The PGA of Alberta is happy to announce Zak Lucas as the newest member to the Zone staff in the position of Education & Tournament Coordinator. Zak’s role will include coordinating the Education Program from the Spring Seminar to all PD Series’ as well as being present at the majority of PGA of Alberta tournaments next season. Zak graduated from the PGM Program at Humber College. He has been around the game since an early age, and his passion for the sport has kept him working in the industry for over a decade. Zak can now be reached by email at [email protected].
The PGA of Alberta would like to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our office will be closed starting December 24th and will be open again on January 2nd.
Golf Show News
’Tis the Season of Savings
Due to the spirit of the holidays the PGA of Alberta has decided to extend the early bird rates for the Edmonton and Calgary Golf Show until Friday, December 21st. After the 21st all booth prices will go back to their normal rates.
Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Association News
Alan Ewen in Memoriam (1933-2018)
PGA of Canada Life Member and PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Alan Ewen passed away on December 12th at the age of 85.
Born on November 27th, 1933, and raised in Dunfermline, Scotland, Alan got his start in the game of golf when he came to Canada at age 27, playing at the Victoria GC in Edmonton. His natural ability allowed him to progress quickly in the game and following a brief stint as President of the Victoria GC, Al decided to make his passion his profession. In 1962, Alan joined the PGA of Canada and became an Assistant to Jack Reynolds at the Red Deer G&CC.
In 1965, Bud Loftus took him on as an Assistant at the Calgary G&CC, where his career flourished. He remained as an Assistant to Loftus for ten years, and upon Bud’s retirement in 1975, Ewen assumed the Head Professional role, a post he held until his retirement in 1994, some thirty years later.
Alan’s commitment to the profession and to the Association have been evident throughout his career. He had an outstanding service record as Head Professional at the Calgary G&CC, highlighted with the Members at the club providing him with a lifetime membership. Alan also served on the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors for five years, was President of the Board for two years, served on the National Board of Directors for eight years and was President of the PGA of Canada for two years.
As an accomplished player, Alan won the Alberta Assistants’ Championship in 1971, and finished in the top ten three times at the Western Assistant Professional Championship between 1965 and 1968. In 1993, he became a Life Member of the PGA of Canada and in 2008, he was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Association Builder category.
Alan always seemed to take the time to discuss the game with anyone and had a number of close relationships at the Calgary G&CC. He played a great part in building the club and will be greatly missed.
More information will be provided once confirmed.
Golf Show News
Alberta Golf Show - Early Bird Registration Deadline is TOMORROW
Tomorrow (December 14th) is the final day to receive the early bird exhibitor rates for both the Edmonton and Calgary Golf Show. Don’t miss your chance on great savings and the ability to support the Alberta golf industry. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your 2019 cash flow and to promote your facility to over 8000 passionate golfers searching for new courses.
If you have any questions at all in regards to attending the shows or the registration process please contact Quinn Logan at [email protected]
We hope to see everyone there.
PGA of Canada News
PGA Head Pro Championship of Canada - Final Results
The PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada at Wigwam GC in Arizona is now complete. Congratulations to the following PGA of Alberta Members on their great performances at the Championship; Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) finished T-11 at even par over the three days, Tyler LeBouthillier (Lynx Ridge GC) finished T-15 at 1-over, and both Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) and Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC) finished T-22 at 3-over.
In October a survey was sent to all Members in order to collect valuable feedback on the PGA of Alberta Buying Show. To show our appreciation to participants, we ran a draw for one member to receive a Husky gift card and the winner is... Chris McKenzie, Head Professional at Miskanaw GC. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey.