. at the Buying Show at Booth #607! Click here to register your team for the Show. Learn more at www.triplebogey.com or by contacting their representatives below:
Kristi Larson Sales Rep - Alberta
780-699-3948
[email protected]
Geoff Tait Owner/President
416-844-7702
[email protected]
Follow Triple Bogey on social media….
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TripleBogeyCo
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/triplebogeybrewing
Twitter - https://twitter.com/triplebogey
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/triplebogeyco
With the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada & TaylorMade Golf Canada finishing on September 30th, members are doing all they can to move up in the rankings to finish inside the exclusive top 100 list. Points in the following two categories have recently been awarded to members that qualify; Mentorship Program and PGA of Alberta Committee Involvement.
After a recent point update, we now have a new leader in the program! Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) has taken over top position in the standings at 88 points overall. Sam is aiming for his first Top 100 Award but was the winner of the former Professional Development Program back in 2018. The Professional Development Program was revamped in 2019 to today’s Top 100 Program.
The competition is not over yet though with our former point leader Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) sitting only one point back of Sam at 87. This is setting up for an interesting finish to the program year as both Greg and Sam hail from the same club so bragging rights are on the line. Remaining in third place is Assistants’ Board President Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) at 81 points.
Please remember that points are still being tallied and will continue to be tallied in the first week of October. Award Finalists for 2022 will be counted in this program year, as well as Extracurricular Approval Form submissions before the end of day on Friday, September 30th.
UPDATE FOR 2023 - NEW PROGRAM ROTATION YEAR
After review of the program, the Association will now use a calendar year moving forward for the program year rather than the previous October to September of the following year model. For 2023, the program year will begin October 1, 2022 and go until December 31, 2023 to cover the gap of the rotation change. After that year is finish, the Top 100 Program will run from a January 1 to December 31 timeline.
There are several reasons for this change in the program year rotation. One of the primary goals was to better spread out major Association programs and events allowing for a balanced calendar. The Association will be able to focus more on specific programs and events throughout the year with a more balanced schedule. Another objective was to increase engagement with the membership during the off-season. With the program year now ending December 31st, members will continued to be engaged with the program until the end of the year to ensure they are maximizing their point total.
The winner of the Top 100 program for 2023 will be recognized at the Annual General Meeting in March of 2024. The current top 10 in the standings (as of September 29th) are listed below.
Current leader Sam Kirkness
1st - Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - 88 points
2nd - Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) - 87 points
3rd - Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) - 81 points
4th - Chad Feener (Leduc GC) - 76 points
5th - Murray McCourt (The Ranch G&CC) - 74 points
6th - Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - 73 points
7th - Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) - 71 points
8th - Matt Seifert (Golfutue YYC) - 69 points
9th - Tyler Willner (Lakeside GC) - 68 points
10th - Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC) - 66 points
Cash Prize Increase
The PGA of Alberta will now be offering 20 cash prizes at the end of this program year valuing $8,200! The cash prizes will be sent after the Buying Show to the top 20 point earners for the program. See cash prize breakdown by clicking here.
New Cash Bonuses
In addition to the 20 cash prizes, the Association will also giveaway 8 cash bonuses of $100 each to the top point finisher(s) in the below member categories (number of cash bonuses dependent on total number of members in the categories). This added amount puts the cash prize total at $9,000 for the Top 100 Program (cash prizes + bonuses).
- Apprentice Professionals - Top 2
- Class “A” / Teaching Professionals - Top 3
- Head / Head Teaching Professionals - Top 2
- Executive Professionals - Top 1
Please note that cash prizes and the Top 100 Professional initiative are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click here for standings by membership category.
How to Earn Points
See where you can earn points by clicking the link below and looking under the "Point Allocation" tab. Please remember that the program year officially ends on September 30th at 11:59pm. Click Here for the Extracurricular Approval form.
Top 100 Professionals
Remember that the Top 100 point earners will be recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” for this program year. The annual Top 100 Award is given out to the member who accumulates the most points for the program year.
Click Here to View Standings
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre is less than 1 month away! Click here to register you and your staff for the annual industry event.
Registered Exhibitors
With 77 vendors registered to date for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus. Click Here to view Exhibitor list.
Products Represented
You are also able to view the ’Products Represented’ by the registered vendors on the same page as the Exhibitor list. Click Here to view Products Represented at the Show.
Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
Complimentary Food & Beverage at the Show
Gordon Food Service will be providing complimentary food and beverage options for ALL Exhibitors and Attendees located in the 19th Hole (centre of the floor plan) for the entire 3-days of the Buying Show! This will help your facility save costs as well as gives you a chance to try their food and re-energize yourself while at the Show.
Invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show
Gordon Food will have a booth within the 19th Hole giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons.
How to Register
Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. In order to register, please note and the follow the steps below;
- Log into the PGA of Alberta website and go to the Events tab > Buying Show > 2022 Attendee Registration.
- Click “Register Now” and follow steps to officially register for the Buying Show.
- IMPORTANT - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" below Attendee Information to register multiple people from your facility.
Click Here to Register Your Facility
Congratulations to our 2022 Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship presented by Nike Golf overall Champions - Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) & Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) who won the South region Championship and were victorious over their competitors from the North Bracket - Nick (Windermere G&CC) & Spencer (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) Vandermey.
It was a beautiful day for Golf at Red Deer G&CC and saw a great battle take place on the course between our two teams. The South got out to an early lead behind some strong putting from Scott Stiles and were 2-Up following 9-holes of play. After clawing 1 back on #9 after a Birdie from North Team’s Nick Vandermey, the South team again created some separation after a Riley Fleming Birdie on #10. The Teams traded winning holes or sawing them off for the next 5 holes to leave the South 3-Up with 3 to play. After a Birdie on #16 the South Team closed out the victory with some stellar play throughout. The North Team fought valiantly and had some good looks throughout the day that they were just unable to convert on and that was the difference in the match.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Srixon / Cleveland Golf Canada & Nike Golf
South & Overall Champions: Riley Fleming (Right) (Lynx Ridge GC) & Scott Stiles (Left) (Earl Grey GC)
North Champions & Finalists below:
Nick (Windermere G&CC) & Spencer (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) Vandermey
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present 4 bursaries each year to deserving Apprentice Professionals and/or Class "A" Assistant/Teaching Professionals who meet or exceed the Bursary criteria. The Association is pleased to increase the bursary amount this year to $1,000 each! (previously $750).
All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (working 9-months or less). All Information will be held in strict confidence.
Deadline to apply for a bursary is September 30th at 11:59pm. The bursaries will be awarded at the Awards Banquet in Calgary on Wednesday, October 19th.
*Save Draft Feature*
Please remember you can save your applications online before submitting. This allows you to complete an application form intermittingly rather than all at once. Please follow the steps below.
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft.
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every application form on the website.
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" and click ’My Saved Drafts’.
- Submit when finished!
Click Here for Application Form
Day two at the Lakeside GC Ladies’ Championship saw a much needed return to a sunny sky and much preferred playing conditions for our competitors.
Our 2022 Ladies’ Championship Champion went wire-to-wire over two rounds and is: Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC). Katy played two excellent rounds for the Championship and shot an impressive 2-under par 70 for R1 in extremely difficult conditions. She followed it up with a great +2 over par 72 today to finish the event Even-par and prevail over her nearest competitor by a 9-stroke margin of victory. Katy had 5 Birdies on the card today and finished with a Championship total of: 144.
In solo Second Place was: Gina Nelson (Magrath GC) who was our 2 time defending Champion and had to relinquish the title this year but still played 2 great rounds. Gina carded a great even-par 72 today which included 3 Birdies but was unable to overcome the gap Katy established after R1. Gina finished the Championship at a great +9 over par with a Championship total of: 153.
Rounding out our Top-3 today was: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) who played two solid rounds for the Championship and carded a +6 over par today with 1 Birdie on the card. Shaye took 3rd place with a 3-stroke margin over her nearest competitor. Shaye finished with a Championship total of: 155.
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: (Gina Nelson on #2 & #5, Katy Rutherford on #3, #4 & #12, Crystal Shapka on #8, Marsha Rogers on #10.
Special thanks to our Sponsor: MKRAK
Host facility: Lakeside GC
Click here for Final Results
Day two at the Lakeside GC Seniors’ Championship presented by MKRAK & Schooley Mitchell saw a much needed return to a sunny sky and much better conditions for our competitors.
Our 2022 Seniors’ Champion is: Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who carded two excellent rounds to finish at 5-under par overall for the Championship. Scott carded a great 2-under par 69 in Round 1 and followed it up with an excellent 3-under 68 today to clinch the Championship by 5-strokes. Scott had 4 Birdies on the card today and is in possession of the PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Championship for the 7th time now in his career.
In a two-way tie for Second Place was: Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member) & Randy Robb (Mickelson National Golf Academy) who put together two great rounds of golf to finish the Championship at even-par overall. Kent and Randy both finished with Championship totals of: 142.
In Fourth was: Gord Courage (The Hamptons GC) who played two solid consistent rounds of golf carding +1-over 72’s each day to finish with a Championship total of 144.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 3-way tie for 5th Place was: Grant Cammidge (Jagare Ridge GC), Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) & Kevin Day (Billy D’s GC) who all played two solid rounds for the Championship, finishing at +3-over par overall with Championship totals of: 145.
Congratulations to our Super Senior Division (60+) winner: Dean Walker (PGA of Alberta Member) who carded two great rounds to finish the tournament at +12 and in solo 13th place of the main Championship division.
Congratulations to our 3 skins winners today: Kent Fukushima with a Eagle on #4, Bob McArthur with a Birdie on #9 & Jason Stanier with a Birdie on #13.
Special thanks to our Sponsors: MKRAK & Schooley Mitchell .
Host facility: Lakeside GC
Click here for Final Results
Today saw R1 of the Ladies’ Championship at the beautiful Lakeside GC and saw the course in mint shape for our competitors but the first frigid fall conditions throughout the day which made for a challenging round.
Leading the way in difficult conditions is: Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who carded an outstanding 2-under par 70 today. Katy carded a great 3-under 33 on the front and followed it up with a solid +1-over 37 on the back-9 to hold a 6-stroke lead over her nearest competitor. Katy had 1 Eagle and 3 Birdies on the card.
In Second Place is: Rhonda Carter (Blue Devil GC) who carded a great +4-over par 76 today in tough conditions. Rhonda carded +4-over par 40 on the front and followed up with a even-par 36 on the back-9 to keep some heat on Katy at the top.
Rounding out our Top-3 is: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) who carded a solid +5-over par 77 in tricky conditions. Shaye carded a +4-over 40 on the front and followed it up with 1-over 37 on the back-9. Shaye had 1 Birdie today.
First tee time is at 11:06 AM tomorrow and our final group tee’s it up at 11:33 AM. Congratulations to our skins winners today with 7 Skins paying out: Katy Rutherford with a Skin on: #4, #8, #9 & #17.
Rhonda Carter on # 2 & #6 and Carmen Kinas on # 13! Each Skin pays out: 31 $.
Click here for Round 1 Results
Round 2 Draw
Today saw Day 1 of of The Seniors’ Championship presented by MKRAK & Schooley Mitchell and hosted at the always welcoming Lakeside GC. The course is in great shape, however, conditions were tough for the field with our first fall seasonal weather arriving today.
After Round 1, our Leader is: Randy Robb (Mickelson National Golf Academy) who carded an excellent 3-under par 68 in difficult conditions at best. Randy carded a even-par 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a stellar 3-under par 33 on the back-9. Randy had 6 Birdies on the card today.
In 2nd Place is: Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who carded a great 2-under par 69 in difficult conditions. Scott carded 1-over par 36 on the front-9 and followed it with a great 3-under par 33 on the back-9. Scott had 3 Birdies on the card today.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 4-way tie for 3rd is: Kevin Day (Billy D’s GC), Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi), Gord Courage (The Hamptons GC) & Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC) who all carded +1-over par 72’s today to remain well in contention for the 2022 Seniors’ Championship.
In Seventh Place is: Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member) who carded +2-over par 73.
In Eighth Place is: Grant Cammidge (Jagare Ridge GC) who carded a +3-over par 74.
In Ninth Place is: Gord Newis (The Glencoe G&CC) who carded a +4-over par 75.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 4-way tie, after carding +6-over par 77’s is: Bob MacDonald(Douglasdale GC), Andrew Fox (Ardmore GC), Bruce Hardy (Glendale G&CC) & Scott Bergdahl (Lakewood GR).
Leading our Super Senior Division (60+) is Darrell MacDonald (Mill Woods GC) who carded an excellent 2-over par 73 to hold a 1-stroke over his nearest competitors which will make for an exciting Round tomorrow!
First tee time is at 9:00 AM tomorrow and our last group tee’s it up at 10:57am sharp.
Congratulations to our 1 Skins winner today who won $900 - Scott Bergdahl (Lakewood GR) with a Birdie on #9.
Click here for Round 1 Results
Round 2 Draw
While the individual champion will be crowned later today (September 14th), the InterZone Championship was decided yesterday with the Cobra Puma Golf PGA of Alberta team consisting of Mitchell Fox, Wes Heffernan, Michael Harrison, and Jared Nicolls winning by 11 strokes over the PGA of Quebec! Congratulations on the exceptional play and keeping the trophy in Alberta after winning last year at The Winston GC.
Following up on an eight-birdie 66 on Monday, Kevin Stinson of British Columbia was quick out of the gate during the second round, making five birdies in his opening seven holes to take the lead from Mitchell Fox. However, a flurry from Fox late in the round, as he did during the first round, gave Fox the lead right back.
“It felt good today, no bogeys and no holes where I had a chance to make bogey, it was cleaner today and I seem to like those last six holes,” said Fox, in reference to the final six holes which he has played 8-under par over the course of the past two days, including an eagle on 17 each round.
For the full leaderboard from the second round of the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf, click here.
“I hit driver and had 270 yards to the pin in the back and had 60 feet and made it from there. A little different from yesterday,” laughed Fox, who hit it to a foot on the hole during round one.
The Inter-Zone Championship wrapped up after the second round, with the Alberta squad claiming the event for the second time in as many years – this time by 11 strokes.
The team consisting of: Wes Heffernan, Mitchell Fox, Jared Nicolls and Michael Harrison managed to beat Quebec by 11 strokes.
Along with the leader, Fox, team member Heffernan played a large part in the team’s victory, firing a course-record 63 on Tuesday.
“It was one of those rounds where Kevin (Stinson) got off to such a hot start so right away I was five, six or seven behind him,” said Heffernan. “I had to get going so I made an eagle on No. 5 and played the par fives six under, which helps things, and I made a few putts coming in, and signing for a 63 is pretty cool.”
The final round of the PGA Assistant’s Championship of Canada is today (September 14th). Click the above link to follow the live scoring.
Click here for full story by Brendan Stasiewich of the PGA of Canada.
Round Two of the Pro-Assistant at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf was hugely successful. We had a solid field of 53 teams and 106 Professionals. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with Teams playing: Scramble (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes), Best Ball (6-holes) which makes for an extremely exciting Leaderboard with plenty of movement throughout both Rounds.
Our 2022 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Champions are our 2021 Defending Champions who hail from: Lynx Ridge GC - (Matthew Kirlin + Riley Fleming) who put together two outstanding rounds of golf and carded an excellent 7-under par 64 today to finish the tournament at an awesome 13-under par! Matt and Riley tore the course up today with 8 Birdies on the card to clinch their 2-peat by 1-stroke over their nearest competitors.
In Second place was the Team representing: Cardiff G&CC - (Dallas Cantera + Matt Mah) who played two great rounds of golf and carded an excellent 7-under par 64 today to finish the tournament at 12-under par. Dallas and Matt had 1 Eagle and 5 Birdies on the card today.
In a two-way tie for Third Place was the Teams representing: Speargrass GC - (Jacob Manz + Mitchell Fox) & Windermere G&CC - (Jason Hnatiw + Nick Vandermey) who all played two great rounds of golf. Team Speargrass carded an awesome 6-under par 65 today to finish the tournament at an excellent 11-under par. Team Winderemere G&CC carded a great 5-under par 66 to finish the tournament at an excellent 11-under par as well.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 2-way tie for Fifth Place was the Teams representing: Sirocco GC - (Craig Gibson + Dru Bolen) and Leduc GC - (James Whitton + Kasey Timms). Team Sirocco GC carded 5-under par 66 and Team Leduc GC carded 4-under par 67 today to finish the event at 10-under par.
In a two-way tie for Seventh Place was the Teams representing: GOLFTEC Sherwood Park - (Adam Bruce + Khushmanraj Singh Sandhu) & Canyon Meadows G&CC - (Matt Freeman + Shawn Lavoie) who both finished the tournament at 9-under par.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 4-way tie for was the Teams representing: Ranch G&CC (The) - (Scott Westman + Shaun Piercey), Windermere G&CC - (Brice MacDermott + Cam Martens), Silver Springs G&CC - (Katy Rutherford + Randy Hunter) & Mickelson National Golf Academy (Dave Nikirk + Randy Robb) who all finished the tournament at 8-under par.
Special thanks to Jasper Park Lodge GC and Callaway Golf for helping make another excellent event happen in difficult circumstances this year!
Final Results - Click Here
Today saw the second last event of the season at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf. We have a solid field of 53 teams comprised of 106 Professionals playing today who had to brave the brisk fall weather but were treated to some good summer heat this afternoon. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with Teams playing: Scramble (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes), Best Ball (6-holes).
Leading the Pack after an excellent Round One today is the Team representing: Mickelson National Golf Academy (Dave Nikirk + Randy Robb) who carded an outstanding 7-under par 64 today. Dave and Randy had 8 Birdies on the card today.
In 5-way tie for Second Place is the Teams representing: River Bend G&RA(Logan Hill + Phil McCluskey), Lynx Ridge GC (Matthew Kirlin + Riley Fleming), Leduc GC (James Whitton + Kasey Timms) & Canyon Meadows G&CC (Matt Freeman + Shawn Lavoie) who all carded great 6-under par 65’s today to be right in hunt for the title tomorrow.
In a 6-way tie for Seventh Place after all carding 5-under par 66’s today is the Team representing: Innisfail GC (Jace Ouellette + Mathew MacDonald), Sirocco GC (Craig Gibson + Dru Bolen), Riverside Golf Academy (Matthew Cook + Rob McLeay), Cardiff G&CC (Dallas Cantera + Matt Mah), Speargrass GC (Jacob Manz + Mitchell Fox), Silver Springs G&CC (Katy Rutherford + Randy Hunter) & Windermere G&CC (Jason Hnatiw + Nick Vandermey) who all remain well in contention for the title tomorrow.
The first tee time is now set for: 8:28 AM tomorrow and our final grouping of: Mickelson National Golf Academy (Dave Nikirk + Randy Robb) & River Bend G&RA (Logan Hill + Phil McCluskey) are set to tee it up at: 11:56 AM.
The Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant is just around the corner and is all set for next Tuesday and Wednesday at the stunning Jasper Park Lodge GC. Tee times start at 11 AM sharp for Round 1 and is set for a 8:12 AM start for Round 2. Last year’s defending Champions hail from Lynx Ridge GC - Matt Kirlin & Riley Fleming who will look to retain the title this year. The format for play will remain a 6/6/6 set with Scramble followed by Scotch Ball finished with Best Ball.
The Draw is now available, please click here.
Congratulations to the 4 players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Woodside GC.
All players shot the target score or better (78) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
| Colton Robb | Mickelson National GC | 73 |
| Zachary Newis | Maple Ridge GC |
76 |
| Benjamin Owens | Lynx Ridge GC |
76 |
| Clayton Eisler | Royal Mayfair GC |
77 |
The rescheduled Team Best Ball event is now complete for the Srixon / Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship South presented by Nike Golf. Thirteen Teams competed at Woodside GC today in the excellent summer conditions and we saw some great scores on the leaderboard.
Congratulations to Albert Pistorius + Scott Smith (Country Hills GC) & (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) for shooting the low round of the day with a scorching score of 9-under 61 in the team best ball format. Albert and Scott bested their nearest competitors today by 2-strokes to win the event.
Finishing alone in second place was the team of: Brady Karlson (Canyon Meadows G&CC( + Taylor Irvin (Country Hills GC) firing an excellent 7-under 63 today.
Thank you to our Title Sponsors Srixon and Cleveland Golf, our Presenting Sponsor Nike Golf, and host venue Woodside GC for an excellent event.
The 2023 Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear and Tour Tee, is an invitational event open to Alberta residents 18 years of age and under as of August 1st, 2023. Please read below the updated eligibility guidelines for next year’s event.
In alignment with Golf Canada’s National Championship Eligibility Guidelines, a player’s age as of August 1st, 2023, is used to determine eligibility.
There will be thirty-nine spots for boys and twenty-one spots for girls in total to form the field of sixty players. Invitations for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Junior Masters will be sent in March 2023 to all eligible players.
Players qualify in the U19, U17, and U15 Divisions based on results from the 2022 Alberta Golf Provincial Championships and 2022 Maple Leaf Junior Tour Order of Merit Standings (highest ranked results by age division).
Player Exemptions
Two discretionary exemptions are also available per gender events. Applications for these exemptions must be submitted to the Junior Masters Committee no later than March 31st, 2023. Please submit the online exemption form prior to this date. Click here for form.
If there are no accepted exemptions from the four reserved invitations they will be distributed as follows:
- 1 - U17 Flight - Boys
- 1 - U15 Flight - Boys
- 1 - U19 Flight - Girls
- 1 - U15 Flight - Girls
If a player is unable to accept the invitation, the next highest-ranked player based on the set criteria below will be invited to take this spot.
- U19 Boys Division (12)
- 4 eligible players from the U19 Provincial Championship results
- 2 eligible players from the U17 Provincial Championship results
- 3 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Junior Boys)
- 3 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Juvenile Boys)
- U17 Boys Division (15)
- 4 eligible players from the U17 Provincial Championship results
- 3 eligible players from the U15 Provincial Championship results
- 4 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Juvenile Boys)
- 4 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Bantam Boys)
- U15 Boys Division (10)
- 3 eligible players from the U15 Provincial Championship results
- 2 eligible players from the U13 Provincial Championship results
- 3 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Bantam Boys)
- 2 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, Peewee Boys)
- U19 Girls Division (13)
- 4 eligible players from the U19 Provincial Championship results
- 3 eligible players from the U15 Provincial Champion results
- 6 eligible from the MJT OOM (Alberta, 15-19 Girls)
- U15 Girls Division (6)
- 2 eligible players from the U15 Provincial Championship results
- 1 eligible player from the U13 Provincial Championship results
- 3 eligible players from the MJT OOM (Alberta, U15 Girls)
U15 Divisions Yardage: To ensure the competition is set up using fair standards for all players, competitors in the U15 Divisions will play from reduced yardage, however, they will forfeit the opportunity to compete for the overall title. Players in these divisions who wish to compete for the overall title must indicate their intention to waive this opportunity at the time of registration.
*New for 2023 – The overall winner will automatically receive an invitation to participate in the next year’s Junior Masters as long as they meet the age eligibility.
Read More
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball events sponsored by G&G Brands hosted at the beautiful and always excellent host The Ranch G&CC. Our competitors enjoyed an amazing day for the event with the summer weather continuing and some excellent scores on the Leaderboard!
Our Ladies’ Division was comprised of 3 teams: Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC) + Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC), Shannon Werbicki (Royal Mayfair) + Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) & Crystal Shapka (Calgary G&CC) + Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC).
The Ladies’ had a great battle on the course today and after some great play; two teams - Shannon Raina (Earl Grey GC) + Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC), Shannon Werbicki (Royal Mayfair) + Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) tied for 1st Place after carding excellent 1-under par 70’s. Both teams had 4 Birdies on the card today.
Thank you to our Sponsor: G&G Brands & Host Facility, The Ranch G&CC for putting on yet another incredible event!
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball events sponsored by G&G Brands hosted at the beautiful and always excellent The Ranch G&CC. Our competitors enjoyed an amazing day for the event with the summer weather continuing and some excellent scores on the Leaderboard! We had a massive field of 63 teams encompassing 126 total players in the Mixed Team Division.
Our Winning team today was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) + Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) who carded an outstanding 13-under par 58 and were victorious over their nearest competitors by 2-strokes. Eric and Sam had 2 Eagles & 8 Birdies today to bring home the hardware again. Both players prevailed in this event and same venue in 2017 and the good vibes for them continue at The Ranch G&CC.
In Second Place was: Taylor Irvin (Country Hills GC) + Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) who carded an excellent 11-under par 60 with 7 Birdies & 2 Eagles today. In two-way tie for Second Place was the team of: Kevin Giesbrecht + Colin Yarchuck (Glencoe G&CC) & Scott Smith + Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who both carded excellent 10-under par 61’s.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a three way tie for Fifth Place was the teams of: David MacComb + Jacques Plouffe (Royal Mayfair GC), Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC) + Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR)
& Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member) + Matthew Mah (Cardiff G&CC) who all carded 9-under par 62’s.
In a two way tie for Eighth Place was: Chris Toth + Cody Hancock (Sturgeon Valley G&CC) & Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) + Carmen Kinas (Canyon Meadows G&CC) who carded 8-under par 63’s. Rounding out our Top-10 was the team of: Kasey Timms + James Whitton (Leduc GC) who carded a 7-under par 64.
Thank you to our Sponsor: G&G Brands & Host Facility, The Ranch G&CC for putting on yet another incredible event!
The draw is now posted for the fifth and final Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Woodside GC in Airdrie on Thursday, September 1st. Tee times begin at 2:00pm.
Good luck to the 21 players going for their Professional status with the PGA of Canada! Follow the scoring next week on the link below.
Click here to view the draw/scoring link for next week.
If this week’s PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada is anything like what unfolded in Quebec in 2021, golf fans in Medicine Hat, Alberta that head to Connaught GC this Wednesday to Friday are in for a treat.
Schedule of Events, Pairings and Full Purse Breakdown
This year, 43 of the top Senior Professionals in Canada are set to compete at the par-72 Connaught GC, where conditions are spectacular. Good luck to the 17 Professionals from Alberta competing at the Championship.
“It is incredible to see how excited the Medicine Hat community is to have this event in the city,” said PGA of Canada Managing Director of Championships Akash Patel. “The golf-course staff has been fantastic to work with and the layout itself will be a great test of golf for some of the most well-respected professionals in the industry.
“It is fantastic that we now have GOLFTEC as the presenting sponsor of the event. The work they do to provide employment opportunities for PGA of Canada professionals is terrific for the industry as the sport continues to grow at an unprecedented rate in Canada.”
In addition to sponsoring the Seniors’ PGA Championship of Canada, GOLFTEC also launched a ‘Pass the PAT’ program in partnership with the PGA of Canada that has helped multiple aspiring professionals pass the Playing Ability Test. For more information, click here.
Championship Quick Facts
- Datea: August 24-26
- Field Size: 43 players (16 players in Super Seniors Division)
- Course Details: Par 72 / 6,698 yards
- Purse: $26,500 ($7,000 first place)
- Super Seniors Purse: $3,500 ($1,000 first place)
- Format: 54-hole individual stroke play
- 2021 Seniors’ PGA Champion: Dennis Hendershott
Nominations for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Awards Program have been extended until Wednesday, August 24th (end of day). Members and Industry Partners have until the end of today to nominate an individual or facility they feel is deserving of an Award this year. In total, nine Awards are up for nomination:
- Apprentice Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Class "A" Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Club Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Coach of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Executive Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Junior Leader of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Retailer of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Sales Rep of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Teacher of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
Please note the following for the 2022 Awards Program:
Coach of the Year Award Eligibility - Nominees must be certified within Golf’s National Coach Certification Program Competition stream (Coach of New Competitors, Coach of Developing Competitors) to be eligible to be a Finalist and win the Award.
Nomination(s) – We encourage all PGA of Alberta Professionals and Industry Partners to nominate a deserving individual in each of the Award categories.
Awards Criteria - Click Here to view the criteria for each Award.
Video Bio Submissions - All members who are nominated for an Award are highly encouraged to submit a short video bio in addition to their application form.
Awards Banquet (Save the Date) - Award winners will be revealed at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after day two of the Buying Show).
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
The Education Committee is excited to announce the return of the Arizona Teaching Summit. This year’s event will be held and Grayhawk GC with facilitators Peter and John Kostis. See below for all details;
Location: Grayhawk GC, Scottsdale, AZ
Dates: November 28th & 29th, 2022
Facilitators: Peter & John Kostis
Participants: 16 max
Cost: $1200 CAD
The cost for this event will cover the two full days of instruction from Peter and John Kostis along with a round of golf at a premier facility. Once registration has been completed, details for other possible enjoyment opportunities will released such as an NFL game, a BBQ and golf at other courses.
The last Golf Supply House event of the year was greeted with a foggy morning at Mickelson National GC. The course was in fantastic condition and the sun broke through to provide a beautiful day of golf.
Leading the field in the Stableford format was: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with a final score of 27 points. Wes had 2 birdies and an eagle on the front then followed it up with 5 birdies on the back.
Finishing in second place, 4 points back, was: Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who finished up with 23 points. Dillon started the day with eagle on the front 9 and carded 2 birdies on the back.
In a tie for 3rd and rounding out our top 5 was: John McKiernan (Academy at Golf Town - Calgary), Jared Nicolls (Rad Golf), and Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) with 22 points each.
Thank you to your sponsor Golf Supply House for putting on 7 amazing events for all the pros this season. Also, thanks to Mickelson National GC for providing a pristine venue.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to award five Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates this year. Three of the Scholarships are awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members and two are awarded to competitive junior golfers in Alberta who meet specific criteria. We are pleased to award the following individuals the 2022 scholarships:
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Thank you to everyone that applied this year. We wish everyone the best of luck in their post-secondary education.
The seventh and final Golf Supply House Series event of the season is all set for Mickelson National GC on: Monday, August 22nd. Crossover starts at 8:00 AM and we have 74 of our Professionals ready to compete at our last G.S.H event of the season. Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry), Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) & Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) & Mitch Fox for his second W at Leduc GC 2-Day and Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) were our first, second, third, fourth, fifth & sixth respective Professionals in the Winners’ Circle this season, whom from the field will add their name to the list?
We are two weeks away from the fifth and final Play Ability Test of the 2022 season, hosted at Woodside GC in Airdrie on Thursday, September 1st. Congratulations to the 35 individuals that have already passed the PAT this season in Alberta.
Please pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility. For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT…
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2022. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or higher
- Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
- Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
- Complete a police check with Sterling BackCheck Online
- Pass a sanctioned Playing Ability Test
PAT Target Score...
- 1 round PAT (18 holes)
- No maximum number of attempts per year
- All PAT’s are open to all Applicants
- For Men, 49 years of age & under - the course rating plus 9
- For Men, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 11
- For Women, 49 years of age & under- the course rating plus 13
- For Women, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 15
PAT Process...
Step 1 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com - The cost is $325 plus tax, which includes your first PAT attempt and is valid for one year from the date of the registration. After a year, you must re-register as an Applicant to register for and attempt a PAT.
Step 2 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com for all PAT’s - ($150 plus tax per each additional attempt)
If an Applicant is unsuccessful in each of their PAT attempts over the course of a season, those Applicants may try again the following season. Successful Applicants will pay membership dues for the season at that time.
Click ’Read More’ below for more information on the application process and the steps that need to be taken after becoming a member.
Today saw Round 2 of the Club Car LLC PGA of Alberta Championship hosted at the beautiful Lynx Ridge GC. Our players were treated to another perfect day on the course and the aggressive play & low scores continued today which made for an extremely exciting day. 18 of our competitors finished at even-par or better on a mint but challenging Lynx Ridge GC which made for an extremely exciting day on the Leaderboard for players and fans alike.
After an unbelievable two days, our 2022 Club Car LLC PGA of Alberta Championship Champion is: Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) who carried on his outstanding play from Round 1 into Round 2. Riley kept the pedal to the floor throughout the Championship as he created significant distance between himself and his nearest competitors today to end up winning by a ridiculous 6-stroke margin. Riley came out firing and quickly amassed 4 Birdies and 1 Eagle in the first 6 holes. After giving 1 stroke back on the Eighth Hole, he quickly righted the ship by finishing the front-9 with a Birdie to make the turn at 6-under par carding an excellent 30. With a healthy lead after the turn, Riley played a smart and immaculate back-9, going 2-under par with no blemishes to show and a commanding 6-stroke margin of victory when all was said and done. Riley has brought the Championship back home after claiming it in 2020 & 2018 respectively. Riley finished the Championship with a two-day total of 128.
In Second Place was: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who played two excellent rounds over the Championship. Wes finished the Championship at 8-under par holding off his nearest competitor by 1-stroke. Wes carded an excellent 7-under par 64 today and fired a 5-under par 31 on the front-9 which he then followed up with a 2-under par 33 on the back. Wes finished the Championship with a two-day total score of 134.
In Third Place was: Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who put together two great rounds over the Championship. Dillon carded 3-under par 68 today, firing 2-under par 34 on the front and 1-under par 34 on the back-9. Dillon had 6 Birdies on the card today. He finished the Championship with a two-day total of -7 and overall total score of 135.
In Fourth Place was: Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) who played two consistent great rounds for the Championship. Albert carded 3-under par today, firing 2-under par 34 on the front and 1-under par on the back-9. Albert had 6 Birdies on the card today and finished the Championship at a two-day total of -6 & overall total score of 136.
Rounding out our Championship Top-5 in Fifth Place was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) who played round 1 at Even-Par and then went low today for round 2 firing an excellent 5-under par 66. Eric carded 3-under par 33 on the front and 2-under par 33 on the back-9. He dropped 4 Birdies and 1 Eagle today and finished the Championship with a two-day total of -5 & overall total score of 137.
In a two-way tie for Sixth Place was: Brady Karlson (Canyon Meadows G&CC ) and Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) who both finished the Championship with two-day totals of -4 & overall total scores of 138.
Rounding out our Championship Top-10 today was, in a three-way tie for Eighth Place: Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC), Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) who all finished the Championship with two-day totals of -3 & overall total scores of 139.
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners who each won $1,800 per Skin. Sam Hart (Bearspaw GC) with an Eagle on #11 & Dave Henzie (Nanton GC) with an Eagle on #18.
Big Thank-you to our Sponsor: Club Car LLC whose support makes events like this possible! Last but not least, massive Thank-you to our Host Venue: Lynx Ridge GC for helping us put on an amazing Championship with an incredible amount of support from their Staff across the entire operation and from their Members who volunteered and helped make the event extremely successful.
90 of our Professionals’ tee’d it up at the Club Car LLC PGA of Alberta Championship hosted at the picturesque Lynx Ridge GC in Calgary. The course is in fantastic shape and our players were treated to a sweltering day of summer heat. The Leaderboard saw plenty of movement throughout the day which made for an exciting day on the course for our competitors & spectators alike.
Three Players rose above the field today and are in a 3-way Tie for First Place after Round 1 after carding excellent 6-under par 65’s today. Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC), Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) will comprise our Final group tomorrow tee’ing off at: 12:40 PM.
Riley carded a 3-under par 33 on the front-9 with 3 Birdies and no blemishes. He then followed it up with another 3-under par 32 on the back-9 with 4 Birdies and only 1 blemish on the card. Scott put together a blemish free round today, firing 3-under 33 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 3-under 32 on the back-9 with 6 Birdies on the card. Nick fired a 4-under par 32 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies and followed it up by carding 2-under 33 on the back-9 with 4 Birdies.
In solo Fourth Place after carding a 5-under par 66 today is: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC). Scott carded 2-under par 34 on the front-9 with 3 Birdies and followed it up with 3-under par 32 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies.
Rounding out our Top-5 today is: Dillon Batsel, last year’s Defending Champion who carded 4-under par 67 today after firing 2-under par 34 on the front-9 with 3 Birdies and followed it up with 2-under par on the back-9 with 2 more Birdies.
In a 3-way Tie for Sixth Place is: Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf Centre), Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) & Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) who all carded 3-under par 68’s today to remain in the hunt.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 4-way Tie for Ninth Place is: Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi), Rock Ruschkowski (Sirocco GC), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) & Josh Berze (Country Hills GC) who all carded 2-under par 69’s today with low rounds needed tomorrow to put some pressure on the players above them on the Leaderboard.
There were no Day 1 Skins Winners so the Pot will be added to the R2 Skins Pot.
Click here for Round 1 results.
Follow along on the live scoring Leaderboard once Round 2 begins (click here) to see all the changes in real time.
Our third Championship of the season: The Club Car PGA of Alberta Championship is all set for next Tuesday, August 16th and Wednesday, August 17th at Lynx Ridge GC. We have 90 Professionals in the field for what should be an excellent test and challenge of their skills over the two-day stroke play competition. Last year’s defending Champion - Dillon Batsel of Desert Blume GC will look to hang on to the hardware after last year’s winning -14 score and 3-stroke margin of victory.
The first Tee Time is set for 8:00 AM on Tuesday with our last group Tee’ing it up at 12:50 PM.
Round 2 is set to commence at 8:00 AM the next day with.
Click here for the R1 DRAW.
Congratulations to the 13 players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Mill Woods GC.
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:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
| Simon Buttefield | Blackhawk GC | 72 |
| Derek Rattan | The City of Calgary Golf |
73 |
| Braeden Buckley | The Links at Spruce Grove |
75 |
| Gabriel Hill | Stony Plain GC |
75 |
| Nicholas Vanderheyden | Golf Traders | 77 |
| Dean Sackney | Lakeside Golf Club | 77 |
| Ryan Dick | Glendale G&CC | 77 |
| Landon Lischka | Northern Bear GC | 78 |
| Jeremy Beirnes | GOLFTEC Sherwood Park | 79 |
| Kevin Robinson | Windermere G&CC | 79 |
| Jordan Morrison | Banff Springs GC | 79 |
| Rees DeRuyter | Innisfail GC | 79 |
| Victoria Szoo | Lakepoint G&CC | 84 |
Today saw the second last G.S.H. event of the season at the always consummate tournament host - Mill Woods GC & Retiring Executive Professional - Darrell McDonald. We had excellent conditions throughout the day for our competitors, both weather-wise and on the course.
We had a jammed packed field of Seventy players for the event and some exceptional scores on the Leaderboard which made for a very exciting day for all. Two players rose above the rest of the field today after carding outstanding 64’s and battled it out over the 3 ensuing Playoff Holes for the 6th G.S.H. title of the season.
Winning his first event of the season was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) who had a superb round today firing 8-under par 64 which included 10 birdies on the card with only 2 bogey blemishes to show. Eric carded an outstanding 31 on the front-9 and a stellar 33 on the back-9 today. Eric ended up prevailing on the third Playoff Hole today making a Birdie on Mill Woods’ eleventh hole to vanquish his opponent.
Also firing a superb 8-under par today and finishing in solo second place was: Kasey Timms (Leduc GC). Kasey carded an excellent round today which included 9 Birdies and only 1 blemish to show. Kasey carded stellar 32’s on both 9’s today and will look to carry on his great play in next week’s Championship.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a 4-way tie for 3rd after carding 3-under par 69’s was: Sean Mills (Big Buck Golf Centre), Jared Nicolls (Rad Golf), Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC).
In a two-way tie for 7th after carding 2-under par 70’s was: Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) & Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member).
Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a 7-way tie for 9th was: Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy), Jamie Kureluk (GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot), Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park), Jason Plosz (FootJoy - Acushnet Canada), Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) & Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA).
Congratulations to our Skins Winner from today - Patrick Frose (Royal Mayfair GC) with an Eagle on #3 for a cool payout of $1,400.00.
Special Thank You to our Sponsor: Golf Supply House who’s continued support makes these events possible.
We would also like to extend a Special Thank You to our Host Venue - Mill Woods GC & Executive Professional - Darrell McDonald for hosting yet another excellent event.
Today saw the last Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful & pristine Ponoka Community GC, sponsored by Golf Trends INC & The Cart Locker and was hugely successful. We had a massive field of 59 teams for a total of 118 competitors! The course was in outstanding shape and all the teams had an incredible experience at a top-notch facility.
This year saw the event continue with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition. The point allocation in this format is: 6 points for a Hole-in-One, 5 points for a Double-Eagle, 4 points for Eagle, 3 points for Birdie, 2 points for Par & 1 point for Bogey.
Our Champions were the team of: Taylor Jetten + Dean Jetten (Lethbridge CC) who played an excellent round to finish with 43 team points and win through retrogression. Taylor had 5 Birdies on the card and Dean had 6 Birdies for 25 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 18 on the back-9 on their way to victory.
In Second Place through retrogression was the team of: Tristan Grieve (Mckenzie Meadows GC) + Cal Traub who also accumulated an excellent 43 team points today. Tristan had 3 Birdies on the card today and Cal had 6 Birdies for 22 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 21 on the back-9.
Finishing in Third today, at 42 points was the team of: Gary Hartford (Highlands GC) + Brian Paush. Gary had 2 Birdies on the card and Brian pitched in with 6 timely Birdies of his own for 21 Team Stableford Points on the front & back 9’s today.
In Fourth, through retrogression and also with 42 points was the team of: Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) + Brian Samletzki. Keith had 2 Birdies on the card and Brian chipped in with 2 Birdies of his own and a net Eagle for 21 Team Stableford Points respectively on the front-9 and on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, with 41 points was the team of: Chad Feener (Leduc GC) + Darryl Bickerton. Chad had 2 Birdies and 1 Eagle today and Darryl had a net Eagle and 2 net Birdies for 24 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 17 on the back-9.
Special thanks to our host course of: Ponoka Community GC for putting on such a great event and to our Sponsors: Golf Trends INC & The Cart Locker Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
The sixth Golf Supply House Series event of the season and second last GSH event is all set for Mill Woods GC on: Wednesday, August 10th. Shotgun starts at 8:30 AM and we have 70 of our Professionals who will compete at our sixth G.S.H event of the season. Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry), Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) & Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) & Mitch Fox at last week’s Leduc GC 2-Day event for a 2nd Victory were our first, second, third, fourth & fifth respective Professionals in the Winners’ Circle this season, whom from the field will add their name to the list?
The Education Committee is excited to announce that the South Teaching Summit will be making a return this year.
Location: Grayhawk Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona
Facilitators: Peter and John Kostis
Date: November 28th & 29th, 2022
Capacity: 16 Participants
Registration Date: Monday August 22nd, 10:00am
This event is scheduled the week before the CPGA Club Pro Championship. There will be more details to follow including; scheduled golf at a premier facility on November 30th and other possible entertainment options for attending participants.
The Draw is now available for the: Pro-Senior Presented by GOLF TRENDS INC & The Cart Locker next Monday, August 8th at Ponoka Community Golf in Ponoka Alberta. We have 60 Teams in the field who are ready to battle for the Title.
Located in the scenic Battle River valley, the course offers a mix of parkland and rolling links-style holes which, after your first visit, will leave you wanting more. You’ll find our staggered tee system favorable for your handicap. Ponoka is a decent challenge for all golfers — novice to advanced — which is why it’s host to many provincial amateur and professional events.
The draw is now posted for the fourth Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Mill Woods GC in Edmonton on Wednesday, August 10th. Tee times begin at 2:00pm.
Good luck to all players going for their Professional status with the PGA of Canada! Follow the scoring next week on the link below.
Click here to view the draw/scoring link for next week.
Cooler weather at Leduc GC didn’t deter some low scores in round 2 of the fifth Golf Supply House Series Event.
The final group on the course battled all day that lead to Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) finishing on top with a final score of 10-under. In round 2, Mitchell carded a 64 with 8 birdies.
Finishing in a close second place at 8-under was Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) with a final round 70 to follow an opening 64.
In Third, Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) shot a final round 64 with 6 birdies and an eagle to finish 7-under for the tournament.
Fourth place goes to Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) with 7 birdies and an eagle to also shoot 64 and finish at 5-under.
Rounding out our top 5 is Michael Harrison (Goal Creek GR) who was a steady 70, 69 to over the 2 day event.
Thanks once again to our sponsor Golf Supply House and to Leduc GC for hosting.
Congratulations to our skins winners of round 2, Tyler LeBouthillier with a hole out eagle on 3, Nick Vandermey with a birdie on 8, and Spencer Vandermey with a birdie on 17.
It was a great day for round 1 of the Golf Supply House event at Leduc GC. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC), Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Michael Harrison (Cougar Creek GR) headline the top of the leaderboard after shooting 64, 68, and 70 respectively.
Round out the top 7, shooting an even par 71, is Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park), Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Matt Bean (Sundre GC).
Round 2 will start bright and early tomorrow morning at 7am.
Also, congratulations to the skins winners from today, Michael Harrison (Cougar Creek GR) with a Birdie on hole 4 and Dillon Batsel (Speargrass GC) with an Eagle on hole 18.
A special thanks to Golf Supply House for sponsoring another great event and Leduc GC for their generosity in hosting.
After a heated battle today and a two-man playoff featuring PGA of Alberta Member - Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) (70) & Dennis Hendershott (70), Dennis Hendershott won the playoff on the Fifth Hole of the Mountain 9 at the beautiful Elbow Springs GC in Calgary. It was a tight day on the Leaderboard which made for an exciting Event Qualifier.
Four players rose above the rest to qualify for the Shaw Charity Classic event held at the Canyon Meadows G&CC on Aug. 3rd– 7th.
Congratulations to Mario Tiziani(67), Todd Fischer (69), Scott Petersen (69) & Dennis Hendershott (70) who have all qualified for the Shaw Charity Classic.
Congratulations to the five competitors who shot 70 or better today at Valley Ridge GC for the Pre-Qualifer to claim the 5 spots advancing to the Event Qualifier, next Tuesday, August 2nd at Elbow Springs GC. It was a scorching day on the course and we saw some excellent scores on the Leaderboard. We also had an exciting 4-man playoff for the last 2 advancing spots who all carded 2-under par 70’s today and battled on Valley Ridge #1 in the playoff.
Dennis Hendershott rose above the rest of the field today and carded a blistering 8-under par 64 today to claim the 1st spot advancing.
Darryl James & Jim Karr both carded stellar 4-under par 68’s today to claim the 2nd and 3rd respective advancing spots.
Monte Scheinblum & Kent Fukushima both carded 2-under par 70’s and prevailed over their competitors in the playoff to claim the remaining two advancing spots to the Event-Qualifier.
All five players have now qualified for the main Event Qualifier at Elbow Springs GC on Tuesday, August 2nd. The Shaw Charity Classic will be taking place at Canyon Meadows G&CC from August 4th - 7th.
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre is less than 3 months away! Click Here to register you and your staff for the annual industry event. Read more information about the Buying Show below.
Registered Exhibitors
With over 50 vendors registered to date for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus. Click Here to view Exhibitor list.
Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
Complimentary Food & Beverage at the Show
Gordon Food Service will again be offering complimentary food and beverage options for ALL Exhibitors and Attendees located in the 19th Hole (centre of the floor plan) for the entire 3-days of the Buying Show! This will help your facility save costs as well as gives you a chance to try their food and re-energize yourself while at the Show.
Remember to invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show! Gordon Food will have a booth within the 19th Hole giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons.
Access to Private Networking Events
Opening Welcome Breakfast (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 8:00am
We will be hosting a complimentary Grand Opening Breakfast sponsored by Gordon Food Service, Impact Canopy Canada, Sundog Eyewear/Tour Tee & Jancor Agencies. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 18th located in the foyer space at the BMO Centre just outside of the Show floor. This is a complimentary event, and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend. The event begins at 8:00am, 1-hour before the Show officially opens at 9:00am and will run to 9:30am.
Hotel Arts Cocktail Reception (Day 1) - Tuesday, Oct. 18th @ 5:00pm
This is a complimentary Cocktail Reception sponsored by Tribal, Gordon Food Service & Hotel Arts, will be held after Day 1 of the Show at Hotel Arts in Calgary (119 12 Ave SW, Calgary) which is a 10-minute walk from the BMO Centre! This is a complimentary event featuring beverages and appetizers and all Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to attend.
PGA of Alberta Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception (Day 2) – Wednesday, Oct. 19th @ 5:00pm
All Attendees & Exhibitors of the Buying Show are encouraged to join us for an evening of recognition and celebration after Day 2 of the Show on October 19th for the Awards Banquet & Cocktail Reception sponsored by Gordon Food Service, BPG & Levelwear. The evening will kickoff with cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm and will be followed by the Awards Banquet at 5:40pm, held in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre (located right beside Hall D). This is a complimentary event, and all Exhibitors & Attendees are encouraged to attend.
Preferred Hotel - Hotel Arts Calgary (10-minute walk from the BMO Centre!)
Deadline to Book - Monday, September 19th
Booking Link - Click Here for more info and booking link
How to Register
Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. In order to register, please note and the follow the steps below;
- Log into the PGA of Alberta website and go to the Events tab > Buying Show > 2022 Attendee Registration.
- Click “Register Now” and follow steps to officially register for the Buying Show.
- IMPORTANT - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" below Attendee Information to register multiple people from your facility.
Click Here to Register Your Facility
The fifth Golf Supply House Series event of the season and second 2-Day Series is all set for Leduc GC on: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 2nd & 3rd. Tee Times start at 2:30 PM and we have 40 of our Professionals who will compete at our fifth G.S.H event of the season. Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry), Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) & Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) were our first, second, third & fourth respective Professionals in the Winners’ Circle this season, whom from next week’s field will add their name to the list?
The Leduc Golf Club is a semi-private facility that welcomes the public to enjoy both the golf course and our excellent dining room and Thunderdome. Leduc Golf Club began as a nine hole course in 1961. Over the years it has undergone a number of changes and has evolved into a challenging eighteen hole test of your golfing prowess. The course is a Par 71 and boasts more than 6,600 yards of fairways. In addition, the layout provides an easy walking course with plenty of eye-pleasing scenery.
The mission of the PGA of Alberta is to provide junior golfers from around the province the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, while promoting and providing access to continued education. This program has presented over 60 scholarships since 1998.
Scholarships Available
The PGA of Alberta is proud to increase the total number of scholarships available this year. In total, the Association will award 5 Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates in 2022! See scholarship breakdown below.
- 3 scholarships will be awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members who meet the scholarship criteria (no golf experience needed). Applicants are able to win this scholarship twice.
- 2 scholarships will be awarded to Alberta Junior boys and girls who meet the scholarship criteria (golf experience required). Applicants can win this scholarship once.
Deadline to Apply
Deadline to apply for a scholarship this year is Sunday, July 31st (end of day). Online application forms and accompanying information must be sent to the PGA of Alberta office no later than this date.
Click Here to Apply
Players were treated to a beautiful day for R2 at the PING Canada Club Pro Championship hosted at the tranquil River Bend G&RA in Red Deer. The course continued to be in mint shape for all our competitors and the weather was excellent throughout the day for the entire field.
It was an incredibly exciting day as the Leaderboard tightened up throughout the day for the back end of the draw with the top of Leaderboard changing hands repeatedly.
Our 2022 Club Professional Champion, playing in his first Club Professional Championship is: Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC). Stefan battled all day and came from behind to eventually prevail with an extremely clutch Eagle on the 36th hole of the Championship to pull ahead of the rest of the pack. Stefan shot 2-under par 34’s on each 9 today to card a 4-under par 68 to take the Championship by 1-stroke and finished with a Championship two-day total of: 139. Stefan had 3 Birdies and 2 Eagles on the card today with the first on #8 and the 2nd clutch Eagle coming on the last hole of the Championship.
In a two-way tie for Second place was: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) and Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who both put together two great rounds for the Championship to finish with a Championship two-day total of: 140. Scott carded 67 today with a scorching 31 on the front-9 and carded a 36 on the back-9. Darryl carded 73 today shooting 38 on the front-9 and carding 35 on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5 for the Championship, in a three-way tie for Fifth place, all with two-day Championship totals of: 141 was: Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park), Jamie Kureluk (GOLFTEC Calgary Blackfoot) & Josh Fleming (365 GOLF).
In sole possession of Seventh place was: Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) who finished with a two-day Championship total of: 142. Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a three-way tie for Eighth place, was: Kasey Timms (Leduc GC), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) & Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) who all finished with two-day Championship totals of: 143.
Click here for Final Championship results
Special Thank you to our longtime Sponsor: Ping Canada for their continued support, without it, events like this would not be possible!
Thank you to our host venue: River Bend G&RA for another terrific Championship they put on!
It was a beautiful day for Round 1 of the annual PING Club Pro Championship hosted this year at the serene River Bend G&RA in Red Deer. Conditions on the course were excellent for all our competitors today and we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard which has set us up with an exciting R2 tomorrow. Last year’s defending Champion - Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC) will look to keep the trophy for a second year running while our other 54 competitors will look to take it off his hands.
In First place, after battling in the Playoff at last year’s Championship, coming out firing for R1 was: Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who carded an excellent 5-under par 67 today with a 34 on the front-9 and 33 on the back-9. Darryl had 7 Birdies on the card today along with only 2 blemishes to show and is holding a 2-stroke lead over his nearest competitors.
In a 3-way tie for 2nd is: Josh Fleming (Golf 365) & Kasey Timms (Leduc GC) and Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) who all shot great 3-under par 69’s today. Kasey carded a 1-under 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with 2-under par 34 on the back-9 with 5 Birdies on the card. Josh also carded a 1-under par 35 on the front-9 and followed it with a 2-under 34 on the back-9 with 6 Birdies on the card today. Sam carded 2-under par 34 on the front-9 and 1-under par 35 on the back-9 with 5 Birdies on the card.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a 2-way tie for 4th is: Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) who carded a respectable 2-under par 70 with 1 Eagle and 3 Birdies today. Jamie Kureluk also carded 2-under par 70 today with 3 Birdies on the card.
Round 2 will resume tomorrow morning (July 26th) at 9:00 AM.
Final group of: James, Fleming and Timms tee it up at 11:33 AM sharp tomorrow!
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins Winners: Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) with a Birdie on #3 and Mathew MacDonald (Innisfail GC) with an Eagle on #18. Each player won $550 per Skin.
Special thank you to our long-time Sponsor: PING Canada for their continued support of this event and the Association.
There is a new leader of the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada & TaylorMade Golf Canada! Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) sits atop the mountain at 73 points overall with only a few months left in the program year. Falling 7-points back and hailing from the same facility as Greg is Sam Kirkness at 66. In third place and the only other member with 60+ points is Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) at 62. The current top 10 in the standings are:
Current leader Greg Johnson
1st - Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) - 73 points
2nd - Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - 66 points
3rd - Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) - 62 points
T-4th - Gary Hartford (Highlands GC) - 56 points
T-4th - Stefan Anderson (Lakeside GC) - 56 points
6th - Matt Seifert (Golfuture YYC) - 55 points
7th - Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) - 53 points
T-8th - Patrick Frose (Royal Mayfair GC) - 52 points
T-8th - Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - 52 points
T-10th - Tyrel Babkirk (Apple Creek GC) - 51 points
T-10th - Tyler Willner (Lakeside GC) - 51 points
Cash Prize Increase
With the addition of TaylorMade Golf Canada as a new presenting sponsor, the PGA of Alberta will now be offering 20 cash prizes at the end of this program year valuing $8,200! The cash prizes will be awarded on October 19th at the Buying Show Awards Banquet to the top 20 point earners for the program.
See cash prize breakdown by clicking here.
New Cash Bonuses
In addition to the 20 cash prizes, the Association will also giveaway 8 cash bonuses of $100 each to the top point finisher(s) in the below member categories (number of cash bonuses dependent on total number of members in the categories). This added amount puts the cash prize total at $9,000 for the Top 100 Program (cash prizes + bonuses).
- Apprentice Professionals - Top 2
- Class “A” / Teaching Professionals - Top 3
- Head / Head Teaching Professionals - Top 2
- Executive Professionals - Top 1
Please note that cash prizes and the Top 100 Professional initiative are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click here for standings by membership category.
How to Earn Points
Members can earn points by playing in PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournaments (2 points/round). In addition to participating, members can also earn points based on their performance at PGA of Alberta stroke-play events (2 points/round 75 & under). See where else you can earn points by clicking the link below and looking under the "Point Allocation" tab.
Top 100 Professionals
Remember that the Top 100 point earners will be recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” for this program year. The annual Top 100 Award is given out to the member who accumulates the most points for the program year.
Click Here to View Standings
We are just over two weeks away from the fourth Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Mill Woods GC in Edmonton on Wednesday, August 10th. Take note of the PAT schedule by clicking ’View Schedule’ below. There are two PAT’s left this season.
Please pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility. For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT…
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2022. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or higher
- Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
- Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
- Complete a police check with Sterling BackCheck Online
- Pass a sanctioned Playing Ability Test
PAT Target Score...
- 1 round PAT (18 holes)
- No maximum number of attempts per year
- All PAT’s are open to all Applicants
- For Men, 49 years of age & under - the course rating plus 9
- For Men, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 11
- For Women, 49 years of age & under- the course rating plus 13
- For Women, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 15
PAT Process...
Step 1 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com - The cost is $325 plus tax, which includes your first PAT attempt and is valid for one year from the date of the registration. After a year, you must re-register as an Applicant to register for and attempt a PAT.
Step 2 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com for all PAT’s - ($150 plus tax per each additional attempt)
If an Applicant is unsuccessful in each of their PAT attempts over the course of a season, those Applicants may try again the following season. Successful Applicants will pay membership dues for the season at that time.
Click ’Read More’ below for more information on the application process and the steps that need to be taken after becoming a member.
The Draw is now available for Round 1 of the PING Club Pro Championship, hosted at the beautiful River Bend G&RA in Red Deer on next Monday and Tuesday, July 25 & 26. Thank you to our long-time Champion Partner PING Canada for the continuous support of the Championship.
Click here for Draw.
With 56 Professionals in the field, the battle on the course next week is sure to be heated to determine who will be crowned this year’s Club Pro Champion. Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC) is our defending Champion after winning on the second hole of an exciting Playoff at The Hamptons GC last year. Click here for footage of the 2nd Playoff Hole.
Winner of the Championship will receive 40 Order of Merit points and will automatically be granted a spot on the Alberta Head Pro Team that will go on to represent the zone at the National Championship in December at The Verrado Golf Club in Buckeye Arizona.
Tee Times will begin at 12:01 PM on Monday, July 25th with a meal following the round. Round 2 will begin at 9:03 AM on Tuesday, July 30th.
Today saw the 2022 Nike Golf Pro-Junior Title presented by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and AHEAD Canada. We had a stacked field of 60 teams competing at the beautiful and immaculately conditioned Bearspaw GC in Northwest Calgary, all our players had a wonderful day and we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard.
After an absolutely perfect day on the golf course, the Team of: Jonathan West and Kyra Tovee from Carnmoney GC rose above the rest of the field to win the 2022 Nike Golf Pro-Junior Title presented by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and AHEAD Canada. Jonathan and Kyra played lights-out golf today to amass an excellent 47 Stableford Points and win by 1 point over their nearest competitors.
Falling just one point back of our Champions in Second Place was the Team from: Country Hills GC comprised of: Josh Berze & Jaiden Koonar with a total of 46 points. In Third Place was the Team from: Speargrass GC comprised of: Mitchell Fox & Trey Smith who finished with 45 Stableford Points. In Fourth Place was the Team from: Pinebrook G&CC (Mac Keats & Aneesh Kaura) finishing with 44 Stableford Points. Rounding out our Top-5, in Fifth Place was another Team from: Carnmoney GC comprised of: Bryce Halverson & Tobias Buffam who finished with 43 Stableford Points.
Thank you to our host venue Bearspaw GC for a fantastic Pro-Am event and to our Sponsors Nike Golf, Srixon, Cleveland Golf and AHEAD Canada for the continued support.
Click here for the full Leaderboard
The first PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Division event of the season did not disappoint with players having excellent playing conditions at The Ranch G&CC.
After a hard-fought battle on the course, Scott Westman made The Ranch G&CC proud after defending home turf and winning the event with a score of 3-over 74. Westman played steady golf throughout the round shooting 37-37 on the front and back nines to seal the victory. This is Westman’s first official win at a PGA of Alberta event!
Keeping Westman on his toes and finishing tied for second was Kevin Day (Billy D’s GC) and Gary Christenson (Sturgeon Valley G&CC). Both players ended up with a 77 to fall three strokes back of Westman. Rounding out the top four with a score of 79 was Mark Beckwith (Sturgeon Valley G&CC).
Thank you to our players and host venue The Ranch G&CC for making it a great event!
Click here for results
Our Ladies’ Division had 3 teams today: Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC) & Gina Nelson (Magrath GC) , Amy Popkes & Sheryle Rowland (Silver Springs G&CC) & Judy Forshner & Danielle Poupart (The Glencoe G&CC).
After a great day on the course, our 2022 Ladies’ Division Champions are Nicola Jeffries & Gina Nelson who successfully defended their 2021 Title!
Gina and Nicola carded an excellent 3-under par 69 with 6 birdies on the card to win by a 4-stroke margin over their nearest competitors!
In second place today was the Team of: Amy Popkes & Sheryle Rowland (Silver Springs G&CC) who carded a solid round of +1 for a 73. They had 4 Birdies on the card today.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: E-Z-GO & Host Facility: Turner Valley GC for putting on another outstanding event!
Today saw the Pro-Pro Scramble presented by: E-Z-GO hosted at the beautiful Turner Valley GC. The weather cooperated and gave our competitors a great day for Golf. We had a solid field of 50 teams encompassing 100 total players. We had a very exciting day with the Leaderboard jammed packed at the Top and ended up with a 4-Team Playoff.
Our Winning team today was: Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) & Josh Fleming (365 Golf) who prevailed on the fifth playoff hole with a Par over the remaining Team in the playoff (Diduck & Maher of Modern Golf). Adam & Josh carded an absolutely scorching 12-under par 60 with an outstanding 7 birdies on the front-9 for a ridiculous 29 and followed it up with an excellent 5 more birdies for a back-9 total of 31.
Tied for Second Place and battling in the Playoff was the teams of: Jeremy Maher & Jeff Diduck (Modern Golf) Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) & Matt Bean & Scott Shouldice (Sundre GC) who all carded excellent rounds of 12-under par 60 as well.
In solo 5th today and rounding out our Top-5 was the team of: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) and Matthew Cook (Riverside Golf Academy) who carded an outstanding 11-under par 61 to just miss out on the playoff.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: E-Z-GO & Host Facility: Turner Valley GC for putting on another outstanding event!
Congratulations to the 9 players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at the beautiful Alberta Springs GR today.
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:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
|
Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club |
72 |
|
|
Evergreen Golf Centre |
72 |
|
|
GOLFTEC Sherwood Park |
72 |
|
|
Barrhead Golf Club |
78 |
|
|
Lewis Estates Golf Course |
78 |
|
|
Glendale Golf & Country Club |
78 |
|
|
Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club |
79 |
|
|
Blue Devil Golf Club |
79 |
|
|
Sandpiper Golf & Country Club |
79 |
The PGA of Alberta invites you and your staff to the annual Buying Show this year hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre.
Our Buying Show continues to be the only “full scale” show of its kind in Canada and it is with great pride that we host this show every fall for our Members, Industry Suppliers and guests of the Industry. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers/Businesses.
Registered Exhibitors
With nearly 50 vendors registered to date for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus. Click Here to view Exhibitor list.
Products Represented
You are also able to view the ’Products Represented’ by the registered vendors on the same page as the Exhibitor list. Click Here to view Products Represented at the Show.
Registered Facilities
Click Here to see if your facility is currently registered for the Buying Show.
Show Schedule
Click Here to view the 2022 PGA Buying Show schedule. Scroll down and click the ’2022 Show Schedule’ sub-tab on the page to view the schedule of events each day.
Who’s Able to Attend the Show?
All PGA of Canada Professionals, Golf Courses and Teaching Facilities across Canada are welcome to attend this Show. Please send this invite to any PGA Professionals you know outside of Alberta.
Invite Your GM, Owner & Food and Beverage Staff
Remember to invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show! Gordon Food Service will again be running the 19th Hole located in the middle of the floor plan, and will have a booth giving members and facilities a great opportunity to review all their on course and clubhouse needs for future seasons.
How to Register
Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. In order to register, please note and the follow the steps below;
- For facilities without a PGA of Alberta Professional, please create a website Profile by CLICKING HERE. Only one profile per facility needed. If you registered for the Show in a previous year, please use the same account from then to register for this year’s Show. Contact [email protected] for any questions about your account.
- Log into the PGA of Alberta website and go to the Events tab > Buying Show > 2022 Attendee Registration.
- Click “Register Now” and follow steps to officially register for the Buying Show.
- IMPORTANT - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" below Attendee Information to register multiple people from your facility.
Today saw Round 2 of the Assistants’ Championship sponsored by Cobra Puma Golf at the serene Derrick G&WC. The course continued to be in fantastic shape and the summer conditions were outstanding for our competitors.
The Leaderboard was jammed with Players jockeying to sit inside our Top-10 with plenty of great scores today but 1 player rose above the field to take home the 2022 Assistants’ Championship after carding the new Course Record of 65 yesterday and only missing it by 1-stroke today again.
Continuing his incredible play this season was none other than: Mr. Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre), fresh off his victory at the 2022 PGA of Canada of Championship. Wes carded an excellent 4-under par 66 today which included: 1 Eagle, 3 Birdies and only 1 bogey blemish. He fired a 2-under 34 on the front-9 and followed it up with 2-under par 36 on the back-9. Wes finished the Championship at 9-under par with an outstanding two-day total of 131.
In sole possession of 2nd is: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) who carded an exceptional 5-under par 65 today to match the Course Record that was shot yesterday. Eric had an excellent 6 Birdies on the card today with only 1 bogey blemish to finish the Championship at 5-under par with a two-day total of 135.
In sole possession of 3rd is: Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) who carded an excellent 4-under par 66 today with 7 Birdies on the card and 3 bogey blemishes. Albert finished the tournament at 4-under par and finished with a two-day total 136.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a two-way tie for 4th is: Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who both finished the tournament with a 2-day total of 3-under par. Mitchell fired a scorching 65 today to tie the Course Record set yesterday and today.
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skin Winner: Matthew Mah (Cardiff G&CC) with a Birdie on #2 & Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) with an Eagle on #4.
Special thanks to our Sponsor: Cobra Puma Golf for their continued support. Special thank you to our host venue of The Derrick G&WC for putting on an excellent event.
Today saw Round 1 of the Assistants’ Championship sponsored by Cobra Puma Golf at the picturesque Derrick G&WC. The course is in mint shape and helped produce some low scores today which made for an exciting day and sets us up for a great R2 tomorrow.
Our Leader after R1, who broke the previous Course Record of 66, is: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who came out firing today and carded an outstanding 5-under par 65. Wes carded a 30 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 35 on the back-9. Wes had 1 Eagle, 4 Birdies and only 1 bogey blemish on the card today to go into R2 with a 3-stroke lead over his nearest competitors.
In a three-way Tie for 2nd place after carding excellent 2-under par 68’s is: our 4X defending Champion, Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC), our 2021 Player of the Year, Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC) & 3X former Assistants’ Champion Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC).
Rounding out our Top-5 today in a 2-way tie for 5th is: Taylor Irvin (Country Hills GC) & Jaxon Lynn (Alberta Springs GR) who all carded great 1-under par 69’s respectively to remain within reach of our Leader & pack with low rounds needed tomorrow.
In a 3-way tie for 7th, after carding solid Even-par 70’s is: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) & Josh Berze (Country Hills GC).
Rounding out our Top-10 today was: Matthew Cook (Riverside Golf Academy), Scott Smith (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) & Matt Bean (Sundre GC) who all carded respectable rounds of 1-over par 71.
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins winners: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with an Eagle on #4 & Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) with an Eagle on # 11.
First tee time is 7AM sharp tomorrow, our final group of Heffernan, Batsel & Belbin tee off at 1018!
Click here for Round 1 Results.
The draw is now posted for the third Play Ability Test of the season hosted again at Alberta Springs in Red Deer on Tuesday, July 12th. Tee times begin at 10:10am.
Good luck to the whopping 33 players going for their Professional status with the PGA of Canada! Follow the scoring next week on the link below.
Click here to view the draw/scoring link for next week.
Nominations for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Awards Program are NOW OPEN!
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 Partners 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 this year:
- Apprentice Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Class "A" Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Club Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Coach of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Executive Professional of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Junior Leader of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Retailer of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Sales Rep of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
- Teacher of the Year - Click Here for Past Winners
The importance of the Awards Program, on both a Provincial and National scale, is something the Association does not take lightly. In the past 20 years, we have had the honour as an Association of recognizing 31 Provincial winners go on to win at a National level, 10 of which were Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year recipients!
Please note the following for the 2022 Awards Program:
Coach of the Year Award Eligibility - Nominees must be certified within Golf’s National Coach Certification Program Competition stream (Coach of New Competitors, Coach of Developing Competitors) to be eligible to be a Finalist and win the Award.
Top 100 Points - Every member that submits a nomination form by August 3rd will receive 2 Top 100 points for this program year. The maximum points you can receive is 2 total, even if you nominate more than one person.
Nomination(s) – We encourage all PGA of Alberta Professionals and Industry Partners to nominate a deserving individual in each of the Award categories. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Awards Criteria - Click Here to view the criteria for each Award.
Deadline to Nominate - Nominations for all awards will close at the end of day on Monday, August 22nd.
Video Bio Submissions - All members who are nominated for an Award are highly encouraged to submit a short video bio in addition to their application form.
Awards Banquet (Save the Date) - Award winners will be revealed at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th at the Calgary BMO Centre (after day two of the Buying Show).
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
The first Championship of the season is fast approaching with the Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship all set for The Derrick G&WC this Sunday, July 10th & Monday July 11th. 71 Professionals will battle for the 2022 Championship and try to dethrone our Defending Champion - Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC).
Tee Times are set to get underway at 1:00 PM on Sunday for R1 with our last group set for a 4:27 PM start. Our R2 gets underway at 7:00 AM the next morning and will see the prize presentation following our last group getting off the course.
The Derrick Club’s 18-hole championship golf course, redesigned by Jeff Mingay in 2015, has a distinct layout reminiscent of classic course architecture of the 1930s. The course is fun for recreational golfers and offers plenty of challenges for low-handicap players.
Today saw the Pro-Lady North sponsored by EFW Radiology & adidas Golf head to the beautiful Broadmoor GC in Sherwood Park. The course was in great shape with some fantastic weather.
This year saw the event continue with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition. The point allocation in this format is: 5 points for Double Eagle, 4 points for Eagle, 3 points for Birdie, 2 points for Par & 1 point for Bogey.
Our Champions this year are: Hailing from Picture Butte GC: Glen DesRoche & his wife Kelsey DesRoche who fired a superb round today to finish with 47 Stableford team points to win by 1! Glen lead the team with 7 birdies on the day with Kelsey scoring 3 net birdies and a net eagle.
In solo Second place, the team from Highlands GC, Gary Hartford and his partner Glenda Perry. Gary shot the low round of the day with a 66 to finish with a team total of 46 points.
Finishing in Third through retrogression, at 44 points was the team from Sturgeon Valley G&CC, Chris Toth and his partner Karen Morris.
In Fourth, also through retrogression and finishing with 44 points was the team from The Quarry: Keith Whitecotton and his partner Kim Whitecotton.
Rounding out our Top 5 today was the team from: Montgomery Glen GC, Mitch Buffalo and his partner Joan Tomma-Buffalo. They finished with a final team score of 43.
Special thanks to our host course Broadmoor GC for putting on such a top-notch event and to our Sponsors: EFW Radiology & adidas Golf. Without their continued support events like this would not be possible!
The annual Tournament of Champions sponsored by Sunice / Bobby Jones saw some great weather and a mint conditioned Windermere G&CC giving players an absolutely first class golf experience from start to finish!
Today’s Tournament of Champions Winners are: The team of, Inglewood G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Samuel Kirkness and Club Champion, Gerry MacDonald who carded a scorching team gross round of 7-under 64 to prevail by 2-strokes over their nearest competitors.
In Second Place, through retrogression, was: The team of, Picture Butte GC, comprised of: Professional, Jamie Gerlits and Club Champion, Kris Wasylowich who carded an excellent team round of 5-under 66 with 6 birdies on the day.
In Third Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Mickelson National Golf Academy, comprised of: Professional, Randy Robb and Club Champion, Dustin Yeager who carded an excellent bogey free round 66
In Fourth Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Sirocco GC, comprised of: Professional, Craig Gibson and Club Champion, Jason Renneberg who also carded a bogey free 66.
In a tie for Fifth Place, also through retrogression, was: The team of, Glendale G&CC, comprised of: Professional, Jeff MacGregor and Club Champion, Ryan Denbraber, Grant Cammidge and Club Champion Braden O’Grady, and Weston Gillett with Club Champion Chad Cargill respectively. These three teams carded a 4-under 67.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Sunice / Bobby Jones for the continued support of the Association and host venue Windermere GC for putting on such a first-class event.
Today saw the first Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful Inglewood G&CC, sponsored by adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presented by: Jancor Agencies and was hugely successful. The course was in fantastic shape and all the teams had a wonderful experience.
This year saw the event continue with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition. The point allocation in this format is: 5 points for Double Eagle, 4 points for Eagle, 3 points for Birdie, 2 points for Par & 1 point for Bogey.
Our Champions this year are, one of our Host Professional Teams: Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) & his partner Carol Bell who fired a superb round today to finish with 45 Stableford team points to win by 1! Sam carded an outstanding 66 with a stellar 32 on the front-9 which was followed up with a great 34 on the back-9. Sam carded 6 Birdies and had only 1 blemish on the card today. His partner Carol Bell, chipped in with 3 timely net birdies on their march to victory.
In Solo Second Place, last year’s defending Champions, was the team of: Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & Sue Strother who accumulated a superb 44 points today.
Finishing in Third through retrogression, at 43 points was the team of: Logan Hill (River Bend G&RA) & Randie Mulligan.
In Fourth, also through retrogression and finishing with 43 points was the team of: Kyle Wade (PGA of Alberta Member) & Jill Wade.
Rounding out our Top-5, also through retrogression and finishing with 42 points was the team of: Trevor Ellerman (Desert Blume GC) & Nicole Kiriazis.
Special thanks to our host course of: Inglewood G&CC, for putting on such a top-notch event and to our Sponsors: adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presenting Sponsor: Jancor Agencies . Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
We are less than two weeks away from the next Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Alberta Springs in Red Deer, on Tuesday, July 12th. Take note of the PAT schedule by clicking ’View Schedule’ below.
Please pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility! For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT…
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2022. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or higher
- Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
- Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
- Complete a police check with Sterling BackCheck Online
- Pass a sanctioned Playing Ability Test
PAT Target Score...
- 1 round PAT (18 holes)
- No maximum number of attempts per year
- All PAT’s are open to all Applicants
- For Men, 49 years of age & under - the course rating plus 9
- For Men, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 11
- For Women, 49 years of age & under- the course rating plus 13
- For Women, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 15
PAT Process...
Step 1 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com - The cost is $325 plus tax, which includes your first PAT attempt and is valid for one year from the date of the registration. After a year, you must re-register as an Applicant to register for and attempt a PAT.
Step 2 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com for all PAT’s - ($150 plus tax per each additional attempt)
If an Applicant is unsuccessful in each of their PAT attempts over the course of a season, those Applicants may try again the following season. Successful Applicants will pay membership dues for the season at that time.
Click ’Read More’ below for more information on the application process and the steps that need to be taken after becoming a member.
The PGA of Alberta is excited to announce TaylorMade Golf Canada as the newest Presenting Sponsor of the Top 100 Program!
Launched in 2019, the PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program is based on pre-defined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals.
“TaylorMade Golf Canada is excited about the opportunity to partner with the PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program as a new way to connect and extend support throughout the zone, from new to established Professionals,” said David Bradley, General Manager at TaylorMade Golf Canada. “The Top 100 Program resonated with us as TaylorMade can help encourage engagement and growth within the province, as well as each Professional career”.
As part of this program, the PGA of Alberta acknowledges the Top 100 Professionals which are the top 100 point earners for each year of the program. These members are recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” and receive a custom Top 100 logo. Click here to view the 2021 Top 100 Professionals.
"The Top 100 Program in Alberta is a great program encouraging all PGA of Alberta Professionals engagement in many areas of the Association in an effort to advance the game of golf," said Shaun Piercey, Head Professional at The Ranch G&CC and TaylorMade Staff Player. "Golf Professionals thrive on competition and I believe this program has been very successful in increasing PGA of Alberta membership engagement as well as recognizing the numerous amazing and extremely dedicated Golf Processionals we have in our Zone".
Cash Prize Increase
With this new partnership, the PGA of Alberta will now be offering 20 cash prizes at the end of this program year valuing $8,200! The cash prizes will be awarded in October at the Buying Show Awards Banquet to the top 20 point earners for the program.
The annual Top 100 Award is given out to the member who accumulates the most points for the program year. Click here to view the current Top 100 standings! The new cash prize breakdown will be as follows:
Place |
Cash Prize |
| 1st | $1,400 |
| 2nd | $1,100 |
| 3rd | $900 |
| 4th | $700 |
| 5th | $525 |
| 6th | $400 |
| 7th | $325 |
| 8th | $300 |
| 9th | $275 |
| 10th | $250 |
| 11th | $225 |
| 12th | $200 |
| 13th | $200 |
| 14th | $200 |
| 15th | $200 |
| 16th | $200 |
| 17th | $200 |
| 18th | $200 |
| 19th | $200 |
| 20th | $200 |
New Cash Bonuses
In addition to the 20 cash prizes this program year, the Association will also giveaway 8 cash bonuses of $100 each to the top point finisher(s) in the below member categories (number of cash bonuses dependent on total number of members in the categories). This added amount puts the cash prize total at $9,000 for the Top 100 Program (cash prizes + bonuses).
- Apprentice Professionals - Top 2
- Class “A” / Teaching Professionals - Top 3
- Head / Head Teaching Professionals - Top 2
- Executive Professionals - Top 1
Please note that cash prizes and the Top 100 Professional initiative are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click here for standings by membership category.
About TaylorMade Golf
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade Golf is a leading manufacturer of high-performance golf equipment, golf balls, accessories. TaylorMade has a history of innovative industry-leading products such as the newly launched Stealth Carbonwood™ Driver, Stealth irons and Spider GT putters. TaylorMade’s technological advancements touch all sectors of the golf industry with products like P Series irons, Milled Grind 3 wedges, TP5/TP5x golf balls.
A major force across the world’s professional tours, TaylorMade has an athlete portfolio that includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler, Matthew Wolff, Scottie Scheffler, Brooke Henderson, Charley Hull, Maria Fassi and Sierra Brooks.
For more information on TaylorMade Golf Canada, please go to their website www.taylormadegolf.ca or contact their Representatives below:
Brian Howard Southern Alberta Territory Manager
T: 403-512-7927
[email protected]
Darren Evans Northern Alberta Territory Manager
T: 780-700-0676
[email protected]
Follow TaylorMade Golf Canada on social media today... 
An early morning for day 2 at Innisfail GC lead to Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) securing his first win of the season with a final score of 3 under par. Dillon shot an opening nine score of 33 today that included a single bogey with 4 birdies and followed it with a back nine score of 37 to secure the win.
Second place was taken home by Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) with another strong showing after a win at the previous Golf Supply House event.
There was a 3-way tie for third between Jared Nicolls (Rad Golf ), Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC), and Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) to round out our top 5.
Also congratulations to our day 2 skins winners:
Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) - Eagle on #2
Sam Fix (Vimy Ridge Golf Academy) - Birdie on #12
Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) - Birdie on #13
Jared Nicholls (Rad Golf) - Eagle on #18
Thank you once again to your sponsor Golf Supply House for supporting another great event.
Today saw the first two-day Golf Supply House Series event of the season hosted at the spectacular Innisfail GC with 49 competitors in the field and some magnificent summer conditions for all our players.
Our Leader after Round 1: Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) who carded an excellent opening round of 3-under par (69) today to sit 1-stroke up on his nearest competitors. Mitch fired an excellent Front-9 score of 33 with 3 Birdies on the card and followed it up on the Back-9 with a solid 36.
In a Two-Way Tie in Second Place is: Tyler Lebouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) & Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) who both carded stellar 2-under par 70’s today to complete our final grouping for tomorrow and try to keep some heat on our Leader.
In a Two-Way Tie for Fourth Place is: Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) and one of our Host Professionals, Jace Ouellette (Innisfail GC) who both carded a great 1-under par 71 today to remain right in contention for R2 tomorrow.
In a Three-Way Tie for Sixth Place is: Ryan McDermott (Royal Mayfair GC), Darrell McDonald (Mill Woods GC) & Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who all carded a solid even-par 72 today to remain in the hunt.
Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a Three-Way Tie for Ninth Place is: Michael Harrision (Coal Creek GR), Jared Nicolls (Rad Golf) & Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) who all carded respectable 1-over par 73’s.
Tee times kick off at 7am sharp tomorrow with our final group of: Mitch Fox (3-Under Par), Stefan Cox (-2) & Tyler Lebouthillier (-2) heading out at 9:30am.
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins winners: Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) (Birdie on #1), Gagan deep Ghotra (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) (Eagle on #4), Jeff Murdoch (PGA of Alberta Member) (Eagle on #13).
On Friday afternoon (June 24th) at Beacon Hall GC, Wes Heffernan put a bow on a dominant performance at the PGA Championship of Canada, going wire-to-wire to cement himself as the winner of the 100th anniversary of the event by a margin of five strokes, shooting scores of 68-69-69-72 to do so.
Full Results and Purse Breakdown can be seen here
“I’m not sure it has sunk in yet. (Friday) was a challenging mental day with the lead and trying to keep that lead, but I played really well, which was very fulfilling,” said Heffernan, who came into the week as the top player on the PGA Player Rankings and takes home $12,000 with the victory. “I didn’t make any mistakes until the end, and I had a nice cushion by that point.”
It didn’t take long for those bearing witness to realize that there would be no coming back to the field for Heffernan on Friday.
Off the tee this week, Heffernan was impeccable. The only thing perhaps more impressive was his ball striking, as he gave himself good birdie look after good birdie look on the firm and fast Beacon Hall greens.
After knocking in a 12-foot birdie putt on the second hole, Heffernan cruised through the front nine with eight consecutive pars, with none of the par putts being further than three feet.
As Heffernan noted, a bogey followed by a double on 16 and 17 put a dent in his lead, but by that point, there was nothing between the 45-year-old and the first P.D. Ross trophy of his career.
“I know the tournament has had quite the history and there’s been some fantastic players at this event. I got to play with Jim Rutledge the past two days, who is a Canadian legend, and he is on the trophy as well,” said Heffernan – who’s five-stroke winning margin came over the runner-up Rutledge. “I was fortunate enough to share these past two rounds with him and I was fortune to come out on top.”
With the victory, Heffernan becomes the third-consecutive Albertan to win the event after Dustin Risdon’s victory in 2019 and Riley Fleming’s win last summer.
“I have a lot of great family and friends to thank back home for their support,” said Heffernan, who teaches out of the Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Center. “Some people thought it was only three rounds, so I actually got some congratulations texts yesterday, so I was happy to be able to get it done today”
While Heffernan turned in a score of 10-under par, only three other players were able to break par for the tournament – Rutledge, Gordon Burns, and Fleming. And while Heffernan broke 70 in three of the four rounds, no other player was able to do it more than twice – and the only player to do that was Fleming.
Other notable finishes by PGA of Alberta Professionals include:
- 4th Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) at -1
- T-15th Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) at +8
- T-27th Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) at +15
- T-27th Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) at +15
- T-33rd Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) at +18
Click here for full article on the PGA of Canada website by Brendan Stasiewich.
We are excited to announce that our first Seniors’ Division Event of the season has been confirmed and is ready to go at The Ranch G&CC who always put on first-class events for our Members.
The event is all set for, Tuesday, July 19th, with Tee Times starting at 8:00 AM and a meal/drink voucher afterwards for all our competitors.
We hope to run a Seniors’ Division flight and a Super Senior (65+) flight if enough interest is found amongst the Membership. Please let any Life Members who may be interested know!
for Registration
The Ranch is a fun, laid back, and accommodating public golf course. The Ranch has been ranked in the top 100 golf courses in the country and more recently Score Golf Magazine rated The Ranch as the course that offers the best value in Edmonton, 2nd best in Alberta and 30th best value in Canada! Well known to always be in great condition, The Ranch is also one of the busiest tournament courses in the province. With that, if you are planning an upcoming event, The Ranch is certainly able to ensure you have a top notch event.
The Ranch underwent an extensive bunker and tee box renovation in 2019. They continue to make improvements to the course and facility each year to ensure their guests enjoy their experience at The Ranch!
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Schedule of Events: |
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Tee Times: |
8:00 AM |
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Meal after your Round, graciously provided by Host Venue and Professional - Murray McCourt & The Ranch G&CC. |
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Terms of the Competition:
- Open to Category I, II & III PGA of Alberta members in good standing.
- Yardage for female professionals will be set at 85-90% of the male yardages.
- 18-hole Stroke play competition.
- A 65+ Super Seniors’ Division will be in place if a minimum of 4 Eligible Members sign up/express interest in this flight.
The fourth Golf Supply House Series event of the season and first 2-Day Series is all set for Innisfail GC on: Monday & Tuesday, June 27th & 28th. Cross/Over starts at 9:00 AM and we have 50 of our Professionals who will compete at our fourth G.S.H event of the season. Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC) were our first, second & third respective Professionals in the Winners’ Circle this season, whom from next week’s field will add their name to the list?
Established in 1924, the Bill Robinson-designed Innisfail Golf Course has grown into one of Alberta’s finest golfing experiences. They have had the honour of being selected by Alberta Golf as the site of the 2002 & 2016 Alberta Mens’ Amateur Championship and 2009 Alberta Senior Ladies Championship.
Fresh off his RBC Canadian Open exemption, Wes Heffernan, the top ranked player on the PGA Player Rankings, broke 70 for the second consecutive day, firing a 3-under par 69 to put himself two strokes ahead of Jim Rutledge and Gord Burns.
While late in round one players were forced to battle the wind, yesterday it was near unprecedented heat and humidity. Players were reaching for as much BioSteel as they could as the ‘feels like’ reached 40-degrees Celsius at Beacon Hall Golf Club.
“I had to put my rain gloves on because I was sweating so much,” said Heffernan. “I struggled in the middle of the round and had two loose shots, one my hands slipped and the other I just wasn’t mentally feeling comfortable.”
Full leaderboard can be seen here
For the second-consecutive day, Heffernan, who is seeking the first PGA Championship of Canada victory of his career, played the back nine bogey free, once again playing the back side in just 33 strokes.
“I righted the ship to start the back nine, and even though I missed a few short ones that could have made it even better, I hit my lines and played just as solid as yesterday,” said the 2019 PGA Assistants’ Champion of Canada. “I feel like if I play well, I can always be in the mix, so to play solid and be leading is where I want to be and hopefully that’s where I can be the rest of the tournament.”
Other notable performances by PGA of Alberta Professionals so far include:
- T-11th Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) at +2
- T-14th Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park) at +3
- T-26th Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) at +6
- T-33rd Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) at +7
- T-36th Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) at +8
Final group for round three including Heffernan tees off at 10:40am MST today. Follow the action for the final two rounds on the leaderboard link above.
Click here for full article by Brendan Stasiewich of the PGA of Canada.
The PGA of Alberta invites you and your staff to the annual Buying Show this year hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre.
The Buying Show is your one stop shop for all your buying! Visit the Companies/Exhibitors in attendance and view hundreds of brands at one venue. In 2019, over 80 Companies attended the Show. Build relationships with top company Executives & your local Reps. Click here for the current Exhibitor list.
Complimentary Food & Beverage During the Show
Gordon Food Service will be offering complimentary food and beverage options for all Exhibitors and Attendees located in the 19th Hole (centre of the floor plan) for the entire 3-days of the Buying Show! This will help your facility save costs as well as gives you a chance to try their food and re-energize yourself while at the Show. You can also stop by their show booth to discuss all of your food service operation needs.
Invite Your GM, Owner & Food and Beverage Staff
With this dynamic partnership with GFS, remember to invite your General Manager, Facility Owner and Food & Beverage staff to the Show!
Preferred Hotel >> Hotels Arts Calgary - Host Venue of the Day 1 Cocktail Reception
Hotel Arts is the preferred hotel of the PGA Buying Show and only a 10-minute walk from the BMO Centre! Click Here for more info and booking link.
Add some excitement to your tournaments and club leagues this season 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!
Click Here for Member Testimonials
Denominations That Can Be Purchased
Any denomination from $500 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.
Benefits of PGA of Alberta HIO Program
- Competitive industry rates
- Low prize limit amounts available for purchase (under $5,000)
- Fixed rate for field sizes from 32 to 199 players
- 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 and golf industry
How To 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-member of the PGA of Alberta and interested in purchasing, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (see contact info below).
Questions
If have any questions on how this program can work for you, please contact Marlene Sanderson (E: [email protected] or P: 403-256-8894 / TF: 1-888-866-6140).
Click Here to Purchase
One of the main focuses of the PGA of Alberta has been supporting junior golf to help grow the game. Golf Professionals in Alberta use their expertise to create, organize and facilitate junior-oriented events including the annual Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters. The Scholarship Program is another important step in the overall development of our current programming.
The mission of the PGA of Alberta is to provide junior golfers from around the province the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, while promoting and providing access to continued education. This program has presented over 60 scholarships since 1998.
Scholarships Available
The PGA of Alberta is proud to increase the total number of scholarships available this year. In total, the Association will award 5 Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates in 2022! See scholarship breakdown below.
- 3 scholarships will be awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members who meet the scholarship criteria (no golf experience needed). Applicants are able to win this scholarship twice.
- 2 scholarships will be awarded to Alberta Junior boys and girls who meet the scholarship criteria (golf experience required). Applicants can win this scholarship once.
Deadline to Apply
Deadline to apply for a scholarship this year is July 31st (end of day). Online application forms and accompanying information must be sent to the PGA of Alberta office no later than this date.
Click Here to Apply
4008 days; that will be the amount of time between Wes Heffernan’s final putt on Sunday at the 2011 US Open - his last tournament on the world’s biggest stage – to this Thursday, when he will strike his opening tee shot at the RBC Canadian Open.
Much like the #1 song on the Billboard Chart when he played his last PGA TOUR event, the Calgarian hopes to be ‘Rolling in the Deep’ this week at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto. We should specify; deep under-par, and not buried in the devastatingly deep rough players are set to face this week.
While many things have changed since June of 2011, a few things have remained the same: Heffernan’s silky-smooth swing and ever-steady composure. If he can settle in quickly, he will feel right at home.
“The hard part is going to be getting into that comfort level again, not just playing a tournament, but a PGA TOUR tournament, you can’t replicate that anywhere,” says Heffernan, who finished just one point ahead of fellow Calgarian Riley Fleming to earn the exemption. “It’s not the game that will be an issue, it’s getting into the right headspace as quickly as I can.
“You can hit 50 perfect shots on the range, but nothing will feel like that first tee shot on Thursday,” he added.
The PGA of Canada Points Ranking is based off the past three years of competition in PGA of Canada National Championships and select Zone events (2020 events did not count because of all National events being cancelled due to COVID-19). In that time, Heffernan has won two events and placed within the top-10 in 11 of the 12 tournaments.
Prior to this week, Heffernan says he has played this golf course one time – 22-years ago – “that isn’t going to help me much,” he says with a laugh.
However, following his arrival this past weekend, Heffernan joined old friend David Hearn for a round and has played 27 more holes at St. George’s over the past few days to get prepared. The course, he says, couldn’t be better.
“I can’t recall a golf course in better condition than this course, the fairways are some of the best ever,” says Heffernan. “Before this week I had only played six rounds this year, but we have a facility and it’s not like I haven’t been hitting golf balls the past six months. I’m just trying to get the short game in shape as quickly as possible.”
Heffernan is set to begin his opening round at 12:12pm MST on Thursday, with his second round following on Friday at 7:12am MST.
Click here for full article by Brendan Stasiewich on the PGA of Canada website.
Congratulations to the Six players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Highwood Golf. 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:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
|
Matthew Adams |
RedTail Landing Golf Club |
75 |
|
Ben Rolph |
Fernie Golf & Country Club |
77 |
|
Brayden Dalman |
The Winston Golf Club |
78 |
|
Aaron Obst |
St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino |
79 |
|
Spencer Dunseith |
Kokanee Springs Golf Resort |
79 |
|
Nathan Reay |
Belvedere Golf & Country Club |
79 |
Today’s tournament saw fifty-five players head south to High River to compete in the third Golf Supply House Series of the season. The weather started off a bit cooler in the morning, however, warmed up nicely throughout the day giving players excellent playing conditions by mid afternoon with the course in great shape.
Winning his first event of the season was: Mitch Fox (Speargrass GC). Mitch’s superb round included 8 birdies on the card with only 2 bogey blemishes to show. Mitch carded 6-under 65 to win by one stroke. Mitch carded a great 34 on the front-9 and a scorching 31 on the back-9 today.
Putting some pressure on Mitch today and finishing in solo second place was none other than: Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC). Albert carded a great round today which included five birdies and was blemish free. Albert has finished in Second at both GSH events he has played this season and will look to take home the next one.
Rounding out our Top-3, both carding a 2-under 69, was the likes of: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) and Kyle Wade (PGA of AB Member). Weston and Kyle both had 3 Birdies and only 1 bogey on the cards today.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a three way tie for 5th was: Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC), Shawn Proulx (River Ridge G&CC) and Jace Ouellette (Innisfail GC) who all carded solid 1-under 70’s.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Golf Supply House and Highwood Golf for making it a great day! The next GSH Series on the schedule is at Innisfail GC on June 27th & 28th.
Click here for full results
The seeding round is now complete for the Srixon / Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship North presented by Nike Golf. Thirty teams competed at Jagare Ridge GC in the wet and cold conditions to determine their ranking for the first round in the north bracket of the Championship.
Congratulations to Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) and Jeremy Lavallee (Northern Bear GC) for shooting the low round of the day with a score of 6-under 65 in the team best ball format. Dallas and Jeremy were three strokes better than their nearest competitor today and take the #1 position in the north bracket.
Finishing alone in second place was the team of Jared Nicolls (Rad Golf) and Jaxon Lynn (Alberta Springs) firing a 3-under 68. Three teams ended their round one stroke back of Jared and Jaxon to finish in a 3-way tie for third at 2-under 69.
A special shout-out goes out to James Whitton (Leduc GC) for scoring a Hole In One today on hole #13 par 3 playing 155 yards!
Thank you to our Title Sponsors Srixon and Cleveland Golf, our Presenting Sponsor Nike Golf, and host venue Jagare Ridge GC for an excellent event.
Click here for full results from today’s seeding round.
The third Golf Supply House Series event of the season is all set for Highwood Golf tomorrow, Tuesday, June 7th with Tee Times starting at 12:00 PM. 56 of our Professionals will compete at our third 1-Day G.S.H event of the season. Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC) & Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) were our first and second Professionals in the Winners’ Circle this season, who from tomorrow’s field will add their name to the list?
You can follow along on the Live Leaderboard by clicking here once the action gets underway tomorrow.
Since 1958, the Highwood has been the golfer’s choice in the Foothills. Highwood Golf is a semi-private facility welcoming anyone to play, dine and enjoy social time in a beautiful friendly setting. With two distinct golf offerings: the championship Highwood 18 and the family friendly Spitzee 9.
The draw is now posted for the second Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Highwood Golf in High River on Tuesday, June 7th. Tee times begin at 3:10pm.
Good luck to the 21 players going for their Professional status with the PGA of Canada! Follow the scoring next week on the link below.
Click here to view the field and draw
Today’s tournament saw fifty-five players head to Belvedere G&CC in Sherwood Park to compete in the second Golf Supply House Series of the season. The weather started off a bit cooler in the morning however warmed up throughout the day giving players excellent playing conditions.
Winning his first event of the season was the likes of Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry). Keith’s stellar round included five birdies and a bogey free back nine to finish the day with a 4-under 67 to win by one stroke. With the victory, Keith has now won a GSH Series event in three consecutive years.
Putting some pressure on Keith today and finishing in second place was none other than Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre). Wes’ round also included five birdies but had one more bogey than Keith to finish with a 3-under 68.
Rounding out the top three with a 1-under 70 was Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC). Eric had an excellent back nine to move several spots up the leaderboard scoring 4 birdies and only 1 bogey to finish in third place for the tournament.
Special shout-out to Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) for shooting a Hole In One today on hole #16 par 3 playing 134 yards.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Golf Supply House and Belvedere G&CC for making it a great day! The next GSH Series on the schedule is at Highwood Golf on June 7th.
Click here for full results
The first annual PGA of Alberta Mentorship Tournament hosted at Olds GC is now officially in the history books. Despite the cooler playing conditions, players still enjoyed the event and format which was a nine-hole rotation of team Best Ball and Scramble. This event was exclusive to pairings in the PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program within the last two years.
Winning the first ever Mentorship Tournament was the team of Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) and Matthew Cook (Riverside Golf Academy) shooting a team score of 5-under and winning in a closest to the pin playoff competition against the team of Craig Vogel (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) and Jeff Diduck (Modern Golf).
Rounding out the top three was the team of Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) and Tyler Lautner (Blue Devil GC), firing a 4-under to fall one back of the lead.
Thank you to all our players and Olds GC for hosting a great event! If you are a Class "A" Professional in Alberta and are interested in being a Mentor in 2023, please click here to learn more about the Mentorship Program.
Click here for full results
The second Golf Supply House event of the year is set for Belvedere G&CC on Wednesday, June 1st. Sponsored by Golf Supply House, 55 Professionals will battle at our first event in North this season.
Close to both Edmonton and Sherwood Park, Belvedere Golf & Country Club occupies 160 acres of rolling landscape framed by trees and poses a variety of challenges over 18 pristine holes.
The PGA of Alberta is running a Mentorship Tournament for the first time ever hosted at Olds GC next week on Monday, May 30th! This event is exclusive to pairings in the PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program within the last two years.
The tournament is a great opportunity for Mentors to meet their Mentees in person and compete in a tournament together in a social atmosphere. To learn more about the PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program, click here.
Format for the event will be a nine-hole rotation of team Best Ball and Scramble. Shotgun start begins at 10am.
To view the field and draw, click here.
Congratulations to the seven 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) or (81 for 50+ aged players) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following:
|
Name |
Facility |
Score |
|
Anthony Beaulieu |
Golf Town West Edmonton |
75 |
|
Joshua Gorieu |
Lewis Estates Golf Course |
75 |
|
Evan Olsen |
Inglewood Golf & Curling Club |
75 |
|
Aidan Geiger |
Springbank Links At Emerald Bay |
77 |
|
Ryan Ball |
Country Hills Golf Club |
79 |
|
Estian Coetzee |
The Hamptons Golf Club |
79 |
|
Robin Stewart |
RedTail Landing Golf Club |
81 |
The draw is posted for the first Play Ability Test of the season hosted at Alberta Springs in Red Deer on Tuesday, May 24th. Tee times begin at 10:00am. Follow the scoring tomorrow on the link below. Good luck to all 25 competitors going for their card!
Click here to view the field and draw
The 2022 edition of the Play Golf Alberta Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & TourTee is officially in the books. Today’s round saw competitors battle the elements at Wolf Creek GR in Ponoka to keep their score as low as possible in the windy conditions. The championship turned into a one round event after yesterday’s round was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Winning her first Junior Masters title in the Girls’ Division was Eileen Park of Red Deer G&CC. Eileen played outstanding golf in the tough conditions today to shoot a 75 to win by two strokes. Finishing in second this year was Georgia Barr of Glencoe G&CC shooting a 77. Rounding out the top 3 was Aastha Savadatti of Canyon Meadows G&CC after firing a 79 to finish four back of the lead. Congratulations to the following winners of their respective Division:
- 18 & Under - Georgia Barr (Glencoe G&CC)
- 16 & Under - Eileen Park (Red Deer G&CC)
- 14 & Under - Aliyah Hull (Willow Park G&CC)
In the Boys’ Division, a playoff was needed between Aneesh Kaura of Glencoe G&CC and Kye Fisher of Leduc GC to determine this year’s champion after both players shot a 74 for the round. On the second playoff hole, Aneesh was able to make a clutch par putt to win the overall Boys’ Division. Rounding out the top 3 was last year’s champion Zachary Haydamack of Mickelson National GC falling three back of the lead at 77. Congratulations to the following winners of their respective Division:
- 18 & Under - Aneesh Kaura (Glencoe G&CC)
- 16 & Under - Scott Levey (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC)
- 14 & Under - *Ryan Johnson (Silver Springs G&CC) (*retrogression)
Thank you to all our players, our Title Sponsor Play Golf Alberta, our Presenting Sponsors Sundog Eyewear & TourTee, and lastly Wolf Creek GR for hosting another Junior Masters. We look forward to coming back next year!
Please be advised that Round 1 of the PGA of Alberta Junior Masters today (May 19th) at Wolf Creek GR has officially been CANCELLED due to current course conditions and forecast.
The tournament will now be a one round championship. An updated draw will be sent to players later today for tomorrow’s round (May 20th) on the Old Course at Wolf Creek.
Please notify any other players you know playing in the event of this cancellation to ensure everyone receives the message.
Thank you for your understanding of this decision. We look forward to seeing players tomorrow!
Today’s event at Sirocco GC - Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play Championship - South has unfortunately been cancelled due to the weather forecast and current conditions being experienced around the course and city. This was a difficult decision to make but with the nature of travel and distance being covered by some Members’ to come to the event, believe this decision was in the best interest of everyone.
Planning is underway on several different options now that the Qualifier/Seeding round has been cancelled and an update with the plan moving forward will be published and circulated next week to all Teams/Players registered for this event. A blind draw is being considered, as well as potential reschedule options that could work with considerations to the relatively short/condensed time frame to get matches in over a busy summer season. An update will be shared next week on the plan moving forward and we appreciate the continued patience and understanding.
Thank you to our Host Venue - Sirocco GC and our great Sponsors:
Srixon Cleveland Golf Canada
&
Nike Golf
The Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada is based on pre-defined measurable criteria and is designed to recognize PGA of Alberta members who dedicate their time and demonstrate proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals. The yearly award given out at the Awards Banquet in October will be for the most points accumulated from October to the end of September of the following year.
As of May 19th, Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) remains in the lead of the Top 100 Program at 53 points! Sitting two points back at 51 is Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC). The current top 10 in the standings are:
Current leader Bryce Halverson
1st - Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) - 53 points
2nd - Greg Johnson (Inglewood G&CC) - 51 points
T-3rd - Patrick Frose (Royal Mayfair GC) - 44 points
T-3rd - Matt Seifert (Golfuture YYC) - 44 points
T-5th - Josh Fleming (365 GOLF) - 41 points
T-5th - Tyler Pecman (Highlands GC) - 41 points
T-5th - Tyrel Babkirk (Apple Creek GC) - 41 points
T-5th - Nic Longley (Silver Springs G&CC) - 41 points
T-5th - Stefan Anderson (Lakeside GC) - 41 points
T-5th - Tyler Willner (Lakeside GC) - 41 points
How to Earn Points
With the tournament season beginning, members can earn points by playing in PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournaments (2 points/round). In addition to participating, members can also earn points based on their performance at PGA of Alberta stroke-play events (2 points/round 75 & under). See where else you can earn points by clicking the link below and looking under the "Point Allocation" tab.
Standings by Membership Category Feature
Want to see how you compare to other Professionals in the same membership category? You can do so by viewing the rankings in the following four membership categories; Apprentice Professionals, Class "A" Professionals, Head Professionals and Executive Professionals. *Please note that cash prizes and the Top 100 Professional initiative mentioned below are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click Here for standings by membership category.
Top 100 Professionals & Cash Prizes
Remember that the Top 100 point earners will be recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” for this program year. See previous year’s Top 100 Professionals by clicking here.
The top 10 point earners for the 2022 program year will receive a cash prize as an added incentive! Cash prizes total over $5,200! See the prize breakdown by clicking the link below and looking under the "Cash Prizes" tab.
View Standings - Click Here
Foresight Sports Canada - The PGA Win-Win Referral Program
As a PGA of Alberta member, Foresight Sports knows your customers love golf. If you refer one of them to Foresight Sports, you will be eligible to receive up to a 3% commission on their purchase! This also includes the SIM-IN-A-BOX product for referrals (click here for info).
To sign up for the Win-Win Program and be eligible for referral commissions, please CLICK HERE or contact Garett Jenkinson for details ([email protected])..png?1652993451129){kind=logo}
These scholarships can help to assist with the cost of tuition and/or books for any Class "A" member who may be enrolled in an Educational Institution. In an effort to promote and foster ongoing education for PGA of Canada Members and Apprentice Professionals, the PGA of Canada Foundation Scholarship Committee will offer Scholarship Funding of varying amounts to qualified and selected applicants who are engaged in continuing their education through full time studies at either the University, Community College or other approved Educational Facility level. To qualify for these awards, applicants must:
- be PGA of Canada Members/Apprentice Professionals in good standing, OR Sons/Daughters/Grandchildren of PGA of Canada Members (alive or deceased)
- be engaged or will be engaged in a full time formal education program (as of September 2022)
- be enrolled or accepted and registered at a university, college or other approved educational facility. Applicants not yet enrolled, accepted or registered may make application for consideration, but no award will be paid until registration is confirmed
To access the 2022 Scholarship Application form, please CLICK HERE. The annual deadline to apply for a scholarship is June 24th, 2022, and the Evaluation Forms must be received by July 4th, 2022.
If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Wayne MacPhee at [email protected]
We are less than two weeks away from the first Play Ability Test of the season being hosted at Alberta Springs in Red Deer, on Tuesday, May 24th. Take note of the PAT schedule by clicking ’View Schedule’ below. There will be five PAT’s in total this season.
Registration for the 2022 PAT’s is open. Be sure to pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility! For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT…
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2022. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or higher
- Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
- Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
- Complete a police check with Sterling BackCheck Online
- Pass a sanctioned Playing Ability Test
PAT Target Score...
- 1 round PAT (18 holes)
- No maximum number of attempts per year
- All PAT’s are open to all Applicants
- For Men, 49 years of age & under - the course rating plus 9
- For Men, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 11
- For Women, 49 years of age & under- the course rating plus 13
- For Women, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 15
PAT Process...
Step 1 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com - The cost is $325 plus tax, which includes your first PAT attempt and is valid for one year from the date of the registration. After a year, you must re-register as an Applicant to register for and attempt a PAT.
Step 2 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com for all PAT’s - ($150 plus tax per each additional attempt)
If an Applicant is unsuccessful in each of their PAT attempts over the course of a season, those Applicants may try again the following season. Successful Applicants will pay membership dues for the upcoming season at that time.
Click ’Read More’ below for more information on the application process and the steps that need to be taken after becoming a member.
The first Golf Supply House event of the season at the beautiful Desert Blume GC is complete and didn’t disappoint. With score-able conditions, we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard today and had an exciting playoff conclusion! Albert Pistorius (Country Hills GC) & Grant Numrich (Red Deer G&CC) both carded excellent 4-under par 68’s to sit atop the Leaderboard after 18 holes and battled it out in our Playoff.
Grant Numrich is our first player in the winner’s circle this season after a stellar performance today and coming out on top in the Playoff which will feel like some redemption for him after coming up just short in the Playoff at last year’s Assistants’ Championship at Sirocco GC.
Starting his season off with an excellent round, Grant carded an excellent blemish free round of 68 with 4 Birdies on the card. Grant managed to stick his 2nd shot of the Playoff to within 1 foot of the hole and came out on top with a Birdie on the 1st Playoff hole in some blustery spring golf conditions.
Coming up just short in the Playoff but finishing in solo 2nd and also carding an excellent 4-under par 68 which included 5 Birdies and 1 Bogey. Albert hit a great 2nd shot on the Playoff but was unable to cash in on his approximately 10 foot Birdie look.
Finishing right behind our Leaders’ in a 7-way Tie for 3rd who all carded great 3-under par 69’s today was the likes of: Justin Stoski (Lethbridge CC), Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC), Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC), Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC), Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights).
Special thank you to our Host Facility: Desert Blume GC for helping put on an excellent event.
Special Thank you to our Sponsor: Golf Supply House who’s support helps make our Golf Supply House Series events happen.
The 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 9:00 AM (MST) at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre.
Register for the Online Stream - Click Here
All Members are invited to attend, however, as defined in the By-Law, only Class “A” Voting Members of the Association may vote.
The first event of the year will head east to Desert Blume GC on Monday, May 9th. Sponsored by Golf Supply House, 36 Professionals will test their skills and compete to kick the season off!
Nestled in the beautiful city of Medicine Hat, Desert Blume GC is a world-class golf course featuring pristine conditions in a beautiful desert setting.
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce an extended partnership with adidas Golf Canada for the next three years!
adidas Golf will now be a Title Sponsor of the annual Pro-Lady North and South tournaments which features one Professional paired up with a female amateur in a team net stableford format. In 2022, the Pro-Lady South will be hosted at Inglewood G&CC on June 30th and the North event will be hosted at Broadmoor GC on July 6th. Learn more about the tournaments here.
“We are so pleased to be a part of this partnership with the PGA of Alberta and the Pro-Lady Tournament. adidas Golf has one main goal. Connect with the both the amateur and professional golfers in a more meaningful way for all golfers," said Jeff Feltrin, GM of adidas Golf Canada. "This partnership will further this ambition and we are excited to see these events comes to life. The PGA of Alberta should be very proud of the event and we are thrilled to become a partner in it".
About adidas Golf…
For more than 80 years, adidas has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. Today, adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products. adidas Golf boasts one of the strongest rosters of tour athletes, including No. 3 world-ranked player Collin Morikawa. Xander Schauffele, Danielle Kang, Tyrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson are just a few other top talents partnered with adidas Golf.
The company’s products resonate with golfers worldwide thanks to unparalleled performance in its TOUR360 22 footwear and GO-TO apparel, as well as the wear-anywhere versatility of the adicross apparel line. As part of its goal of being the most progressive golf brand in the world, adidas has launched the environmentally friendly Primegreen product line, which focus on sustainability through the use of recycled materials. adidas Golf has a dedicated team that continues to serve the Canadian marketplace with industry-leading products and service.
For more information, go to their website www.adidas.ca or contact their Representatives below:
Ryan Doucette Territory Sales & Marketing Manager - Northern Alberta
780-264-1169
[email protected]
Jennifer Davison Territory Sales & Marketing Manager - Southern Alberta
403-966-2672
[email protected]
Follow adidas Golf on social media today...
The PGA of Alberta is excited to open Attendee Registration for the 2022 Buying Show! The PGA of Alberta would like to invite your entire facility to attend this annual Show being hosted on October 18–20 at the Calgary BMO Centre.
With already a dozen vendors registered for the Show this year, companies are eager to see the membership and their teams in person after a two year hiatus. Click here to view Exhibitor list.
The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf & Industry Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers and Sales Representatives all together in the same building in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers.
All Golf Courses in Canada are welcome to attend this Show. Registration is simple and can be completed online in minutes. Click on the following links for the information package or to register your facility! Important - Make sure you click "+ Add Another Attendee" when registering to sign up multiple people from your facility.
Info Package - Click Here
To Register - Click Here
The Association is delighted to announce a new partnership with The Cart Locker for 2022! The Cart Locker will be a Presenting Sponsor of the annual Pro-Senior event being hosted this year at Ponoka GC on August 8th.
The Pro-Senior consists of one Professional paired up with a senior amateur (50 & older) playing in a team net stableford competition. Click here for more information on the sold-out event or to add a team to the waitlist.
"What a privilege to start a partnership with the PGA of Alberta,” said Jeff MacGregor, President at The Cart Locker. “It’s my home Association and I couldn’t ask for a better event for The Cart Locker to sponsor than the Pro-Senior. It’s an awesome opportunity to give back".
About The Cart Locker - Solving storage and charging simultaneously
The Cart Locker’s charging Speed Cart Locker is designed to give members an easy place to store, secure, and charge their electric speed carts at the course while providing an additional revenue stream to clubs. The benefits to facilities include a three-year ROI; minimal to no staff maintenance; greater convenience for members; and flexible installation locations means providing an increasingly needed solution.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CART LOCKER INFO SHEET
For more information on The Cart Locker including a video demonstration on how the product works, please visit their website www.thecartlocker.ca or contact their Representative below.
Jeff MacGregor President
403-975-3893
[email protected]
Follow The Cart Locker on social media today...
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Registration for the 2022 Play Ability Tests (PAT) is now open! Take note of the PAT schedule by clicking ’View Schedule’ below. There will be five PAT’s in total this season.
Be sure to pass this information on to anyone interested in becoming a member of the PGA of Canada at your facility! For more information on the steps to become a member, please refer to the PGA of Canada Membership Roadmap.
About the PAT…
The PAT is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2022. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.
Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or higher
- Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
- Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
- Complete a police check with Sterling BackCheck Online
- Pass a sanctioned Playing Ability Test
PAT Target Score...
- 1 round PAT (18 holes)
- No maximum number of attempts per year
- All PAT’s are open to all Applicants
- For Men, 49 years of age & under - the course rating plus 9
- For Men, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 11
- For Women, 49 years of age & under- the course rating plus 13
- For Women, 50 years of age & older - the course rating plus 15
PAT Process...
Step 1 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com - The cost is $325 plus tax, which includes your first PAT attempt and is valid for one year from the date of the registration. After a year, you must re-register as an Applicant to register for and attempt a PAT.
Step 2 - Register online at pgaofcanada.com for all PAT’s - ($150 plus tax per each additional attempt)
If an Applicant is unsuccessful in each of their PAT attempts over the course of a season, those Applicants may try again the following season. Successful Applicants will pay membership dues for the upcoming season at that time.
Click ’Read More’ below for more information on the application process and the steps that need to be taken after becoming a member.
The 2022 Alberta Teaching Summit is scheduled for June 13th/14th at The Glencoe G&CC. The goal of this program itself, is to elevate the collective skills of PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals as instructors and coaches. This Teaching Summit is open to all PGA of Alberta members looking to improve their abilities, strategies, and methods, especially those who are looking to find their strengths and pathway as instructors and coaches. This year’s edition of the Alberta Teaching Summit will feature 4 leading professionals from within our association to facilitate the event over both days, leading participants through different themes and topics.
Instructors
Day 1 - Full Swing/ Technology
Day 2 - Short Game/ Aim Point
Paul Horton - Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC
*Click on name to see member profile
The PGA of Alberta is happy to announce a new partnership with Levelwear for the next two years! Levelwear will be a Presenting Sponsor of the Awards Banquet Cocktail Reception held after the second day of the annual PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
In 2022, the Awards Cocktail Reception will be hosted on Wednesday, October 19th at the BMO Centre in Calgary. Mark your calendars now as all attendees and exhibitors of the Show are encouraged to attend this complimentary event which begins at 5pm and includes appetizers and beverages.
"On behalf of Levelwear, we are very proud to announce our newly formed partnership with the PGA of Alberta and for the opportunity to support its membership in deeper, richer ways," said Bob Else, National Sales Manager at Levelwear. "Over the past two years, we have invested heavily into new technologies, added many exciting new product innovations, and we will continue to expand the team in a way that will not only elevate your experiences working with Levelwear as an account, but that will also benefit PGA of Alberta members and guests interactions with the brand at retail".
About Levelwear…
Levelwear is a global brand that has established ensuring business verticals in golf apparel, licensed and team sports, and women’s athleisure, with core strengths of: product innovation, breadth of assortment, industry leading logo treatments/placements and impeccable service. The forging of significant partnerships has fueled their rapid succession into the upper echelon of the golf apparel landscape for Levelwear.
Along with a recently renewed 4-year partnership with Golf Canada, the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and sponsorships of several top events on Tour like, The RBC Canadian Open, the CP Women’s Open, The Houston Open, Rocket Mortgage Classic, The Shaw Charity Classic, Levelwear will have a retail presence in roughly 30 Tour events annually including 2 Majors. Additionally, Levelwear maintains strong relationships with roughly 81 of the top 100 golf clubs throughout North America and can be found at top clubs and resorts from coast to coast.
Within the licensing Pro-Sports space, they have partnerships with some of the top global brands, including: the NHL, NHLPA, MLB, NBA, and CFL.
For more information on Levelwear, please visit their website www.levelwear.com or contact their Representatives below. Click the following link(s) to view their digital Men’s Catalogue or Women’s Catalogue.
Ken Frame Regional Sales Rep
403-318-9596
[email protected]
Bob Else National Sales Manager
905-909-1244
[email protected]
Your expense receipt for PGA of Alberta tournaments is where you will find what tournaments you played in last season, the start date, the entry fee amount, and any winnings you received. To find this receipt on your account, please follow the steps below:
- Login to the PGA of Alberta website
- Under ‘Manage Account’ or ‘My Account’, go to ‘My Registrations’
- Select ‘2021’ where it says ‘Current Season’ (see image below)
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Downloads’ heading
- Click on ‘2021 Tournament Expense Receipt’ to view (see image below)
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The PGA of Alberta is very pleased to announce an extended partnership with Champion Partner Callaway Golf Canada for the next two years! Callaway will continue as the Title Sponsor of the Pro-Assistant event being held once again at the prestigious Jasper Park Lodge GC on September 6 & 7. Click here for more information on the already sold out event or to add your team to the waitlist.
Callaway continues to be a strong partner of the Association having supported numerous programs and events over the years including tournaments, education initiatives, golf shows, and the annual Buying Show. Their genuine interest and passion for the Association and members has helped forged a strong and meaningful relationship for over twenty years.
As a result of their support, Callaway Golf Canada was the recipient of the 2021 PGA of Alberta Jack Skellern Patron of the Year Award, which is presented annually to an individual or organization for their support to the PGA of Alberta and the advancement of Professional Golf in the province. They are now a three-time recipient of this Award with the Association, winning previously in 2000 and 2009!
CLICK HERE to watch a short video of PGA of Alberta Vice President Matt Johnson presenting the Award to Bruce Carroll, General Manager at Callaway Golf Canada.
"We are beyond excited to extend our partnership with the PGA of Alberta", said Bruce Carroll. "The Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant continues to be one of the most sought-after events on the calendar, and we are very fortunate to be a part of it. This sponsorship illustrates our commitment to the PGA of Alberta and its members".
About Callaway Golf…
Callaway Golf Company is a premium golf equipment and active lifestyle company with a portfolio of global brands, including Callaway Golf, Odyssey, OGIO, Toptracer and Jack Wolfskin. Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, they manufacture and sell premium golf clubs, golf balls, golf bags and golf accessories as well as active lifestyle apparel, footwear, backpacks, sport and travel bags, and other active lifestyle equipment and accessories.
For more information, go to their website www.callawaygolf.ca or contact their Representatives below:
Jim McCulley Northern Alberta Sales Rep
T: 780-995-5461
[email protected]
Tory Nilson Southern Alberta Sales Rep
T: 403-542-9638
[email protected]
Follow Callaway on social media today...
Congratulations to Stephen Yanitski of Valley Ridge GC on being elected as the new Vice President of the PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Board of Directors.
Stephen has been a member of the Assistants’ Board since the beginning of 2020 and has been actively involved in the Association including sitting on the Education Committee. He is also the recipient of the PGA of Alberta Junior Leader of the Year Award in 2021.
The Association would also like to welcome Robbie Johnson (Banff Springs GC) as the newest member to the Assistants’ Board. The Board is in great hands moving forward with President Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) and the other Board members all striving towards making a positive impact for the Association and Assistant Professionals.
About the Assistants’ Board of Directors...
Up to nine Class "A" Members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Thank you to everyone that attended the virtual Annual General Meeting this year on March 16th. The meeting had over 150 members in attendance. If you were unable to attend the AGM, you can watch the recording by clicking the button below.
Good luck to everyone this upcoming season! Click Here to view the tournament schedule.
Congratulations to the following members for reaching their 25 & 50 Year milestone as a Class "A" Member of the PGA of Canada in 2022! All members were recognized at the Annual General Meeting on March 16th for their outstanding dedication to the Association and golf industry. With such an accomplishment, the National office will recognize each members milestone with a special gift!
50 Years
- Ed Engelhardt (River’s Edge GC)
- Russell Farrell (Life Member)
25 Years
- Brent MacDuff (Coal Creek GR)
- Garett Jenkinson (Golf Performance Canada at Total Golf)
- Gord Courage (The Hamptons GC)
- Gregg Schubert (The Track)
- James King (Belvedere G&CC)
- Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC)
- Michael Hogan (Glencoe G&CC Teaching Centre)
- Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA)
- Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC)
- Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC)
- Todd Jurak (Sylvan Lake G&CC)
- Trevor Ellerman (Desert Blume GC)
Add some excitement to your tournaments and club leagues this season 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!
Click Here for Member Testimonials
What Denominations Can I Purchase?
Any denomination from $500 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.
What are the Benefits of PGA of Alberta HIO Program?
- Competitive industry rates
- Low prize limit amounts available for purchase (under $5,000)
- Fixed rate for field sizes from 32 to 199 players
- 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 and golf industry
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-member of the PGA of Alberta and interested in purchasing, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (see contact info below).
Questions?
If have any questions on how this program can work for you, please contact Marlene Sanderson (E: [email protected] or P: 403-256-8894 / TF: 1-888-866-6140).
Click Here to Purchase
The Assistants Board is excited to present their fourth webinar on "How To Structure Lessons and Maximize Teaching Revenue". The Panelists joining us will be;
Scott Stiles - Earl Grey GC
Riley Fleming - Lynx Ridge GC
Josh Fleming - 365 Golf
Chad Feener - Leduc GC
This will be the last of four webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| March 24th, 2022 | 10:00am-11:00am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
*Reminder this is free to all members*
Congratulations to the following members on being elected to the Board of Directors today (March 16th) at the PGA of Alberta Annual General Meeting:
- Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC, re-elected)
- Dale Tomlinson (The Winston GC, re-elected as President)
- Matt Johnson (Royal Mayfair GC, re-elected as Vice President)
- Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC, re-elected)
Congratulations to the following members on being elected to the Assistants’ Board of Directors:
- Bryn Quickstad (Windermere G&CC, newly elected)
- Lisa Rosengarten (Glencoe G&CC, newly elected)
- Michael Nutt (Kananaskis Country GC, newly elected)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC, re-elected)
Click the following links to view the entire Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board.
The 2022 tournament schedule is now live on the website! Be sure to check out the schedule and mark your calendar with your favourite events.
Tournament Registration will open for ALL tournaments on: Friday, March 25th at 10am.
Please read the information below for important updates on the tournament program and new initiatives being implemented this season so you know what to expect.
Tournament Registration
Tournament registration will follow the same process as last season allowing members to register for all events once opened. Members will not have to pay for each event until 28-days prior to the tournament date.
Eligibility Form
The 2022 Tournament Eligibility Form is available on the PGA of Alberta website. The form is required to be filled out by every member playing in a PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournament this year.
After the form has been submitted and approved by the PGA of Alberta office, the member will receive notification by email stating they are able to register for events online once registration opens on:
Friday, March 25th at 10am.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT FORM.
Withdrawal Policy
The Withdrawal Policy for 2022 will be as follows:
- Withdrawal up to 28-days prior to event date, before Payment Deadline = 100% Refund
- Withdrawal after Payment Deadline but 14-days prior to event date = $50 Administration Charge
- Withdrawal less than 14-days prior to event date but before Registration Deadline = 50% Refund of entry fee
- Withdrawal after draw is posted, after Registration Deadline = No Refund
The registration deadline date will continue to be Wednesday’s at 4pm of the week prior to the event date. This gives administrative staff, host venues and players more time to plan their schedules in advance.
Pro-Assistant
We are pleased to be bringing the event back to Jasper Park Lodge GC in 2022. For anyone that missed the event last season, be sure to take advantage this time around since feedback from the tournament survey was overwhelming. The office will announce several room blocks in the coming weeks. We encourage you to sign up once registration opens (if eligible) and secure your room as early as possible to take advantage of the preferred rates.
Pro-Ams
The format for Pro-Am events (Pro-Junior, Pro-Senior and Pro-Lady) will continue as a Team Net Stableford in 2022. This will ensure scoring is transparent and the focus remains on the team aspect for these events.
Ladies’ Division
For 2022, we will be continuing with the Ladies’ Divisions added to all our Pro-Pro team events to give female Professionals more opportunities to compete against each other in addition to the Ladies’ Championship. Based on survey feedback from female Professionals, team events are the most preferred tournaments for their demographic.
To register once registration has opened, please sign up for the Ladies’ Division team event offerings (Best-Ball & Scramble) you want to play in and during the registration process, please indicate who your partner will be.
Seniors’ Division
We will again be hosting two Seniors’ Division events added to Golf Supply House Series events. Members must be 50 years or older by the tournament date to be eligible to participate in this division. Please be advised that there is only 1 Seniors’ Division event on the schedule currently, discussions are ongoing and Seniors’ Division #2 will be announced soon.
If eligible, we encourage you to participate this season as it gives you the opportunity to play in more events with members of a similar age.
Skins
Tournament Skins will again be included as part of the entry fee for all stroke play events this season (Golf Supply House Series and Championships) and will again continue to be 20$ per 1 Day event and 40$ for 2 Day events.
Click Here to View Tournament Schedule
Please contact me ([email protected]) with any questions/comments/concerns.
Episode 7 brings Golf Architect, Riley Johns from Canmore, AB, to the podcast where he will be discussing the wonderful world of golf architecture. Riley will be sharing:
-
Where he sees the industry moving after Covid-19
-
The journey from designing a facility from start to finish
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What he has learned working with Tom Doak and Ben Crenshaw
-
What courses he has worked on and designed
For any professional with an interest in golf course design, this is a must listen. Thank you to Troy Mills (Jasper Park Lodge GC) for hosting Riley Johns.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks Josh Fleming (365 Golf) will be hosting the final 2 podcasts for this season.
Click here for the website for our Podcast
The Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held this week on Wednesday, March 16th starting at 10:00am MST. The AGM will be held virtually through Zoom. Please see the below updates for the meeting.
Special Guest – We are pleased to announce that recent PGA of Canada Hall of Fame Inductee Mr. Don Price (pictured above) will be a special guest at the AGM. Don will be recognized for his contributions to the Alberta Zone which includes some of the following; being a Board Member for over 10 years, the Zone National Director, and serving as Association President from 1976 - 1980. He is also a two-time PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in both the Leadership and Association Builder pillars. Don will also be saying a few words at the meeting!
Board Elections – Voting for the Board and Assistants’ Board Elections is being executed online through a secure voting platform. Deadline to vote is March 16th, just after the start of the AGM. Please contact [email protected] if you have not received an email for voting instructions. Please note there will be no floor nominations.
Top 100 Points - Members will receive 3 Top 100 points for attending the virtual AGM. Members MUST attend the live stream to receive points. No points will be given for watching the recorded version of the AGM.
Click Here for more information on the AGM
The Association is proud to announce the late Herb Paterson as the newest Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for the PGA of Alberta. Herb was unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to become the second recipient of this prestigious Award in the Industry Pillar, following Jack Skellern who received the honour in 2014.
About Herb Paterson…
Born in 1925, Herb Paterson is probably best known for his salesmanship, having bought out his father-in-law’s Titleist distributorship in the early 1960’s. Herb started at Jim Morrison Ltd. in 1957, and since his territory was Canada, he travelled across the country by car to service his accounts. He had a remarkable, distinguished and enviable 48-year career as the exclusive distributor for Titleist.
Herb grew the business from a modest annual sales volume of $250,000 to $36+ million by acquiring the exclusive Titleist distribution rights to Fiji, Samoa, Guam, Alaska, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Hawaii, in addition to Canada. He would store Titleist, Bag Boy and Etonic products in his basement so that he could be as responsive to his customers as possible.
In 1980, Herb brought his son, David, into the business and they would continue growing the business until 1993, when Acushnet purchased his business. For the next three years, Herb would stay on as a consultant, finally retiring from the day-to-day grind in 1996. But Herb would continue as an ambassador for the company, attending educational seminars and networking events to keep the Titleist name front of mind for golf professionals.
Herb started the Alberta - BC professional team matches that included the seniors and the ladies, which was a great way for Professionals in the two provinces to get together and exchange ideas.
Before Acushnet bought the business, Herb sponsored the PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship Pro-Am which was always well attended. Herb supported Association events, got to know all the Golf Professionals in the area and would give them free golf balls.
After Acushnet took over, he never stopped participating in PGA of Alberta events; attending the Buying Show, Spring Seminar and always spending his own money to remain connected.
Named Honourary Life Member by the PGA of Canada in 2008, Herb was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the British Columbia Zone in 2001.
Outside of golf, Herb also distinguished himself. During the Second World War, Herb joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as Navigator with the rank of Pilot Officer. After the war ended, Paterson attended the University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
On Feb. 24, 2015, Herb peacefully passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer, having just turned 90 years old two weeks earlier. He was survived by sons David, Alan, daughter Carolyn; grandchildren Colin, Hilary, Alana and Rachel, his second wife of 16-years Emilie, and his Titleist family and legion of friends throughout the golf industry in Canada and the USA.
Click Here to watch PGA of Alberta Member and former Association President John D. Wilson (Priddis Greens G&CC) presenting the Award who had a close relationship with Herb.
Click Here to view past Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients with the PGA of Alberta.
The PGA of Canada is pleased to announce that after a week-long election in the Alberta zone, Tiffany Gordon of Carnmoney GC will continue to represent Alberta on the PGA of Canada National Board of Directors. There were 99 votes total in the Alberta election (22% of eligible Class “A” voters).
The 2022 PGA of Canada AGM is scheduled for May 12, 2022. More details will follow in the coming months about timing and location of the event.
All members will be invited to attend, however, as defined in the by-laws of the PGA of Canada, only Class “A” voting members of the Association may vote.
Click here for more information.
To help with your professional development, the PGA of Canada has two remaining sessions occurring on consecutive Monday’s - March 7 & 14 - each being one-and-a-half hours in length and commencing at 12 PM MST. This speaker series is FREE to all PGA of Canada members.
This year’s series will build on last year’s topic about resiliency and leadership through challenging times. PGA professionals are the most important individuals in the country when it comes to growing the game. From the grass roots level on, golfers from coast-to-coast trust and respect PGA professionals. That’s why it is more important than ever to keep learning from industry experts to spark creativity and maximize your business’s opportunities. Golf is shifting more-and-more towards the forefront of consumers minds, it’s time to keep that trend going!
To Register: Click here for details and to register
The Education Committee will be hosting 2 teaching summits this year. These events are a great opportunity to learn from some of the great teaching pros in Alberta and down south. Spots will be limited for both events so make sure you mark the registration dates on your calendars.
The 2022 Alberta Teaching Summit is a two day event at a premier local facility, where PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals congregate to share ideas and improve their standing as teachers of the game. The goal of this program itself, is to elevate the collective skills of PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals as instructors and coaches. This Teaching Summit is open to all PGA of Alberta members looking to improve their abilities, strategies, and methods, especially those who are looking to find their strengths and pathway as instructors and coaches. This year’s edition of the Alberta Teaching Summit will feature 4 leading professionals from within our association to facilitate the event over both days, leading participants through different themes and topics. Participants will also enjoy lunch in the clubhouse each day, and a round of golf following Day 1.
The goal of the committee is to rotate this event to a central and north location over the next 2 years.
South Teaching Summit
The Education Committee is working to bring back a teaching summit to a south USA destination. Stay tuned as we get closer to the season for more details regarding this event.
Exhibitor Registration for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Buying Show is Now Open! The PGA of Alberta would like to invite your company to attend this annual Show being hosted on October 18 – 20 at the Calgary BMO Centre. Attendee Registration for PGA Members and Green Grass Facilities will open in April.
The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season. Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province and country to conduct business and look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry in a professional setting. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers.
The registration process for Exhibitors is simple and can be completed online by visiting the PGA of Alberta website. Click on the following links for the Exhibitor Information Package which includes details on Exhibitor Benefits, Show Schedule, Booth Rates, Show Terms & Conditions, etc., or to register your company for the Show.
Exhibitor Info Package - Click Here
To Register - Click Here
Please be reminded to submit your vote for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Board of Directors and Assistants’ Board elections if you have not done so already. If you are a member of the PGA of Alberta and did not receive an email with instructions on how to vote, please contact [email protected].
Board of Directors Election (8 Nominees)
Four spots are open for election for the Board of Directors. Voting will close just after the start of the AGM on March 16th.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (7 Nominees)
Four spots are open for election for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Voting will close just after the start of the AGM on March 16th.
Click here to see this year’s Board Nominees (login required)
The 2022 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 Wednesday, March 16th.
Registration will open for ALL events the following week on Friday, March 25th @ 10:00 AM. We have a great line up of events which include Championships, Golf Supply House Series, Pro-Ams, and Pro-Pro Team events supported by a top-notch list of Sponsors & Partners.
The 2022 Tournament Eligibility Form is NOW available for submission online.
Click here for 2022 Eligibility Form.
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 for submission.
Please contact me ([email protected]) with any questions.
There are still a few education opportunities to take advantage of before the season starts.
Spring Seminar
Today is the last day to register. Make sure you don’t miss out on a fantastic 2 days of speakers and networking.
Teaching Summit
The Education committee will be hosting one teaching summit in the province on June 13th and 14th at The Glencoe. Registration for the event will open on March 7th at 10am. Mark your calendars as this event is limited to 14 spots.
Assistants Board PD Series #4
"How to Structure Lessons and Maximize Teaching Revenue"
The last webinar for the assistants board will be held March 24th at 10am. These are a great way to learn from your fellow golf professionals, as well as build a network within the membership. This webinar is offered free to all PGA of Alberta Members so take advantage.
The PGA of Alberta is excited to announce a new partnership with Play Golf Alberta as the Title Sponsor of the Association’s Junior Masters event for the next three years! This year’s event will be hosted at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka on May 19 & 20.
Thanks to this new partnership with Play Golf Alberta, invited players will now receive FREE entry into this year’s event! Juniors will not have to pay an entry fee to participate in the tournament which includes two rounds of golf at Wolf Creek GR, meal after each round, and prizes. Invitations for this year’s Junior Masters will be sent to players later this month.
The Junior Masters is a 36-hole invitational Junior Golf Tournament organized each year by the PGA of Alberta. This tournament exists to provide the top 40 boys and top 20 girls in the province with a highly competitive and affordable golf experience through its partnership with Wolf Creek GR. Celebrating its 32nd year in 2022, this event is initiated to provide elite level competition to a limited field of Alberta’s top junior golfers.
"Play Golf Alberta is excited to become the Title Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Junior Masters" said Jeff Sveen, Play Golf Alberta Owner. "We’re so proud to be able to give back to Junior Golf in Alberta and partner with the PGA of Alberta. Looking forward to a great tournament at Wolf Creek".
About Play Golf Alberta…
Play Golf Alberta Ltd. is owned and operated by Jeff Sveen, a member of the PGA of Canada since 1989. In 2010, Play Golf Alberta began as a one-stop website for online tee times.
In 2018, Play Golf Alberta launched a new website enabling golfers to book tee times online, in real time and interfaced directly to golf course tee sheets. As of spring 2019, up to 4 players can be booked online with over 25,000 rounds of inventory available to golfers with No Membership or Booking Fees.
For more information on Play Golf Alberta, please visit their website www.playgolfalberta.com or contact their Representative below:
Jeff Sveen Owner
[email protected]
Click the link below to read the latest update from NAGA Alberta. They continue to monitor provincial restrictions imposed on businesses to curtail the health risks associated with COVID-19 and they are pleased to share the most recent information available.
The Provincial Government is following through on their February 8th announcement and will move to Step 2 effective February 28th at 11:59pm.
Click Here to View Letter
The PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar is now live via the Whova App. If you have registered, make sure to log into the app to view the whole line up of speakers and agenda for the 2 day event. A speaker spotlight for March 3rd;
Photo of Scott Fawcett and Will Zalatoris at the US Junior he won
Scott Fawcett
DECADE Course Management System
The DECADE Course Management System, has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole locations.
Bio
Scott undertook this project for his own game, but injury sidelined him in 2014. As a result, he reached out to a junior golfer at his home course in Dallas to caddie for him in the Texas Amateur, Will Zalatoris. Will won by THREE which was his first victory in anything other than a high school event! Three weeks later Scott caddied for Zalatoris at the U.S. Junior Amateur where he won again. College coaches began calling. Since Scott lives in Dallas, SMU was one of the first college programs he worked with. Bryson DeChambeau was ranked 50th in the world when he attended Scott’s seminar. Six months later he had won both the NCAA Championships and the U.S. Amateur! In addition to those two USGA wins, TEN other players have won USGA titles in the first five years Scott has taught his DECADE Course Management System. Female members of the DECADE App have won the Women’s British Open, Women’s U.S. Amateur, Women’s NCAA Individual Title, and Augusta Women’s Amateur.
Registration Closes March 1st at 4:00pm
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce an extended partnership with Impact Canopy Canada Inc. for the next two years! Impact Canopy Canada will be a Presenting Sponsor of the Buying Show Welcome Breakfast held on the first day of the Show.
In 2022, the Welcome Breakfast will be hosted on Tuesday, October 18th at the BMO Centre in Calgary. Mark your calendars now as all attendees and exhibitors of the Show are encouraged to attend this complimentary event which begins at 8am, 1-hour before the Show officially opens at 9am.
“Our partnership with the PGA of Alberta is a relationship we value greatly at Impact”, stated Rachel Hart, Marketing Manager of Impact Canopy. “We look forward to continuing our relationship and furthering our commitment to elevating the PGA brand and providing unparalleled offerings to all members.”
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SPECIAL: Special discounts are available for members of the PGA of Alberta on select Impact Canopy Canada products, including Canopies, Marquee Tents, Flags, Table Covers, Banners, Tee Dividers, Director Chairs, and more. They can turn your vision into reality!
Click Here for Exclusive Special
About Impact Canopy Canada…
Impact Canopies has a 20-year history of helping leading organizations create exciting and highly visible branding campaigns and marketing initiatives. Impact Canopies Canada Inc. was formed in 1999 and has more than a decade of experience manufacturing and distributing all styles of canopies, pop-up tents, and accessories.
With offices all throughout Canada, Impact Canopy’s custom canopies, pop-up tents, banners, flags, inflatables, and more are widely available throughout North America at numerous convenient locations. Through the Impact Canopy offices, you can expect an extensive inventory, an available rental fleet, and expert sales and service advice.
For more information on Impact Canopy Canada and to see what products they offer, please visit their website www.impactcanopy.ca or contact their Representative below:
Greg Swalwell Event Branding Specialist
T: 604-833-1472
[email protected]
Follow Impact Canopy Canada on social media today... 
Reminder that registration for th PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar closes Tuesday, March 1st at 4pm. Thank you to everyone who has already registered. Join us March 2nd and 3rd to engage with our talented line-up of speakers including;
James Jackson
Marketing & Tourism Alberta-James will explain how Tourism Jasper shifted its marketing strategy in light of COVID-19 from a predominantly international audience to an Albertan summer focus and share some marketing best practices and industry trends along the way.
Bio
A born and raised Edmontonian, James Jackson began his career in event management. After getting a feel for the operational side of the business, he joined Edmonton Tourism to learn the production side, overseeing the Sport Tourism file working with international sports organizations like: FIFA, ITU, and Red Bull. He later led the Tourism Development portfolio, managing several major hotel and real estate development projects with Edmonton Economic Development. In 2017 he moved to Jasper to lead Tourism Jasper as President & CEO.
James has a BA from the University of Alberta in Recreation Sport and Tourism, a certificate from Harvard Business School Online in finance and economics, and a professional designation from Destinations International as a Certified Destination Marketing Executive.
**Reminder Registration Open Until March 1st at 4PM MST**
The PGA of Alberta Education Committee has partnered with Par Six Golf to present a webinar on "Social Media Strategy".
Social media can be confusing and frustrating not knowing—what to post, what to
say, when to say it, where to say it, who to say it to…it makes it a daunting project to
take on. I’m going to demonstrate how to develop a clearly defined social media
strategy. This 10 step process is going to provide clarity and a defined roadmap
enabling you to produce a fully developed social media strategy. More importantly, it’s
going to help you deliver a clear and consistent message in your social media
marketing. This webinar is full of practical and actionable advice that you can apply to
your own brand. - Colby Johannson (co-founder Par Six Golf)
| Date | Location | Capacity | Cost |
|
February 24, 2022 10:00-11:30AM Registration closes February 23- 4:00PM |
Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited | $15 |
Episode 6 brings Tour Striker inventor, Martin Chuck, to the podcast where he will be sharing where his passion for teaching golf arose. Martin will discuss:
-
His journey from inventing the tour striker to running a successful golf academy
-
How to make use of social media to grow your business
-
Learning how to be selective and to communicate effectively
-
How to get out of your comfort zone
For any professional looking to build or retain their client base, Martin provides a ton of insight on simple tips and tricks to teach at any level. Thank you to Craig Vogel (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) for hosting Martin.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Troy Mills hosts Riley Johns and Thomas McBroom on Course Design
Also:
Dean Ingalls hosts Ron Laugher on Golf Operations
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Click here for Season 3 Episode 6 on Spotify
Click here for Season 3 Episode 6 on Apple
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held virtually this year due to the Spring Seminar moving to a virtual format. The date of the virtual AGM will be on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, beginning at 10:00am MST. The AGM will be hosted through the Zoom platform. Click here to register for the AGM.
Board of Directors Election (8 Nominees)
Four spots are open for election in 2022 for the Board of Directors. Online voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 22nd and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 16th.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Election (7 Nominees)
Four spots are open for election in 2022 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Online voting will officially open on Tuesday, February 22nd and will close just after the start of the AGM on March 16th.
Click here to see this year’s Board Nominees (login required)
The PGA of Alberta is delighted to announce an extended partnership with BPG Buying Group in 2022 as the newest Presenting Sponsor of the Awards Banquet Cocktail Reception. This year’s event will be hosted after the second day of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show on Wednesday, October 19th at the BMO Centre in Calgary.
"The BPG Buying Group is thrilled to extend our partnership and opportunity to work with the PGA of Alberta and their members" said Martin Boucher, BPG General Manager. "BPG represents over 190 PGA of Canada member facilities 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".
About BPG Buying Group…
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. Click here to learn more about what BPG offers to their members. For more information, go to their website www.boutiquesprogolf.com or contact their Representatives below:
Mike Loftus Member Services & Western Canada Representative
T: 587-578-7464
[email protected]
Martin Boucher General Manager
[email protected]
Follow BPG Buying Group on social media today... 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Registration for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Teaching Summit will open March 7th at 10:00am. This year’s event will be held at The Glencoe G&CC.
Event Dates and Time
June 13th 9:00am-3:00pm with a round of golf to follow
June 14th 9:00am-3:00pm
Participants Number: Limited to 14 people
More details to follow
Registration for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar is now open to all PGA of Canada members and non-members. Join us March 2nd and 3rd to engage with our talented line-up of speakers including;
Iain Highfield
Effective Golf Practice - How to make swing changes stick and transfer your range game to the course.
Bio
- Passionate and professional Mental Performance Coach calling upon expertise gained from studying, playing and working within numerous sports institutions and facilities.
- Promoting over 10 years of expertise educating and inspiring children, professional athletes and business people to create psychological habits of excellence.
- A world leader in performance improvement through creating effective training environments that lead to higher skill retention and increased transfer of skill.
- A very grateful individual who loves to share his knowledge, passion and live his dream helping others strive towards their goals and create positive change.
- Extensive coaching background in Golf supporting elite juniors, college, international, European Tour & LPGA Tour golfers.
**Reminder Registration Open Until March 1st at 4PM MST**
Mike Commodore and Ryan Whitney will be closing out day 1 at the Spring Seminar discussing Leadership, Business and Branding during their professional careers. The goal is to have an interactive session where they can share stories and experiences from on and off the ice, discuss their journey to becoming avid golfers, and provide insight on being successful after retirement.
Join them March 2nd from 3:45-5:15PM
**Reminder Early Bird Pricing Ends Today At 4PM**
Click the link below to read the latest update from NAGA Alberta on February 9. The Provincial Government has announced revisions to the Restrictions Exemption Program effective 11:59pm February 8, 2022.
Click Here to View Update
Program At A Glance
March 2nd
| 10:00-11:30AM | Jason Zuback - Unconventional Distance |
| 11:30-12:00PM | Darren Lexa - Optimizing Food & Beverage Profitability |
| 12:00-12:30PM | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:30PM | Liam Mucklow - Lessons From PGA Tour Players |
| 1:30-2:30PM | James Jackson - Marketing & Tourism Alberta |
| 2:30-3:45PM | Iain Highfield - Effective Golf Practice |
| 3:45-5:15PM | Mike Commodore & Ryan Whitney - Leadership, Business and Branding |
March 3rd
| 10:00-11:30AM | Erika Larkin & Gia Liwski & Trillium Rose - Finding Your Leading Lady |
| 11:30-12:30PM | Carl Horne & Bennett Blakeman - A Better Back = A Better Life |
| 12:30-12:45PM | Lunch |
| 12:45-1:45PM | Kerry Watkins & Chris Prodahl - Superintendent’s Relationship With Their Golf Pros |
| 1:45-2:45PM | Derek Lane - Junior Golf To Director Of Golf |
| 2:45-3:45PM | TBA - TBA |
| 3:45-5:15PM | Dean Kandle - Time Management Tactics |
**Click Speaker Name For More Information**
**Reminder Each Person Must Register Individually**
The Assistants Board is excited to present their third webinar on "Keys to Transitioning to a Head Golf Professional". The talented panelists will be sharing their experiences and keys to excelling within the golf industry which will include;
Chris Cooke- Silvertip GR
Eric Porter- Lethbridge CC
Mathew MacDonald- Innisfail GC
Michael Graham- Cottonwood G&CC
Samuel Kirkness- Inglewood G&CC
This will be the third of four webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| February 17, 2022 | 10:00am-11:00am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
The Education Committee is excited to announce this panel of fantastic ladies will be joining The Spring Seminar- Erika Larkin, Gia Liwski and Trillium Rose. These three ladies are the top female influencers in golf right now. All three have a passion about women in golf and will be sharing their experiences of how they navigated their way to the top of a male dominated industry. During the presentation they will be providing guidance on growing your brand and developing an approach to impact golfers of all levels.
Join them March 3rd from 10:00-11:30am
Click on their name to visit their website
Episode 5 focuses on Barrett Jarosch’s journey from playing professional to club president at Windermere G&CC, hosted by Brice MacDermott (Windermere G&CC). Barrett will discuss:
-
His experiences getting in to golf
-
Playing collegiately and then on tour
-
His journey to a private club, becoming involved with the Windermere Board of Directors, Club Governance and now as Club President.
This is a great listen for any golf pro looking to get more involved in their club.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Craig Vogel hosts Martin Chuck on Effective Golf Instruction
Also:
Troy Mills hosts Riley Johns and Thomas McBroom on Course Design
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Click here for Season 3 Episode 5 on Spotify
Click here for Season 3 Episode 5 on Apple
The PGA of Alberta is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Rampion Enterprises for 2022. Featuring brands such as 2UNDR, Projekt Bags and Quikflip Apparel, Rampion Enterprises will be the newest Proud Partner of the Association and looks forward to supporting the Membership this upcoming season and at the 2022 Buying Show in October.
“We are very proud to sponsor the PGA of Alberta. After having grown up in Alberta personally, I couldn’t be happier to support the Professionals in this Association" said Chad Haralson, V.P. of Sales for Rampion Enterprises. "As a company that has prided itself on building new brands in Canada, we’re really excited to have 2UNDR be selected by pga.com as one of the best men’s golf brands at the 2022 PGA Show in Orlando.
About Rampion Enterprises…
Based outside of Vancouver, B.C., Rampion Enterprises has been successfully distributing golf products and apparel in Canada for both retail and corporate for over 50 years. Rampion prides itself on providing quality goods with exceptional service to meet all customer’s needs in the Canadian market. Get in touch with them today to learn more about their popular brands.
In addition to being a distributor for brands such as Quikflip Apparel, Rampion has developed its own including 2UNDR Men’s Performance Underwear and Projekt Bags. 2UNDR began as a premium men’s underwear line and quickly has evolved into a full apparel and lifestyle brand perfect for golf or everyday life. Rickie Fowler is their #1 brand ambassador who initially reached out to the company as he was such a fan of the brand.
For more information on Rampion Enterprises and their brands, please visit their website www.rampionent.com or contact their representatives below:
Darcy Mcllwain, Sales Rep Alberta North & South
C: 403-863-9979
[email protected]
Chad Haralson, V.P. of Sales
T: 604-395-8219 ext. 204
[email protected]
Follow Rampion Enterprises on social media today... 
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held virtually this year due to the Spring Seminar moving to a virtual format. The virtual AGM will be held on Wednesday, March 16, beginning at 10:00am. The AGM will be hosted through the Zoom platform.
Top 100 Points - Members will receive 3 Top 100 points for attending the virtual AGM. Please note - Members MUST attend the live stream to receive points. No points will be given for watching the recorded version of the AGM.
Sign Up Today - Register to ensure you receive all information for this year’s AGM. Information will be sent in the week prior to the AGM including the agenda, 2021 financial statements, and meeting Zoom link.
Click Here to Register (login required)
The PDF version of the 2022 PGA of Alberta Industry Directory is NOW available! This version is SUITABLE FOR PRINTING if you would like to have a hard copy of the Directory.
Since the Buying Show was cancelled last October, there will only be a PDF and Online version available of the Directory this year. Please click the links below to view the different versions.
*NEW FEATURE* - Please remember you are now able to access a company’s DIGITAL CATALOGUE through the online Directory. In the Industry Suppliers section, look under a company’s listing to find the link to their online Catalogue (if available).
We hope you find value in the annual Industry Directory. Please only share the Directory amongst your team as it is an exclusive document. The Directory includes the following information:
- Partner Page
- Facility Listings
- Membership List
- Industry Suppliers Index with Digital Catalogue links (*New Feature*)
- Products & Lines Represented
- Notes Section (for PDF printable version)
PDF Version --> CLICK HERE
ONLINE Version --> CLICK HERE
Riley Fleming of Lynx Ridge GC managed to pick up what he called “the biggest win of (my) career” this past summer at the PGA Championship of Canada – and he did it in record breaking fashion. In the history of the event, won in the past by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Moe Norman and Lee Trevino, nobody has gone as low as Fleming, who shot 66-63-68-66 to win by three strokes at Parcours du Vieux Village in Bromont, Quebec.
In addition, Fleming managed to battle back from an opening round 74 at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada with rounds of 66 and 69 to place in a tie for third.
A month before his triumph at the National Championship, Fleming won the PGA of Alberta’s Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship in a playoff over Grant Numrich, firing 64-71 at the two-day event at Sirocco GC. This was Riley’s fourth consecutive Assistants’ Championship victory with the PGA of Alberta.
Since receiving his card back in 2018, Riley has already amassed two provincial Player of the Year Awards (2018 & 2020), one national Player of the Year Award, six provincial Championship titles, and one national Championship title.
We are proud to recognize Mr. Don Price as one of seven Members inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame during the National Awards Ceremony on January 27th.
Born in 1941, Don joined the PGA of Canada in 1964 as an Assistant at the Earl Grey GC. He continued his golf career as a Head Professional with Red Deer GC, Canyon Meadows G&CC and Glencoe G&CC, where he retired in 1998.
He was a Class ‘A’ Member for 34 years and throughout his membership, gained much recognition for his work within the Association and his personal career. Don became a PGA of Alberta Board Member in 1966, served as President from 1976 - 1980 and remained an Advisor to the Board until 1998. He also spent four years as the National Representative for Alberta and became the National Employment Chairman as the PGA of Canada Rep.
Don Price was honoured as the Alberta Club Professional of the Year for a record five consecutive years from 1980 - 1984. He was also recognized and awarded the Canadian Club Professional of the Year Honour in 1983. Some other achievements include:
- 1977 - PGA of Canada Classic Shimoda Japan Champion
- 1978 - Southern Alberta Pro Match Play Challenge Champion
- 1979 - 2nd place in the Canadian Club Pro Challenge
- 1981 & 1983 - Alberta Pro-Lady Individual Champion
- 1993 - Alberta Seniors’ Champion
Don has contributed endlessly to Junior Golf Development. He started the Junior Masters in 1990, to give Calgary elite juniors an equal competitive opportunity to play, as the Edmonton Golf Association was doing for the city of Edmonton juniors.
In 1998, Don Price was recognized for not only being a member of the PGA of Canada for 25 years, but his years of golf service and his contributions to the game of golf. Soon after, Don retired in 1999 and moved to Creston, BC with his wife Linda.
Don was recognized once again for his involvement within the Association and the game of golf by becoming a Life Member of the Association in 2000, and in 2003 he was unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to receive the inaugural PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Leadership category, one of five pillars for the Award.
In 2012, Don was once again recognized for his contributions to the Association and was presented with a second Lifetime Achievement Award, the latest being in the Association Builder Category.
Click Here to watch Don’s Speech (24:55 - 27:45)
Registration for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Virtual Spring Seminar is now OPEN!
The seminar will be held March 2nd & 3rd as a digital Education Conference via the Whova App/Platform - which allows video integration with a variety of video hosting platforms, sharing of agendas with attendees for presentations, sharing of any presentation related documents the Speakers provide. Click here for a YouTube video on Whova.
The Education Committee has put together another exciting line-up of speakers to provide a top tier event focused on development and networking. Please note that discussions to confirm speakers is still on going and will be announced in the coming weeks. Speakers already confirmed will be highlighted in the news article section and education events tab of the website.
Please note that we are offering Early Bird Pricing to all our Members until February 11th! Mark these dates in your calendar now, we hope you plan on attending this annual kick-off to the golf season in an albeit different but still exciting capacity this year!
Registration is open for the Virtual PGA of Canada National Awards Night, which begins at 5pm MST on Thursday, January 27th. The Webcast will officially open and will begin running a pre-roll at 4:30pm MST prior to the beginning of the event at 5pm. In addition to the Awards, seven Hall-of-Fame inductees will also be recognized.
“With Bob Weeks and Kayla Grey back as co-hosts, as well as PGA of Canada Class "A" Member Jean-Sébastien Légaré, this event promises to be an exciting evening for all,” said Teejay Alderdice, President of the PGA of Canada. “I encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate our esteemed finalists and winners.”
To register for the Virtual Awards, CLICK HERE.
Good luck to the following Alberta Professionals up for a National Award. To view all finalists, CLICK HERE.
- Chris Schatzmann (Stewart Creek G&CC) - Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
- Patrick Coli (Carnmoney GC) - Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
- Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) - George Knudson Teacher of the Year
- Chris Ward (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year & Tex Noble Professional Development Award
- Rachel Wiebe (Windermere G&CC) - Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
- Jamie Reimer (Golfuture YYC) - Ben Kern Coach of the Year
- Fort McMurray GC (Head Professional - Kyle Corriveau) - Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
- Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) - Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year
- Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
Episode 4 is hosted by one of the education committee chairs Josh Fleming (Golftec Calgary Beacon Heights). Josh will sit down with the President of the PGA of Alberta Assistants Board Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC). Bryce talks about his career in golf, where he predicts the industry is going, and what being a golf professional means to him. Bryce is an amazing professional and this podcast is worth a listen.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Brice McDermott hosts Barrett Jarosch on Training&Development/ Leadership
Also:
Craig Vogel hosts Martin Chuck on Effective Golf Instruction
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Click here for Season 3 Episode 4 on Spotify
Click here for Season 3 Episode 4 on Apple
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce an extended partnership with Foresight Sports Canada as the Presenting Sponsor of the Association’s Top 100 Program for the next two years!
"Foresight Sports Canada, the Canadian distributor for the San Diego, California based Foresight Sports, is extremely pleased to continue our partnership with the PGA of Alberta’s Top 100 Program to support PGA Members in education and professional development" said Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager and PGA of Alberta Member. "As a company committed to providing world leading information and metrics, we could not be happier with this fit. Thank you to all PGA Members who took advantage of the referral program over the past couple of years".
The PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program was launched in 2019 and is based on pre-defined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals.
With this extended partnership, the PGA of Alberta will continue to offer 10 cash bursaries at a value of over $5,200! The annual Top 100 Award is given out to the member who accumulates the most points for the program year.
Click here to view the current Top 100 standings!
About Foresight Sports…
Located in San Diego, California, Foresight Sports is a designer and manufacturer of performance analysis and game enhancement technologies. Their products include launch monitors, simulators, performance/entertainment software, and smart mobility solutions for a variety of sports and games.
In 2017, Foresight Sports unveiled its ground-breaking four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics, and has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Launch Monitor for four consecutive years.
Today, Foresight Sports is a total technology provider, with more than 15,000 GC launch monitors and golf simulation solutions in use in retail stores, driving ranges, commercial facilities, and homes worldwide. With engineering, manufacturing, and quality-assurance teams all located under one roof, Foresight Sports offers complete, vertically integrated solutions for every segment of the market.
To learn more about their products, please visit www.foresightsports.ca. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager Alberta
T: 403-861-0551
E: [email protected]
The Education Committee is excited to announce that it will be hosting a webinar on all facets of the Golf Genius Software which will be available to all members. This day will consist of a morning and afternoon session where members can choose to educate themselves on a topic most relevant to their club.
Golf Genius Software has many benefits which include;
- Overall learning about Golf Genius Software
- Tools and features for tournament and league set up
- Tools and features to enhance the golf shop
- Member knowledge can provide value to their club
Objective:
To educate current PGA of Alberta members about the features of Golf Genius Tournament Management Software (GGTM) and Golf Shop Software (GGGS).
Date / Time:
February 1, 2022
We will offer an AM session and a PM session. Each session will cover the same material. If a participant chooses to attend the AM session, they are not required to attend the PM session but you may attend a different session in the PM.
9:30AM to 10:30AM – Session 1, 2, 3, or 4
10:30AM to 10:45AM – Break
10:45AM to 12:00PM – Continue session
12:00PM to 1:00PM - LUNCH
1:00PM to 2: 30PM – Session 1, 2, 3, or 4
2:30PM to 2:45PM – Break
2:45PM to 4:00PM – Continue session
Please click down below to learn more about what will be offered during the webinar.
Session #1 : Learn More- Golf Genius Software
Session #2 : Golf Genius TM Club
Session #3 : Golf Genius TM Club Premium
Session #4 : Golf Genius Golf Shop
Click To Register Now
Dear Member,
All Head Professionals, Executive Professionals and Head Teaching Professionals have the ability to update their Facility page information on the PGA of Alberta website. This will allow you to update your Facility information to ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date. See the below table for information that can be updated.
To start making changes on your Facility page, please follow the steps below:
- Login to the PGA of Alberta website by clicking here.
- Under ’My Account’ or ’Manage Account’, click the ’Edit Facility’ tab (see screenshot below).
- Update your Facility information. Click ’Save Changes’ at the bottom of the page once finished.
- Click ’View Facility’ after changes have been successfully saved. Make sure your Facility logo and banner image have cropped properly.
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PLEASE NOTE: Only Head Professionals, Executive Professionals and Head Teaching Professionals will be able to make changes to the Facility page. If you want to give access to an Apprentice or Class "A" Professional at your Facility to make changes, or if you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. If you want to update a new Professional at your facility, please notify [email protected].
What To Update
| Facility Type |
Indicate whether your Facility is Public, Private, Resort, etc. |
|
Description
|
Write a description about your Facility similar to what is on your Club/Facility website. This is a perfect place to display any important information to Members and/or the public.
|
|
Address
|
Ensure you Facility’s address is up-to-date and accurate. You even have the option to display your Facility’s location on Google Maps by checking the box ’Display Google Map’.
|
|
Contact Details
|
Make sure your contact information is accurate by putting an updated email address, phone number, and website link that people should use when trying to contact your Facility or find more information.
|
| Logo |
Be sure to include your important Club/Facility logo to ensure your brands presence on your page. For best results, upload a square image no less than 300 x 300 pixel size. Logo will be automatically cropped.
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| Banner Image |
Last but not least, upload a banner image of your course to give your page a unique, genuine feel. For best results, upload a wide image with no less than 1920 x 600-pixel size. Banner image will be automatically cropped.
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Examples: Below are a few current examples of updated facility pages on the website.
- Example #1 - Click Here
- Example #2 - Click Here
- Example #3 - Click Here
The 2022 edition of the PGA of Alberta Industry Directory is NOW available! Since the Buying Show was cancelled last October, there will only be an online version available of the Directory this year. Please click the link below to view the online version.
*NEW FEATURE* - You are now able to access a company’s digital Catalogue through the Directory. In the Industry Suppliers section, just look at a company’s listing to find the link to their online Catalogue (if available).
Next week, a PDF version will be released suitable for downloading and printing if needed. The Industry Directory includes the following information:
- Partner Page
- Facility Listings
- Membership List
- Industry Suppliers Index with Digital Catalogue links (if available)
- Products and Lines Represented
- Notes Section (for PDF printable version)
Click Here for Industry Directory
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program (separate from the PGA of Canada Mentorship Program) provides guidance and direction to first-year Members of the Association. 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 in the golf industry.
CLICK HERE to see Program Feedback from Mentors/Mentees
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 Mentee with a Mentor 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). Ex. This can be accomplished over a round of golf or at an Association tournament/event
- 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. All Mentors must execute the action items as indicated and submit the Evaluation Form before being eligible to receive points. Points are only awarded for the first-year of your pairing.
Become A Mentor in 2022…
If interested in being involved, click the link below to submit the "Become A Mentor" form by February 18, 2022. After the form has been submitted, you will be added to the Mentor list (if eligible) and MAY be assigned a Mentee in March (depending on total number of Mentors/Mentees, and geographical location). Please ignore this form if you have already expressed interest in being a Mentor.
Click Here for Mentor Form
Become A Mentee in 2022...
All new members of the Association are automatically signed up to be a Mentee in the program. If you received your card in 2021 or 2022, you will AUTOMATICALLY be assigned a Mentor in March of 2022.
If interested in being a Mentee and you are not a new member as stated above, please contact [email protected] at the PGA office for more information. Mentors are assigned based on several factors including geographical location to the Mentee.
After much review and consideration from the Board of Directors and Education Committee, the Spring Seminar will be virtual again this year. The dates are scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd, 2022.
The overall goal is to still provide a top tier event that will be beneficial for all members involved. Stay tuned next week for updates on speakers that will be presenting along with the opening of registration.
Thank you for your continued support for the PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar
After much review and consideration from the Board of Directors, the Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows scheduled in March.
As we’ve all learned over the past two years, we still frequently see new developments related to COVID-19, and unfortunately it is no different starting off the new year with the Omicron variant taking hold of the world in unprecedented speed. The Association wants to keep everyone safe during these times and had to make the decision to postpone the Shows to 2023. If your facility purchased booth space at either Show this year, you will be refunded in full shortly.
Thank you for your support of the Alberta Golf Shows and for your understanding of this difficult decision. We look forward to bringing the Shows back in 2023 with the support of the entire industry.
Stay safe!
Looking to promote your facility this off-season? Take advantage of the Associations social media initiative where we feature a new facility every Friday in the off-season on our Twitter and Instagram accounts (over 7,400 followers!).
HOW IT WORKS - All you have to do is submit the required information on the form (see link below) to have your facility featured! Please note that facilities will be selected at random and all information must be filled in to be considered (unless noted as optional on form). In the event we have more submissions than Fridays available, we will store your information to be used the following off-season.
IMPORTANT - To prevent having multiple submissions from the same facility, please collaborate with your staff/team to ensure only one application is sent for the initiative.
PRIZE GIVEAWAY - As you’ll see in the form, please let us know if your facility is willing to donate a prize giveaway to help increase engagement with your post! This is OPTIONAL and not mandatory but will help increase the amount of viewers for your post. Prize could be green fees, merchandise, lesson, gift card, etc. As part of this giveaway, viewers will need to follow your facility’s account along with other conditions in order to be eligible to win.
PAST EXAMPLES - Below are a few posts from last year. This will give you an idea of the exposure your facility will receive as part of this initiative:
- Example #1 - Stewart Creek G&CC - Click here to see post
- Stewart Creek gained 149 followers in the three days after the post
- Example # 2 - The Ranch G&CC - Click here to see post
- The Ranch G&CC gained 73 followers in the three days after the post
- Example #3 - Lakeside GC - Click here to see post
- Lakeside GC gained 71 new followers in the three days after the post
If you want your facility featured, DEADLINE to submit the form is January 28th, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE - Priority will automatically be given to facilities that were not part of the initiative last year.
Click Here for Form
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta member Drake Mason. He passed away in December of 2021 at the age of 66 years. Drake had worked at a number of golf facilities in Alberta which include Pheasantback GC, Edmonton Springs GR, and Billy D’s Driving Range.
Drake joined the Association in 1978 and received his 25-Year milestone as a Class "A" Member in 2008. A Memorial Service was held for him on December 27th, 2021 in Edmonton.
Our thoughts are with Drake’s family and friends during this time. Click the link below for his obituary.
Click Here for Obituary
If you are interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2022, please click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination form. Deadline to submit your interest is Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 (end of day).
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the Members. There are between nine and twelve Members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class A Members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2022 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors
Assistant Professionals (Class A) and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class A Members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Three (3) spots are open for election in 2022 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
Click Here to Submit Your Nomination
REMINDER - SAVE DRAFT FEATURE
You can save your forms online before submitting. Please follow the steps below:
- You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft
- Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every form on the website
- To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
- Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
- Submit when finished
Episode 3 is brought to you by Judy Forshner and Shannon Raina of The Glencoe G&CC. They will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on how they have built their careers as a female in the golf industry. They will be discussing;
How Judy started and has remained at The Glencoe G&CC for 35 years
Pro/Cons of being a female golf pro
Career challenges
The importance of learning/listening to every member of the team
Thank you to Judy and Shannon for sharing some insight into their successful careers
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Josh Fleming hosts Bryce Halverson on Growing As A Professional
Also:
Brice McDermott hosts Barrett Jarosch on Training & Development/ Leadership
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Click here for Season 3 Episode 3 on Spotify
Click here for Season 3 Episode 3 on Apple
EARLY BIRD pricing has been extended to Friday, January 14th for the 2022 Calgary & Edmonton Golf Shows in March! The upcoming Shows are scheduled as follows:
- Calgary Golf Show, March 19 & 20, 2022 at the BMO Centre (Hall E) - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- Edmonton Golf Show, March 26 & 27, 2022 at the Edmonton Expo Centre (Hall A) - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Make sure to register ASAP to take advantage of the discounted rates. Here are the TOP 5 reasons why PGA of Alberta members need to exhibit at the Consumer Golf Shows in 2022:
#1 - Promote your facility and programs to over 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province. The Calgary Show sees approx. 4,000 - 4,500 attendees and the Edmonton Show sees approx. 2,500 - 3,000 attendees.
#2 - SELL! Your facility has the opportunity to sell green fees (bundle packs), memberships, lessons, league play, simulator leagues, and whatever else your facility has to offer to the thousands of golfers in attendance.
#3 - Take advantage of the upswing of new golfers the industry has experienced over the last two years due to the pandemic. This is a perfect opportunity for you to expose your brand to new demographics in a fun environment amongst your peers.
#4 - Support the Association and Industry! With the cancellation of Golf Shows and Buying Show over the last two years, the 2022 Golf Shows will give the PGA of Alberta the chance to give back to Albertans that have supported golf facilities and the industry overall during the pandemic.
#5 - TOP 100 POINTS - New this year, all PGA members at a facility that exhibits at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the new program year! See standings HERE.
Pricing will increase after January 14th so take advantage of these rates while they last! If either Show is cancelled due to government restrictions from COVID-19 policies, all facilities that registered will be refunded their booth fee. If you have any questions about the Shows, please contact Trevor Rioux at [email protected].
Calgary Golf Show - REGISTER HERE / Edmonton Golf Show - REGISTER HERE
The PGA of Alberta wishes everyone a Happy New Year and a fantastic 2022 Golf Season which is a few short months away! Our office will be open again starting on Tuesday, January 4th. Click here for staff directory.
With the new year upon us, the PGA of Alberta is proud to officially announce the TOP 100 PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals for 2021 as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada! The list below is the top 100 point earners for 2021 program year. These members will receive a custom Top 100 logo in the new year recognizing this accomplishment.
Click Here for 2021 Standings
The Top 100 Program is based on pre-determined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and demonstrate proven abilities in advancing the golf industry for the benefit of all Golf Professionals. The following areas where points are awarded are Education, Association initiatives, Tournaments and Volunteerism. Congratulations to the following Professionals (click on a name to learn more):
2021 Top 100 Professionals
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| Anderson, Scott PGA of Alberta Member |
Anderson, Stefan Lakeside GC |
Babkirk, Tyrel Apple Creek GC |
| Barendregt, Nathan Derrick G&WC |
* Boyd, Kyle * Top 10 Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Brayton, Gordon PGA of Alberta Member |
| Bruce, Adam GOLFTEC Edmonton |
Bunner, Alexander Belvedere G&CC |
* Busetto, Joseph * Top 10 Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
| Caines, Ryan Inglewood G&CC |
Cartier, Jacob Glendale G&CC |
Chow, Kevin Blackhawk GC |
| Christenson, Gary Sturgeon Valley G&CC |
Cooke, Darren Canmore G&CC |
Copeland, Josh Wainwright GC |
| Cox, Stefan Calgary G&CC |
Crease, John Jasper Park Lodge GC |
Cuthbertson, Jeff Stony Plain GC |
| DesRoche, Glen Picture Butte GC |
DiPasquale, Chris Par 3 Golf Academy at Bridge Valley Golf |
Fast, Brian PGA of Alberta Member |
| Feener, Chad Leduc GC |
* Fleming, Josh * Top 10 GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights |
Fleming, Riley Lynx Ridge GC |
| Foote, Kurtis PGA of Alberta Member |
Gagne, Brad McKenzie Meadows GC |
Gillett, Weston Lacombe G&CC |
| Halpen, Todd Golfuture |
* Halverson, Bryce * Top 10 Carnmoney GC |
Hanson, Leif Mickelson National GC |
| Hardy, Richard McKenzie Meadows GC |
Hartford, Gary Highlands GC |
Henzie, Dave Nanton GC |
| * Hill, Logan * Top 10 River Bend G&RA |
Hopfner, Jonathan Springbank Links |
Horton, Paul Golf Channel Academy at Heritage Pointe |
| Ingalls, Dean Carnmoney GC |
Jeffries, Nicola Willow Park G&CC |
Johnson, Robert Jasper Park Lodge GC |
| Johnson, Greg Inglewood G&CC |
Johnson, Matt Royal Mayfair GC |
Karlson, Brady Canyon Meadows G&CC |
| Keats, Mac Pinebrook G&CC |
* Kirkness, Sam * Top 10 Inglewood G&CC |
Lee, Tommy Carnmoney GC |
| Leicht, Tyler Derrick G&WC |
Locke, Eric Priddis Greens G&CC |
Longley, Nic Lakeside GC |
| Luopa, Shaun Country Hills GC |
MacComb, David Royal Mayfair GC |
MacDermott, Brice Windermere G&CC |
| MacDonald, Mathew Innisfail GC |
MacGregor, Jeff Glendale G&CC |
Mackey, Joshua Windermere G&CC |
| Mah, Matthew Cardiff G&CC |
Maher, Jeremy Modern Golf |
Matuch, Mike PGA of Alberta Member |
| McCluskey, Phil River Bend G&RA |
McCourt, Murray Ranch G&CC |
McDermott, Ryan Links at Spruce Grove |
| McEachern, Michael Country Hills GC |
McKiernan, John HeatherGlen GC |
Mills, Troy Jasper Park Lodge GC |
| Nelson, Graeme Derrick G&WC |
Numrich, Grant Red Deer G&CC |
Paskin, Chris Valley Ridge GC |
| Pecman, Tyler Highlands GC |
Petryk, Larry Larry Petryk Golf Academy |
Piercey, Shaun Ranch G&CC |
| Pilon, Matt Hamptons GC |
* Plosz, Jason * Top 10 FootJoy - Acushnet Canada |
Quickstad, Bryn Windermere G&CC |
| Raina, Shannon Glencoe G&CC |
Repp, Doug HeatherGlen GC |
Robb, Randy Mickelson National Golf Academy |
| Robertson, Curtis Valley Ridge GC |
Rook, Randy Pitch Perfect Golf |
Schatzmann, Chris Stewart Creek G&CC |
| Scheller, J.D. Turner Valley GC |
Sklarenko, Dean Executive Professional |
* Stanier, Jason * Top 10 Inglewood G&CC |
| Stiles, Scott Earl Grey GC |
Stringer, Richard Country Hills GC |
Sweenie, Tahlon Jasper Park Lodge GC |
| Timms, Kasey Royal Mayfair GC |
Tomlinson, Dale Winston GC |
Valleau, Kim Winston GC |
| Van Tighem, Taylor Highlands GC |
Van Amsterdam, Evan Highlands GC |
Vanderkooi, Keenan Silvertip GR |
| Vandermey, Spencer Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
Vandermey, Nick Windermere G&CC |
* Ward, Chris * Award Winner Edmonton Petroleum G&CC |
| Westman, Scott Ranch G&CC |
Whitton, James Leduc GC |
Willner, Tyler Lakeside GC |
| Wilmot, Pat Earl Grey GC |
Wilson, John D. Priddis Greens G&CC |
Wisser, Adam Ranch G&CC |
| Wright, Adrien Woodside GC |
* Yanitski, Stephen * Top 10 Valley Ridge GC |
Young, Nick Willow Park G&CC |
Award Winner
Congratulations to Chris Ward of the Edmonton Petroleum G&CC on winning his second consecutive Top 100 Award! Chris had a terrific year within the Top 100 Program accumulating 83 points to cruise to a five point victory. Chris is the first member to win this award in back-to-back years (including the years of the former Professional Development Program).
Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the top 10 of the program this year; Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Valley Ridge GC, and Inglewood G&CC.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH CHRIS RECEIVING THE AWARD
Cash Prizes
In addition to our Award winner, the Association is proud to award 10 cash prizes to the top point earners. Members needed to accumulate 57 points or more to earn a cheque this year. Congratulations to the following:
Professional |
Facility |
Points |
Cash Prize |
|
| 1st | Chris Ward | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 83 | $1,300 |
| 2nd | Josh Fleming | GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights | 78 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | Bryce Halverson |
Carnmoney GC | 76 | $800 |
| 4th | Joseph Busetto | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 73 | $600 |
| 5th | Stephen Yanitski |
Valley Ridge GC | 70 | $450 |
| 6th | Kyle Boyd | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 62 | $350 |
| 7th | Jason Plosz | FootJoy - Acushnet Canada | 61 | $250 |
| 8th | Logan Hill | River Bend G&RA | 60 | $200 |
| 9th | Samuel Kirkness | Inglewood G&CC | 58 | $150 |
| 10th | Jason Stanier | Inglewood G&CC | 57 | $125 |
LEARN MORE HERE
About Foresight Sports Canada…
Foresight Sports produces the most trusted launch monitors in the world. The Foresights Sports GCQuad and the ceiling mounted GCHawk are world leaders in launch-monitor and golf-simulator technology and software, providing forward-thinking solutions to aid instruction, club fitting, and equipment innovation.
As the most trusted launch monitor in the world, Foresight Sports has more than 10,000 launch monitors in use in retail, residential, commercial, and driving range facilities around the world. The GCQuad and the GCHawk are trusted by the leading OEM’s for their indoor club fitting needs.
To learn more about the products, please visit www.foresightsports.com. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager
P: 403-861-0551
E: [email protected]
The PGA of Canada is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2021 National Awards. Each year, a National Selection Committee evaluates nominations from Professionals across Canada. Winners for each national award are traditionally recognized during PGA of Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, however, this year will see winners revealed live during the Association’s virtual National Award Ceremony on Thursday, January 27th, 2022.
"We are blessed to have a family of over 3,600 professionals who proudly share their passion and expertise with golfers from coast-to-coast,” said PGA of Canada President Teejay Alderdice. “On behalf of the PGA of Canada, I would like to congratulate all nominees and finalists for their outstanding accomplishments this year.”
Good luck to the following Alberta Professionals up for a National Award in 2021:
- Chris Schatzmann (Stewart Creek G&CC) - Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
- Patrick Coli (Carnmoney GC) - Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
- Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) - George Knudson Teacher of the Year
- Chris Ward (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year & Tex Noble Professional Development Award
- Rachel Wiebe (Windermere G&CC) - Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
- Jamie Reimer (Golfuture YYC) - Ben Kern Coach of the Year
- Fort McMurray GC (Head Professional - Kyle Corriveau) - Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
- Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) - Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year
- Riley Fleming (Lynx Ridge GC) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
CLICK HERE to view all Finalists. Early in 2022, registration for the virtual National Award Ceremony will be live.
The Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta would like to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our office will be closed starting December 20th and will be open again on Tuesday, January 4th.
Read More
Episode 2 is focused on the relationship between a golf professional and the head superintendent. Matt Johnson and Wade Peckham discuss how they have worked together over the past 8 years to improve and progress The Royal Mayfair GC. Topics discussed will include;
Renovations and facility upgrades
Taking care of the course in the early/off seasons
What they look for when hiring
How they both entered the industry
Thank you to Troy Mills (Jasper Park Lodger GC) for hosting this episode of the podcast. Stay tuned for future episodes of this season going live every 2 weeks.
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Click here for Season 3 Episode 2 on Spotify
Click here for Season 3 Episode 2 on Apple
The PGA of Canada is now accepting applications for their Professional Development Bursaries.
A bursary award is contingent upon a Member or Apprentice completing one or more professional development opportunities during 2021. This bursary is only valid for the cost of registration/tuition of any one or more professional development opportunities during the calendar year.
Applications are judged by a three-member independent panel and awarded based on academic achievement and contributions to the community.
The annual deadline to apply for a 2021 bursary is January 28, 2022. For a copy of the 2021 PGA of Canada Foundation Bursary Application, CLICK HERE.
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of former PGA of Alberta Member and PGA of Canada member Richard "Rick" Martison. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on November 19th at the age of 78.
Rick joined the PGA of Canada in 1965 and in 67-68 became one of the first Canadians to play on the Australian Tour. After his touring career, Rick shifted focus back to Canada and in 1971 landed the head professional role at Silver Springs Golf and Country Club where he remained for 25 years before retiring. Five years later Rick found himself drawn back to the golf industry where he served as the General Manager at Country Hills where he finished out his career in 2006.
Our thoughts are with Rick’s family and friends during this difficult time. Click the link below for obituary.
Click Here for Obituary
Kicking off Season 3 of the PGA of Alberta Podcast Series is Paul Horton discussing his journey of becoming a premier golf instructor. During this episode topics that will be discussed are;
How Paul got into golf?
Stories working with Stephen Ames
Keys to success besides just technique
How important the relationship is with the student
Technologies role in coaching
Craig Vogel from GOLFTEC Beacon Heights will be joining Paul to be our first host of the season.
Click here for the website for our Podcast
Take a moment to look over your Member Profile on the PGA of Alberta website this off-season by clicking ‘Edit Profile’ and ’Account Settings’ under ‘My Account’ to ensure that your contact information, professional photo, social media handles and bio is up-to-date. You can also update your Privacy Settings for what the public and other members can see on your Profile (under Account Settings).
Be sure to notify the office of any recent facility change to ensure your Profile information/category is accurate and also to be mentioned on the ‘Members on the Move’ page. If you have recently changed facilities, or made changes to your staff, please inform Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office ([email protected]).
Here are three examples of completed profiles on the website:
- Example #1 - Click Here
- Example #2 - Click Here
- Example #3 - Click Here
Click the following links to update your Account Settings and Profile (login required) – Edit Account Settings / Edit Profile
The Assistants Board is excited to present their second webinar on "Increasing Employment Term at Your Facility & Building Brand Recognition". The talented panelists will be sharing their experiences and keys to excelling within the golf industry which will include;
Kevin Chow- Blackhawk GC
Tyler Willner- Lakeside GC
Jae Maegaard- Paradise Canyon GR
Marsha Rogers- The Derrick G&WC
This will be the second of four webinars produced by the assistants board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
| Date | Time | Location | Capacity |
| December 2nd, 2021 | 10:00am-11:00am | Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited |
EARLY BIRD registration is NOW OPEN for the 2022 Calgary & Edmonton Golf Shows in March! These Shows are a great opportunity for you to promote your facility and programs to over 7,000 passionate golfers throughout the province. Exhibiting at the Shows gives your facility the opportunity to sell green fees and memberships and expose your brand to new demographics in a fun environment. The upcoming Shows are scheduled as follows:
Calgary Golf Show
March 19 & 20, 2022 | BMO Centre (Hall E)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Edmonton Golf Show
March 26 & 27, 2022 | Edmonton Expo Centre (Hall A)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
TOP 100 POINTS - New this year, all PGA members at a facility that exhibits at either Golf Show will receive 5 Top 100 points for the new program year! See standings HERE.
The Early Bird registration deadline is DECEMBER 15th for both Shows. Be sure to take advantage of these rates and don’t miss out on being a part of the Alberta Golf Shows! If you have any questions about the Shows, please contact Trevor Rioux at [email protected]. Register above (login required).
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of former PGA of Alberta President and PGA of Canada member Kevin Vincent Hunter. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on November 10th at the age of 70.
Kevin joined the PGA of Canada in 1973 and was the President of the PGA of Alberta from 1983 - 1984. As per his request, there will be no funeral. Celebrations of life with Kevin’s friends and family have, and will continue to take place privately. A more public celebration of life will take place in the springtime.
Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends during this difficult time. Click the link below for obituary.
Click Here for Obituary
Congratulations to Callaway Golf Canada for being honoured with the 2021 PGA of Alberta Jack Skellern Patron of the Year Award! This Award is presented annually on behalf of the Association to an individual or organization for their support to the PGA of Alberta and the advancement of Professional Golf in the province. Callaway is now a three-time recipient of this Award, winning previously in 2000 and 2009!
Callaway Golf Canada has been a partner of the PGA of Alberta since 1998 and has supported numerous Association initiatives over the years which include the tournament program, education, golf shows, and the annual Buying Show. Their genuine interest and passion for the Association and members has helped forged a strong and meaningful relationship for over twenty years.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video of PGA of Alberta Vice President Matt Johnson presenting the Award to Bruce Carroll, General Manager at Callaway Golf Canada (pictured below).
Callaway Golf Canada General Manager - Bruce Carroll
Already planning your schedule for next year? The 2022 Day Planner is now available to download on the website.
If you would like to purchase a hard copy, please contact Marlene Sanderson by email ASAP ([email protected]). Limited copies are available and will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Pro Tip Tuesday is a social media initiative created in 2019 that will show off your skills as a Golf Professional and help bring exposure to you and your club. The Association will give golfers a reason to check out the PGA of Alberta Instagram account, including your own! We will start posting Pro Tip Tuesday submissions in December.
How do you become a part of Pro Tip Tuesday?
All you need to do is create a quick golf tip video between 30 seconds to 2 minutes and use the specific hash tag #pgaofabprotiptuesday and handle @pgaofalberta and the PGA of Alberta will re-post your video on their Instagram account every Tuesday. One video will be posted per week. We ask you to submit your video using the Dropbox link below in case you do not post on your own account.
Video Tips
- Be Professional. You are representing the Association so ensure you look and act the part.
- Intro. State your name, club, and position as the intro to your video.
- Length. Ensure your video is between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Rehearse. Practise your video tip a few times before the final "shoot".
- Setting. Make sure there’s no noise/visual distractions around you so viewers can focus on you. Your video can be shot indoors or outdoors (weather permitting).
Look at past examples of Pro Tip Tuesday videos below for inspiration:
- Example #1 - Click Here
- Example #2 - Click Here
- Example #3 - Click Here
Top 100 Points
Everyone who participates in Pro Tip Tuesday will earn 3 Top 100 points for the new program year. You can only receive 3 points per year. We recommend doing more than one video but a max of 3 points will be rewarded for the Top 100 program.
Deadline
Deadline has been EXTENDED to Friday, December 10th for submission.
Dropbox Link > CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT VIDEO WHEN COMPLETE
Interested in supporting the Association and hosting an event for the 2023 Tournament Season at your facility or club? This year we ran approximately 25 different events over the course of the season. Next year we will be looking to operate a similar number of events.
The groundwork is currently being laid for the 2023 season and the Office and Tournament Committee are currently looking for interested parties to express their interest and if known, what type of event and date range is the preference for the facility.
Types of events include:
- Individual Stroke Play - 1 or 2 Day
- Team Events
- Pro-Am’s
- Championships
- Attached divisional events include: Ladies’ Division & Seniors’ Division events
Please contact me at: ([email protected]) to submit your facilities name to our list of prospective 2023 Tournament Venues.
Congratulations to Dillon Batsel of Desert Blume GC for winning his first PGA of Alberta Player of the Year Award! Dillon had a tremendous tournament season this year which included the following accolades:
- #1 on the Order of Merit list
- #1 on the Money list
- #4 on the Scoring Average list
- Winner of the PGA of Alberta Championship at River Bend G&RA
- Winner of the Inglewood G&CC GSH Series
- Finished within the top 5 at three other events including the PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship at Sirocco GC
- Finished T-3rd at the PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship at The Winston GC
- Winner of the Inter-Zone team competition alongside 3 other players representing Alberta at the PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship
Click HERE to see Dillon’s reaction to receiving the award.
Stayed tuned for the Jack Skellern Patron of the Year announcement next week which is the final Award to be revealed!
Congratulations to Fort McMurray GC for being named the 2021 PGA of Alberta Retailer of the Year! Click HERE to see Head Professional Kyle Corriveau’s reaction.
The Player of the Year Award will be revealed this afternoon (Nov. 5) at approximately 2pm. Click Read More to see previous winners.
Congratulations to Rick Lea of Cobra Puma Golf for winning this year’s PGA of Alberta Sales Rep of the Year Award! Click HERE to see Rick’s reaction to receiving the honour.
Click Read More to see this year’s PGA of Alberta Finalists and Award Recipients.
Congratulations to Chris Schatzmann of Stewart Creek G&CC for receiving the PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year Award! Click HERE to see Chris’ reaction.
The final Awards for the 2021 program year will be revealed in the coming days. Click Read More to see this year’s Finalists and Award Recipients.
Congratulations to Patrick Coli of Carnmoney GC for receiving the PGA of Alberta Executive Professional of the Year Award! Click HERE to see Patrick receiving the honour today at his club.
With only a few Awards left to giveaway, make sure to tune in tomorrow for more exciting live reveals. Click Read More to see this year’s PGA of Alberta Finalists and Award Recipients.
The Assistants Board is excited to present a webinar on "Understanding Differences in Facility Types & How to Choose Your Career Path". This will give knowledge on how to select a successful golf career based on aspirations and environment. The members of the panel will be;
Bob Paley- Kananaskis GC
Murray McCourt- The Ranch G&CC
Tahlon Sweenie- Jasper Park Lodge GC
Shelley Charlton- Pinebrook G&CC
They will be discussing pros and cons of a facility type, public vs private, is there value of having experience in multiple facilities, and many more topics.
The date is set for November 10th, 2021 from 10:00am-11:00am with a question period to follow.
Congratulations to Stephen Yanitski of Valley Ridge GC for winning this year’s PGA of Alberta Junior Leader of the Year Award! Click HERE to see Stephen’s reaction to receiving the honour.
Click Read More to see this year’s PGA of Alberta Finalists and Award Recipients.
Congratulations to Josh Fleming of GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights for receiving the 2021 Teacher of the Year Award! Click HERE to see his reaction to winning the Award.
The next Award reveal will be tomorrow morning (Nov. 2nd) on the PGA of Alberta Instagram account. Click Read More below to see this year’s Finalists and Award Recipients.
Congratulations to Jamie Reimer of Golfuture YYC for being named the PGA of Alberta Coach of the Year! Click HERE to see Jamie’s reaction to winning the Award.
Click Read More to see this year’s Finalists and Award Recipients.
Congratulations to Chris Ward of Edmonton Petroleum G&CC for receiving the 2021 PGA of Alberta Class "A" Professional of the Year honour! Click HERE to see his reaction to winning the Award. This is Chris’ second major Award this year after also winning the Top 100 Program for the second year in a row.
The next Award reveal will be on Monday, Nov. 1st so keep watching on Instagram for more updates. Click Read More below to see this year’s Finalists.
Congratulations to Chris Ward of the Edmonton Petroleum G&CC on winning his second consecutive Top 100 Award as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada! The Top 100 Program is based on pre-defined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and demonstrate proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals.
Chris had a terrific year within the Top 100 Program accumulating 83 points total to cruise to a five point victory! Chris is the first member to win this award in back-to-back years (including the years of the former Professional Development Program).
It was an exciting race to the very end with three other members finishing within ten points of Chris to claim one of this year’s cash prizes! Special shout-out to the following facilities for all having multiple Professionals inside the top 10 of the program this year; Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, Valley Ridge GC, and Inglewood G&CC.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH CHRIS RECEIVING THE AWARD
Cash Prizes...
In addition to the Award winner, the Association is proud to again award 10 cash prizes to the top point earners. Members needed to accumulate 57 points or more to earn a cheque this year. Congratulations to the following cash recipients who will receive their prize shortly:
Professional |
Facility |
Points |
Cash Prize |
|
| 1st | Chris Ward | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 83 | $1,300 |
| 2nd | Josh Fleming | GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights | 78 | $1,000 |
| 3rd | Bryce Halverson |
Valley Ridge GC | 76 | $800 |
| 4th | Joseph Busetto | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 73 | $600 |
| 5th | Stephen Yanitski |
Valley Ridge GC | 70 | $450 |
| 6th | Kyle Boyd | Edmonton Petroleum G&CC | 62 | $350 |
| 7th | Jason Plosz | FootJoy - Acushnet Canada | 61 | $250 |
| 8th | Logan Hill | River Bend G&RA | 60 | $200 |
| 9th | Samuel Kirkness | Inglewood G&CC | 58 | $150 |
| 10th | Jason Stanier | Inglewood G&CC | 57 | $125 |
Top 100 Professionals
As part of this program, the PGA of Alberta acknowledges the Top 100 Professionals which are the top 100-point earners for the program year. The 2021 Top 100 Professionals will be officially announced in the coming weeks so stay tuned for more information!
View Standings - Click Here
Congratulations to Rachel Wiebe of Windermere G&CC for being named this year’s PGA of Alberta Apprentice Professional of the Year! Click HERE to see Rachel receiving the honour today at her club.
Make sure to tune in for this afternoon’s Award reveal at 1pm on Instagram. Click Read More to see this year’s Finalists for all Awards.
This year’s Award winners will be announced starting tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29) and will continue throughout next week picking back up on Monday, Nov. 1. Two Awards will be revealed per day so make sure to follow the PGA of Alberta Instagram account to watch the exciting Award reveals LIVE. Click the link below to view this year’s Finalists for the following Awards (excluding the Top 100 and Player of the Year Awards).
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The PGA of Alberta is pleased to present four bursaries annually of $750 each to deserving Class "A" Assistant and Apprentice Professionals that meet or exceed the Bursary criteria. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
- Keenan Vanderkooi (Silvertip GR)
- Nic Longley (Lakeside GC)
- Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Thank you to everyone who applied for a bursary this year.
Read More
THE BUYING SHOW EDUCATION SERIES STARTS TOMORROW
THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN UP
| Dates | Location | Capacity | Cost |
|
October 19th-21st 2021 12pm-1pm |
Zoom Conference Call | Unlimited | Members- $15, Non-Members- $25 |
Registration will remain open until 4pm the day prior to the session. Everyday to be held virtually to allow for unlimited capacity with the ZOOM link being sent out a day in advance. Take advantage of all 3 days to learn from some of Alberta’s top professionals.
Click Here to see Dean Ingalls
Several PGA of Canada members have taken advantage of the flexible payment options the PGA of Canada implemented in 2020 to assist members facing financial challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Office is happy to continue offering this option to members.
Pay your membership dues in full or select from one of the recurring instalment plans listed below when you access your annual invoice. You can choose the 1st, the 15th or 25th of the month as automatic withdrawal dates. In addition, there has been an option added to allow members to donate to the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund with their dues payment. We will provide a tax receipt for any donation over $20.
Pay your membership dues in full by November 1, 2021, OR choose the 3-month payment plan option and be automatically entered into a draw to win one of three PGA of Canada gift cards (1 x $1,000, 2 x $750), which can be used toward any PGA of Canada or Zone service, including education and professional development, tournament entry fees or even future membership dues.
Click here to view your invoice
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The PGA of Canada is sponsoring a CONFIDENTIAL national compensation and benefits survey to provide members with a better sense of competitive pay rates and incentives in each region and zone.
The 2021 PGA of Canada Compensation & Benefits Survey is now open to all members. The survey will be open from Monday September 27, 2021, and run until Sunday October 31, 2021.
Please click the following link to complete:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35VY7PP
It is more important than ever that every member participates in this CONFIDENTIAL survey. This year’s information will be used to establish compensation and benefit benchmarks which will be used to educate owners and employers in Canada on appropriate compensation levels and benefits as well as information to arm, you, our members when negotiating or renegotiating your employment agreement to know what you should be paid and what you are worth in any golf professional position as a valuable PGA of Canada member. Our ultimate goal is to start driving compensation standards in the Canadian golf industry forward.
From this survey, no one at the PGA of Canada including the national/zone offices or other members will know your salary or other personal information. This year’s survey will be facilitated by a third-party HR firm that specializes in compensation and benefits surveys and adheres to strict Canadian privacy standards. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
The Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and supported by G&G at Lookout Point CC in Fonthill Ontario is only 11 Days away from seeing Team Alberta hit the links to try and make it a clean sweep for our Zone in Inter-Zone competition this year.
This year saw the battle for the final spots on the roster come down to the very last event that was eligible for amassing the needed Order of Merit points that determine our roster. Congratulations to our Top 3 Head Professionals on the Order of Merit and the Champion of our 2021 Club Professional Championship.
Our team consists of:
Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC) (Club Pro Champion), Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) (Most Order of Merit points for Head Pro’s), Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC) (2nd most Order of Merit points for H.P’s) & Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) (3rd most Order of Merit points).
For more information on the Head Professional Championship, please click here.
Our Head Professional Team will be looking to keep the momentum going after the strong showing by the Alberta Assistants’ Team at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada. Team Alberta took home the inter-zone trophy after two days of excellent playing at The Winston GC in Calgary, finishing at a ridiculous -19 and beating their nearest zone competitors by 8 strokes! The Assistants’ Team consisted of: Dillon Batsel, Riley Fleming, Wes Heffernan & Mitch Fox and they wish their fellow Team Alberta members the best of luck at their forthcoming Championship.
The Association is excited to announce the final set of Finalists for the following 2021 Awards:
Club Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Chris Paskin (Valley Ridge GC)
- Chris Schatzmann (Stewart Creek G&CC)
- Dean Manz (Red Deer G&CC)
- Matt Johnson (Royal Mayfair GC)
- Tyler Willner (Lakeside GC)
Executive Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Brice MacDermott (Windermere G&CC)
- Darren Cooke (Canmore G&CC)
- Dean Sklarenko (Picture Butte GC)
- Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC)
- Patrick Coli (Carnmoney GC)
Class "A" Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Bryce Halverson (Valley Ridge GC)
- Bryn Quickstad (Windermere G&CC)
- Chris Ward (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC)
- Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Congratulations to all Finalists listed above! Winners will be announced starting the final week of October. Stayed tuned on our social media platforms (Instagram & Twitter) and our website for this year’s exciting award reveals. Using a similar format to last year, the Association will surprise this year’s recipients with the award at their facility!
The PGA of Alberta’s Education Committee is excited to announce the 2021 Buying Show Education Sessions are moving virtual. Sessions will be conducted within a Zoom webinar, which allows for an unlimited number of participants to attend. This year’s aim was to highlight the local knowledge we have within the association, but also learn from what other professionals are doing in the province. Each of the 3 days, there will be an education session covering a different relevant topic related to the golf industry that will help to continue to grow the game.
October 19, 2021
Dean Ingalls is excited to be sharing some of his knowledge of merchandising within a Golf Shop. This will include different philosophies as well as techniques used recently to achieve great member communication and success within his shop. Further to this he will be discussing some keys to being hired year-round at golf facilities for Assistant and Associate Golf Professionals.
October 20, 2021
An open discussion on growing the game of golf and promoting your book of business. Todd Halpen, Randy Robb, Luke Workman and Paul Horton will be sharing their experiences as golf instructors to give insight on what has made them successful over many years. Josh Fleming has graciously agreed to mediate the event.
October 21, 2021
In this presentation Dr. Legg will discuss the importance of adapted programming for persons experiencing disability. David will review practical steps your club and staff can start doing immediately to be more inclusive, welcoming and diverse.
Registration Is Now Open
Click Here to see Dean Ingalls
The Association is excited to announce the next set of Finalists this year for the following Awards:
Teacher of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Cody Yaremovich (Eagle Rock GC)
- Derek Baker (Derek Baker Golf Academy)
- Jae Maegaard (Paradise Canyon GR)
- Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights)
- Todd Halpen (Golfuture YYC)
Junior Leader of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Brady Karlson (Canyon Meadows G&CC)
- Chad Feener (Leduc GC)
- Derek Baker (Derek Baker Golf Academy)
- Nicola Jeffries (Willow Park G&CC)
- Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC)
Apprentice Professional of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Crystal Shapka (Calgary G&CC)
- Michael Nutt (Kananaskis Country GC)
- Rachel Wiebe (Windermere G&CC)
- Ryan Caines (Inglewood G&CC)
- Tony Brown (Stewart Creek G&CC)
Congratulations to all Finalists listed above! The following Awards will be announced tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 8th).
Friday, October 8th @ 1pm
- Club Professional of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Class A Professional of the Year
Winners will be announced starting the final week of October. Stayed tuned on our social media platforms (Instagram & Twitter) and our website for this year’s exciting award reveals. Using a similar format to last year, the Association will surprise this year’s recipients with the award at their facility!
The PGA of Alberta is excited to announce a new partnership with Rileys as the new official print supplier of the Association. With locations in Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton; Rileys can provide quick turnarounds to support any of your Golf Operations, Maintenance, Food & Beverage and Event needs.
Starting in 2022, Rileys will be the official Sponsor of the Buying Show Business Centre – the go to booth for printing needs during the Show.
Exclusive Member Offer - Rileys will automatically be offering all members of the PGA of Alberta Gold Level tiered pricing. A digital catalogue will be disbursed shortly with pricing details; in the meantime, please contact Daniela Pacheco for more information and/or estimates required (contact information below).
About Rileys…
Rileys has been a Canadian owned and operated business since 1975, supporting other Canadian businesses with document and printing solutions. Rileys offers a variety of services including digital printing, wide format, signage, custom interior décor and so much more. Discover the benefits of having all of your items manufactured locally with on demand timelines.
Rileys eStore - Rileys is able to provide a single source of all your documents and print materials. The Rileys eStore is an online tool which will become a central hub of all your business needs; Stationery, Business Cards, Marketing Materials, Company Forms, Signage, Health & Safety Materials, Vehicle Kitting & Decals, and more! Rileys will create, and maintain your document library, for your team to access and order as needed!
For more information on Rileys including what products and services they offer, please visit their website by clicking here or contact their representative below. They also invite you to visit their Showroom Headquarters located in Calgary at #3200 - 114 Ave SE.
Daniela Pacheco, Business Development Manager
T: 587-999-1060
E: [email protected]
www.rileys.com
support local, buy local, sustain local
The Association is extremely excited to announce the first set of Finalists this year for the following Awards:
Coach of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them.
- Jamie Reimer (Golfuture YYC)
- Luke Workman (Glencoe G&CC Teaching Centre)
- Randy Robb (Mickelson National Golf Academy)
Retailer of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by club name. Click on a club below to learn more about them.
- Earl Grey GC (Head Pro – Pat Wilmot)
- Fort McMurray GC (Head Pro – Kyle Corriveau)
- Red Deer G&CC (Head Pro – Dean Manz)
- Silvertip GR (Head Pro – Chris Cooke)
- Windermere G&CC (Head Pro – Jason Hnatiw)
Sales Rep of the Year Finalists...
In alphabetical order by first name. Click on a name below to learn more about them (if applicable).
- Clive Grant (Forestar Golf & Miller Golf)
- Colin Gilliard (PING)
- Jason Plosz (Acushnet - FootJoy)
- Kristi Larson (KL Agency)
- Rick Lea (Cobra Puma Golf)
- Tory Nilson (Callaway)
Congratulations to all Finalists listed above! As mentioned previously, we will announce three sets of Award Finalists at 1pm each day. The following Awards will be announced on Thursday and Friday this week.
Thursday, October 7th @ 1pm
- Teacher of the Year
- Junior Leader of the Year
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
Friday, October 8th @ 1pm
- Club Professional of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Class A Professional of the Year
Winners will be announced starting the final week of October. Stayed tuned on our social media platforms (Instagram & Twitter) and our website for this year’s exciting award reveals. Using a similar format to last year, the Association will surprise this year’s recipients with the award at their facility!
The time has finally arrived! After reviewing nearly 100 Nominee applications by our Award Committees, the PGA of Alberta is excited to soon announce this year’s Award Finalists! Beginning tomorrow, we will announce three sets of Award Finalists on the date specified below at 1pm each day.
Winners will be announced starting the final week of October. Stayed tuned on our social media platforms (Instagram & Twitter) and our website for this year’s exciting award reveals. Using a similar format to last year, the Association will surprise this year’s recipients with the award at their facility!
Wednesday, October 6th @ 1pm
- Retailer of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Sales Rep of the Year
Thursday, October 7th @ 1pm
- Teacher of the Year
- Junior Leader of the Year
- Apprentice Professional of the Year
Friday, October 8th @ 1pm
- Club Professional of the Year
- Executive Professional of the Year
- Class A Professional of the Year
Please remember that we will also announce the Player of the Year and Jack Skellern Patron of the Year Awards during the final week of October.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AWARDS PROCESS
Dear Members, Partners and Vendors,
After much review and consideration from our Board of Directors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 edition of our Buying Show hosted in Calgary in October. Pressure on our healthcare system, current COVID-19 numbers, and the Government of Alberta declaring a state of public health emergency are some of the reasons behind the decision to cancel. The Association does not want to put anyone’s health at risk by attending the Show and had to make the decision to postpone to 2022.
In addition to the Buying Show, the Awards Banquets has been cancelled. The Association will still go forth with the Awards Program this year in a similar format to last year. The Awards Program is an integral aspect of the Association as it’s important to recognize and celebrate the successes of our hard-working members and industry reps. Finalists for this year’s awards will be announced next week.
Thank you for your continued support of our Buying Show and for your understanding of this difficult decision. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and hope to see everyone next year.
Shawn Lavoie,
Buying Show Chairman
The Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award, introduced in 2020 and named after PGA of Canada Past President and Life Member Warren Crosbie, is presented annually to a member of the Association who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and gone above and beyond to make a meaningful and lasting impact within their community.
Crosbie, a long-time member of the PGA of Canada, worked as Head Professional at Bayview Golf & Country Club for 33 years. Though currently retired, he remains actively involved in several association affairs and is widely regarded as a benevolent and visionary leader. He was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry.
The inaugural winner of the Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award in 2020 was Muncie Booth, who has run a program dedicated to providing access to the game for Inner-City Youth in Vancouver for over 20 years. More details on Muncie’s incredible contribution to the game of golf can be seen here.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD GUIDELINES
- Involved in the promotion and development of community and/or charitable initiatives to help others, going beyond their regular day to day duties;
- Consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place;
- Recognized as someone of outstanding character.
The National Awards Committee will select a recipient based on these criteria. While achievements during the past year should be emphasized, a candidate’s entire experience and commitment to continuing their contributions will be strongly considered.
The more detailed your nomination, the better chance the candidate has of being chosen by the selection committee.
For more information and to nominate a candidate, click here.
Deadline to Submit – November 12th, 2021
As of September 29th, the current leader in the standings of the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canada is Assistants’ Board Member Chris Ward of Edmonton Petroleum G&CC. Chris is on the verge of winning the Top 100 honour in back-to-back year’s after receiving the Award in 2020.
The program year officially ends on Thursday, September 30th (end of day) so there’s still time left to submit the extracurricular approval form to earn points and move up in the rankings. See where you can earn points by clicking the link below and looking under the "Point Allocation" tab.
Points are still being awarded for extracurricular approval form submissions so continue to check the standings for updated rankings if you have submitted a form recently. Please note that points will automatically be awarded for Award Finalists once announced next week and will be included in this program year.
Top 100 Professional
Remember that the Top 100 point earners will be recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” for this program year. Learn more about the program and see where you currently sit in the standings by clicking the link below.
Cash Prizes
The top 10 point earners for the 2021 program year will again receive a cash prize as an added incentive! Cash prizes total over $5,200! See the prize breakdown by clicking the link below and looking under the "Cash Prizes" tab.
The current Top 10 in the standings are:
- 1st Chris Ward (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - 77 points
- 2nd Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) - 75 points
- 3rd Bryce Halverson (Valley Ridge GC) - 73 points
- 4th Joseph Busetto (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - 70 points
- 5th Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - 67 points
- 6th Logan Hill (River Bend G&RA) - 60 points
- T-7th Sam Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) - 58 points
- T-7th Jason Plosz (FootJoy - Acushnet Canada) - 58 points
- 9th Kyle Boyd (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - 56 points
- 10th Murray McCourt (The Ranch G&CC) - 55 points
*New Feature* - Standings by Membership Category
Want to see how you compare to other Professionals in the same membership category? You can now do so by viewing the rankings in the following four membership categories; Apprentice Professionals, Class A Professionals, Head Professionals and Executive Professionals. *Please note that the cash prizes and Top 100 Professional initiative mentioned below are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click Here for standings by membership category.
View Standings - Click Here
About Foresight Sports Canada…
The Foresights Sports GCQuad and the ceiling mounted GCHawk are world leaders in launch-monitor and golf-simulator technology and software, providing forward-thinking solutions to aid instruction, club fitting, and equipment innovation.
Foresight uses quadrascopic camera technology to measure the club and the golf ball independently to provide users the best golf ball and golf club delivery information available. The GCQuad is golf’s only portable launch monitor which can provide comprehensive golf ball and golf club data for every club in the bag, from driver all the way to the putter.
Foresight Sports has more than 10,000 launch monitors in use in retail, residential, commercial, and driving range facilities around the world. The GCQuad and the GCHawk are trusted by the leading OEM’s for their indoor club fitting needs.
To learn more about the products, please visit www.foresightsports.com. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager
P: 403-861-0551
E: [email protected]
The PGA of Canada is sponsoring a CONFIDENTIAL national compensation and benefits survey to provide members with a better sense of competitive pay rates and incentives in each region and zone.
The 2021 PGA of Canada Compensation & Benefits Survey is now open to all members. The survey will be open from Monday September 27, 2021, and run until Sunday October 31, 2021.
Please click the following link to complete:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35VY7PP
It is more important than ever that every member participates in this CONFIDENTIAL survey. This year’s information will be used to establish compensation and benefit benchmarks which will be used to educate owners and employers in Canada on appropriate compensation levels and benefits as well as information to arm, you, our members when negotiating or renegotiating your employment agreement to know what you should be paid and what you are worth in any golf professional position as a valuable PGA of Canada member. Our ultimate goal is to start driving compensation standards in the Canadian golf industry forward.
From this survey, no one at the PGA of Canada including the national/zone offices or other members will know your salary or other personal information. This year’s survey will be facilitated by a third-party HR firm that specializes in compensation and benefits surveys and adheres to strict Canadian privacy standards. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)