News

Tournament News

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 golf 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.

Complete Results:

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/

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Play Ability Test News

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.

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Play Ability Test News

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.

Tournament News

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.”

Complete Results:

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/

Tournament News

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/

Tournament News

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.

Complete Results:

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/

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Partner News

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.

Association News

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)

Association News

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.

Association News

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

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!

Association News

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

Association News

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.

Association News

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!

Golf Show News

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.

Golf Show News

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. 

Association News

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

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

Association News

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:

1. You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft
2. Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every form on the website
3. To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
4. Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
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Golf Show News

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.

Education News

The Assistants Board is excited to present their PD Series webinars on the road to the 2025 season!

November 27, 2024 - Increasing Your Value & Employment Term At Your Facility – How to WOW Your Upper Management

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!

*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar up to a maximum of 6*

Partner News

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]

Awards News

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.

Top 100 News

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).

Education News

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.

Association News

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.”