Team North’s Gina Nelson and Matt Moroz Win Srixon/Cleveland Match Play
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.
Ron Laugher to Receive 2025 PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award
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.”
Partner News
Dunning and Tourney Join PGA of Alberta Buying Show Opening Breakfast
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.
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West Golf Distribution - is a Full-Service Distributor bringing premium Apparel, Headwear and Accessories to the Canadian Golf Market representing Dunning, Tourney, SEVE Collection, Richardson, Knockaround, Bombass, Tidal Links and more.
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Partner News
PGA of Alberta Tees Up New Partnership with Sunday Session Golf Cocktails
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.
Tournament News
Sam Kirkness and Ryan Caines Claim Callaway Pro-Assistant Championship Title
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.
