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!
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 datefor 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 4thwith Tee Times starting at 9:00 AMfor the Seniors’ Division followed by the PAT players.
Submit your Tournament Eligibility Form now - click here.
Tournament News
Team Match Play North & Pro-Lady North Confirmed
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.
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
Tournament News
Tournament Eligibility Form Now Live
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 AMand 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.
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 aHOLE 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 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:
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
Golf Show News
Official Cancellation Notice - 2023 Edmonton Golf Show
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 ChrisSchatzmann
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.
Education News
Spring Seminar Only 6 Days Away
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
One Week Left to Vote for Board of Directors and Assistants’ Board Seats
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 14thand 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 14thand will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
Cobra Puma Golf & Club Car PGA of Alberta Championship Update & 2023 Tournament Update
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.
Just Under 2 Weeks Left to Vote for 2023 Board of Directors and Assistants’ Board
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 TheAnnual 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 14thand 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 14thand will close just after the start of the AGM on March 6th, 2023.
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, 2023at the BMO Centre
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
Golf Show News
Still Time to Register - Consumer Golf Shows
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.
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.
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*
Association News
Board of Director & Assistants’ Board Elections - Nominee Bios Now Available
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.
Staff Update - The PGA of Alberta Welcomes Michelle Moody
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’srole 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].
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"
Partner News
PGA of Alberta and KAILANI Form New Partnership
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.
Deadline to apply for Tournament Committee is January 31st
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 theCo-Chairs (Josh Fleming,Scott Anderson)of the PGA of AlbertaTournament 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
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
COBRA PUMA GOLF and PGA of Alberta Expand Partnership
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]
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.
1 Week Left to Submit Nomination for the Board or Assistants’ Board in 2023
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.
Tournament Committee - Dissolution & Application Process Now Open
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
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*
Top 100 News
PGA of Alberta Announces Top 100 Professionals of 2022
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 Programpresented 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):
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.
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.
Wes Heffernan Wins his Second Mike Weir Male Player of the Year Award
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.
Kim Valleau named PGA of Canada Class "A" Professional of the Year
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