PGA of Alberta and Tag Marshall Form New Partnership
The Association is excited to announce a new partnership with Golf Course optimization technology expert, Tagmarshal, as it looks to engage with and add value to PGA professionals across this region. Tagmarshal will be the new Presenting Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show Education Series taking place in October, aimed at providing members with opportunities to better themselves as golf professionals and individuals, and will also be a Presenting Sponsor of the PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar for the 2024-2025 season. The partnership with the Association includes sharing further educational opportunities, such as online webinars and expert sessions.
Tagmarshal’s technology provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting. Using a hybrid of advanced GPS technology and powerful algorithms based on data from more than 25 million rounds, managers can optimize on-course operations, effectively manage pace and flow of play to enhance the player experience, increase efficiency through automation and generate additional revenue.
“We’re proud to be recognized as a valuable partner of the PGA of Alberta, working in synergy with their team, to grow the game in Canada. We look forward to sharing our data-driven insights and processes with their members,” said Bodo Sieber, CEO, Tagmarshal
The partnership with the Association builds on Tagmarshal’s existing partner network, which includes several PGA Sections, such as Northern Texas, Southern Texas, Southwest, South Florida, North Florida, New England, Metropolitan, Pacific Northwest, as well as the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), PGA Magazine and the Golf Business Network (GBN).
Tagmarshal partners with many private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 35 of the Top 100 US courses and more than 500 courses globally, as well as several golf management groups. Partners include Red Deer Golf & Country Club, Bearspaw Golf Club, Royal Mayfair Golf Club, Priddis Greens, Earl Grey Golf Club, Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using Tagmarshal’s optimization technology.
To learn more about the impact optimization will have at your course, please contact Stephen Knoop, Managing Director, at [email protected] or call +353 86 052 5077. Alternatively, watch their short demo at tagmarshal.com/demo.
Association News
Last Week Left to Apply for a $1,000 PGA of Alberta Bursary
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present 4 bursaries each year to deservingApprentice Professionals and/or Class "A" Assistant/Teaching Professionalswho meet or exceed the Bursary criteria. The Association is pleased to continue awarding each bursary amount at $1,000 each!(previously $750).
All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (working 9-months or less). All Information will be held in strict confidence.
Deadline to apply for a bursary is September 30th, 2023 (end of day). The bursaries will be awarded at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 19th.
*Save Draft Feature* Please remember you can save your applications online before submitting. This allows you to complete an application form intermittingly rather than all at once. Please follow the steps below.
You must be logged into your account to be able to save your draft.
Save Draft button is located at the bottom of every application form on the website.
To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" and click ’My Saved Drafts’.
Alberta 3-Peat At PGA Assistants’ Championship Of Canada Presented By Callaway Golf
Congratulations to our 2023 Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Team for a third consecutive year of Victory in the InterZone Championship at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf at the Ranch G&CC! It was a hard fought and exciting two-day InterZone competition with 6 Teams battling for National bragging rights and a total purse of $3,450.00.
Wes Heffernan,Mitchell Fox, David MacComb & Michael Harrison made up the 2023 Team and started the competition with an encouraging Round 1 Team Gross score of -6 but knew they’d need something special for Round 2 with Team Ontario coming out firing. Something special did indeed happen and our Team carded a scorching Round 2 Team Gross score of -9 which saw them vault into the lead after starting the day 1-stroke down to the Leaders from Ontario. They finished the two round event at a Team Gross of -15 and just nudged Ontario for the Title by 1-stroke; Wes fired a -5, Mitch a -3 and David a -1 during Round 2 which just was enough to prevail and keep the hardware in Alberta for another year!
Or guests can directly call Marriott Reservations at 1-877-236-2427 to book a room
The PGA of Alberta would like to invite you to attend the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show on October 17 – 19 at the Calgary BMO Centre in Hall D !The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season.
Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province, and country, to look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry. Our Buying Show continues to be the only “full scale” show of its kind in Canada and it is with great pride that we host this show every fall for our Members, Industry Suppliers and guests of the Industry. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities, and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers/Businesses.
The Show will be hosted in Calgary at the BMO Centre (Hall D) in Stampede Park.We are excited to build off the success of previous shows which include easy transportation in & out of the city, increased networking opportunities, and walking distance from our preferred hotel partner, Hotel Arts.
If you have any questions about the Show, please contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]). Click on the "Exhibitor Hub" or "Attendee Hub" tab below for more details and to get started with your registration.
Parking and Wi-Fi are both complimentary for Exhibitors and Attendees.More details related to parking will be released closer to the Show. A code for Wi-Fi access will be given at the Show.
There are 5 Ticket Types for Attendees. Please read through the descriptions below to ensure you register using the correct category.
PGA of Alberta Member
PGA of Alberta Professionals who have paid their annual dues and work within Alberta.
PGA of Canada Member (Outside of Alberta)
PGA of Canada Professionals who have paid their annual dues and are working in a Zone outside of Alberta.
Individual(s) working at a facility with an employed PGA of Alberta/Canada Professional and are not Members of the PGA of Canada and do not pay annual dues. This ticket type is for Facility Owners, General Managers, Food & Beverage Staff, and Employees at a course or a guest who is somehow affiliated with a facility.
NGCOA Member
Individual(s) whose facility is a Member of the National Golf Course Owner’s Association and does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at their facility.
Please note NGCOA Members are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show.
Green Grass Facility
Individual(s) who are attending the Buying Show on behalf of a facility that does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at the course and is not a Member of the NGCOA. There is a $75.00 per person charge for this ticket type when purchased in advance online and a $125.00 per person charge when purchased at the door.
Please note those representing Green Grass Facilities are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show.
Looking for more information on the benefits of attending the 2023 Buying Show? Click on the button to download our Attendee Package for further details on all the Show has to offer Attendees this year!
Ready to register? Click the above button to get started.
Association News
Bill Dreger In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta member Bill Dreger.
Bill has been a lifelong member of the Association becoming a Class "A" member of the PGA of Canada in 1994 and receiving his 25-year milestone in 2020. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 57 years.
William Darcy Dreger, "Billy" born in Didsbury, Alberta has passed away in his beloved mountains of the Bow Valley. He is survived by his wife Mayuko, sons, Benjamin and Yoshi Dreger of Canmore, two sisters, Joy Hoerle of Red Deer, AB. and Gaye Pauls of Calgary, AB, plus numerous other family members.
He will also be greatly missed and deeply mourned by his second family, the Canmore golf community.
Please join for a Celebration of Bill’s Life on Wednesday, September 13th at 2:00 pm at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club.
No flowers by request. Friends wishing to remember Billy are encouraged to make contributions in support of the Canmore Junior Golf program at the Canmore Golf Course in his memory.
Call Emily at the Canmore G&CC directly at 403-678-5959 ext. 236 if donating by CC. She will process payment and email the receipt.
OR
[email protected] and provide a note saying it is for Junior Golf or Bill Dreger.
Tournament News
Locke & Kirkness Claim 2023 KAILANI Pro-Pro Scramble Title
Today saw the KAILANI Pro-Pro Scramble presented by: E-Z-GO hosted at the beautiful Bearspaw GC. The course and weather were fantastic for a round of September Golf. We had a stacked field of 60 teams encompassing 120 total players in the mixed division and 3 teams in the Ladies’ Division field. It was a very exciting day with the Leaderboard jammed packed at the Top and lots of movement throughout the day.
Our 2023 Champions, hailing from: Inglewood G&CC & Priddis Greens G&CC and comprises: Samuel Kirkness + Eric Locke. They carded an absolutely scorching -13 under par 58 with an outstanding 3 Eagles & 7 on the card. They fired a mere 27 strokes on the front-9 for a ridiculous -9 and followed it up with 1 more Eagle and 2 Birdies for a back-9 total of -4 under par 31. With a playoff looming, Sam and Eric made an very timely Birdie on their last hole to prevail by 1 stroke over their nearest competitors.
In sole possession of Second Place, was: Josh Berze + Matt Bean from Priddis Greens G&CC. They carded an unreal -12 under par 59 and were the only other team to fire in the 50’s. They fired an excellent -5 under par 31 on the front-9 and followed it up with -7 under par 28 on the back-9.
In a 2-way Tie for Second Place, all carding excellent -11 under par 60’s, was the teams from: Redwood Meadows G&CC & Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre, comprising Kevin Black + Wes Heffernan & Edmonton Petroleum G&CC & Windermere G&CC composed of, Spencer Vandermey + Nick Vandermey.
Rounding out our Top-5, in sole possession of Fifth Place was: Matt Seifert + Darryl James from Golfuture YYC & National Golf Academy at Shaganappi carding a great -10 under par 61.
Ladies’ Division Pro-Pro Scramble Finishes All Square With 2 Co-Champions After 3 Hole Playoff
We had an exciting day for this year’s edition of the Ladies’ Division Pro-Pro Scramble sponsored by: KAILANI at the stunning Bearspaw GC. All 3 Teams finished at a great -1 under par 70 to force a playoff and after 3 holes in quickly fading light and 1 team being elimanted, are 2023 Co-Champions are the Teams from: Willow Park G&CC & Highlands GC comprising, Nicola Greaves + Gina Nelson & Winston GC (The) & Blue Devil GC comprising, Kim Valleau + Rhonda Carter. The Co-Champions will split the the Purse for the event with each team taking home, $ 650.00 split amongst themselves.
Earl Grey GC Captures 2023 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Title
Round Two of the Pro-Assistant at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf was a successful day. We had a strong field of 60 teams and 120 Professionals competing. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with the order shifted again and Teams playing: Best Ball (6-holes),Scotch Ball (6-holes) & Scramble (6-holes) which made for an extremely exciting Leaderboard with plenty of movement throughout both Rounds.
Our 2023 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Champions hail from: Earl Grey GC (Pat Wilmot + Scott Stiles) who put together two outstanding rounds of golf and carded an excellent -8 under par 63 today to finish the tournament at an unreal -14 under par! Pat and Scott tore the course up today with 8 Birdies on the card to clinch the 2023 Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Title for the first time. They fired 22 strokes on the Best Ball format, 21 on Scotch Ball and finished with 20 on the Scramble portion.
In a 2-way tie for Second place, finishing with 2-Day totals of -10, were the Teams representing: GOLFTEC Edmonton (Jordan Maclean + Oliver Brown) & Lynx Ridge GC, X2 Defending Champions (Kaleb Gorbahn + Matthew Kirlin) who kept some heat on the Leaders all day. Jordan & Oliver played two great rounds and carded a -2 under 69 today. Matt & Kaleb played two great rounds of golf and carded a -5 under par 66 today.
Congratulations to our Closest to the Pin Winners from Day 1: Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) on #9 and Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) on #15 who both take home $200.
Congratulations to our Closest to the Pin Winners from Day 2: Ben Matthews (Miskanaw GC) on #9 and Robb James (Stony Plain GC) on #15 who both take home $200.
GOLFTEC Edmonton Leads Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant After Round 1
Today saw Round One of the second last event of the season at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf. We have a stacked field of 60 teams comprised of 120 Professionals playing who had to brave some cool and rainy conditions throughout the day. Our Defending Champions from the last 2 Year’s are the team representing Lynx Ridge GC.
This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play but a change in the order of play with Teams playing: Best Ball (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes) & Scramble (6-holes).
Leading the Pack after an excellent Round One today is the Team representing: GOLFTEC Edmonton (Jordan Maclean + Oliver Brown) who carded an outstanding -8 under par 63 today. Jordan and Oliver had 8 Birdies on the card today. They carded 23-21-19 (Best Ball, Scotch & Scramble) to hold a 2-stroke over their nearest competitors.
In 2-way tie for Second Place is the Teams representing: Earl Grey GC (Pat Wilmot + Scott Stiles) & Windermere G&CC (Michael Thompson + Nick Vandermey) after carding excellent -6 under par 65’s today. Team Earl Grey had 7 Birdies on the card and Team Windermere had 1 Eagle and 6 Birdies on the card.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to award five Junior Scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving candidates this year. Three of the Scholarships are awarded to children of PGA of Alberta Members and two are awarded to competitive junior golfers in Alberta who meet specific criteria. We are pleased to award the following individuals the 2023 scholarships:
Thank you to everyone that applied this year. We wish everyone the best of luck in their post-secondary education.
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present 4 bursaries ($1000 each) to deserving Apprentice Professionals and/or Class "A" Assistant/Teaching Professionals who meet or exceed the Bursary criteria as outlined below. The Bursary Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 18th.
All seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class A Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) are eligible and encouraged to apply. A minimum of two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (Working 9-Months or Less). All Information will be held in strict confidence.
Please submit the online application form by September 30th, 2023.
Heffernan Hoists Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship For Second Consecutive Year
Today saw Round 2 of the Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship at the beautiful Stony Plain GC and the scores and weather were sizzling! The course continued to be in amazing shape for our competitors. Congratulations to our two female professionals in the field, Gina Nelson(Highlands GC) & Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who both carded -1 under par 71’s today which set a new Official Tournament Female Course Record that they now co-share!
Continuing his incredible play this season, adding another Championship to his trophy case, was: Wes Heffernan(Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who successfully defended his 2022 Assistants’ Title and put together two exceptional rounds for the Championship while setting the new Official Tournament Course Record at Stony Plain GC with his exceptional -7 under par 65 today.
Wes carded an unreal -7 under par 65 today which included: 1 Eagle, 6 Birdies and only 1 bogey blemish. He fired a staggering 6-under 30 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 4 Birdies. Wes followed it up with 1-under par 35 on the back-9. He finished the Championship at -12 under par with an outstanding Championship two-day total of 132.
In sole possession of 2ndPlace was: Mitchell Fox(Speargrass GC) who kept the heat on Wes all day and put together two excellent rounds just coming up short by 1-stroke. Mitch carded an immaculate -6 under par 66 today with no blemishes on the card, firing -3 under par 33 on the front-9 and followed it up with another -3 under par 33 on the back. Mitch had 6 Birdies on the card today and finished with a Championship two-day total 133.
In a two-way tie for 3rd Place, both finishing the Championship at -5 under par with two-day totals of 139 was: Kaleb Gorbahn(Lynx Ridge GC) & Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC). Kaleb playing in his first PGA of Alberta event, carded a great -5 under par today, firing -4 under par 32 on the front-9 and following it up with a 35 on the back. Dillon carded a solid -3 under par 69 today firing 35 on the front-9 and following it up with 34 on the back.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a three-way tie for 5th Place, all finishing the Championship at -4 under par with two-day totals of 140 was: Christopher Horton(Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC), Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) & David MacComb (Royal Mayfair GC).
In a two-way tie for 8th Place, both finishing the Championship at -3 under par with two-day totals of 141 was: Joshua Gorieu (Lewis Estates GC) & Mike Belbin (The Royal Mayfair GC). In a four-way tie for 10th Place, all finishing the Championship at Even-par with two-day totals of 144 was: Spencer Vandermey (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC), Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights), Leighton Bearchell (Sundre GC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC).
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with a Birdie on # 7 & # 11 & Jacob Suto (Bearspaw GC) with an Eagle on # 6.
Special thanks to our Sponsor: Cobra Puma Golf for their continued strong support, without them, events like this wouldn’t be possible.
Special thank you to our host venue of Stony Plain GC for putting on an excellent event and big thank you to their entire team for all the hard work that went into the Championship.
Three Tied In Lead After R1 Of Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship
Today saw Round 1 of the Assistants’ Championship sponsored by Cobra Puma Golf at the beautiful Stony Plain GC The course is in immaculate shape, conditions were excellent, which equated to a jammed Leaderboard at the Top with 17 players even or under par. It was an exciting day and sets us up for an even better Round-2 and the pitched battle at the Top for who takes home the 2023 Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship. Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) is our defending Champion prevailing at The Derrick G&WC last summer.
Our Leaders after R1, in a three-way tie, are: Defending Champion, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who came out firing today and carded an outstanding -5 under par 67. Wes carded a 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 32 on the back-9. Wes had 2 Eagle, 3 Birdies on the card today to go into tomorrow looking to 2-Peat as Assistants’ Champion.
3X former Assistants’ Champion Mike Belbin(Royal Mayfair GC) who carded a gem of a round with no blemishes to show today. Mike fired a -5 under par 67 today, carding a 33 on the front-9 and following it up with a 34 on the back-9. Mike had 5 birdies on the day and will look to add another Assistants’ Title to his collection.
Mitchell Fox(Speargrass GC) who fired an excellent round of -5 under par 67 today, carding a 32 on the front-9 and following it up with a 35 on the back-9. Mitch had 8 Birdies on the card and will look to keep it going in the final group for R2 tomorrow and his first Assistants’ Championship Title.
In a two-way tie for Second Place, both carding great -3 under par 69’s today was: Austin Keller (Bearspaw GC) & David MacComb (The Royal Mayfair GC). Austin fired a 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 34 on the back-9, with 5 Birdies on the card. David fired a 32 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 37 on the back-9, with 5 Birdies on the card.
In a three-way tie for Sixth Place, all carding -2 under par 70’s today and remaining well in contention for the Title was: Dillion Batsel (Desert Blume GC), Leighton Bearchell (Sundre GC) & Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC).
Rounding out our Top-10, in a 5-way tie for Ninth Place, all carding -1 under par 71’s, with low rounds needed tomorrow to put some heat on the lead group was: Darcy Dhillon (Red Deer G&CC), Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC), Tom Flockhart (Golfuture YYC), Tyler LeBouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) & Christopher Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood G&CC).
Congratulations to our Day 1 Skins winners: Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) with an Eagle on # 6 & # 10, Tom Flockhart (Golfuture YYC) with an Eagle on # 8, Simon Butterfield (Blackhawk GC) with a Birdie on # 14 and Connor Beeston (Raven Crest G&CC) with an Eagle on # 15.
First tee time is 830 AM sharp tomorrow, our final group of Heffernan, Belbin & Fox tee off at 1208 PM! Click here for Round 1 Results.
Membership and Employment Committee Formation & New Roster Set
We are excited to announce that the new Membership & Employment Committee has been formed for the remainder of 2023 and for 2024. Thank you to all the applicants who have volunteered their time and passion to help support our Membership.
"Jeff and I are looking forward to working closely with the new members of the Committee. We are extremely pleased the we have Members from both Public and Private facilities that will bring in their personal experience and club experiences to help engage in constructive conversation to make sure all sides of the business are represented."
The Membership & Employment Committee will sit with a minimum of 8 Members and maximum of 12 and will meet at minimum twice annually to address and review the PGA of Alberta’s Membership & Employment related matters.
Committee Responsibilities list below for a general outline of what is expected from Committee members.
PGA of Alberta By-Laws.
New Member Orientation.
Compensation Survey.
Job Posting Standards.
Membership & Employment Initiatives.
Club Relations.
Association Resource Centre.
Retention and attraction of Golf Professionals in Alberta.
Proactively obtain input from fellow members on their level of satisfaction of the Membership & Employment portfolio and consider suggestions for improvement.
Interacting with other Committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
Undertake other activities as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Review the Terms of Reference on an annual basis and make any recommendations for change.
Review with the Executive Director any breach of member misconduct and make recommendations for any fines or suspensions to the Board of Directors for any case related to employment or membership.
Tournament News
Nelson Reclaims Ladies’ Championship Title
Today saw the final round of the 2023 Ladies’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in fantastic shape for our competitors and conditions were overcast but still great for our competitors.
Our 2023 Ladies’ Champion went wire-to-wire over two rounds and gets her hands back on the trophy after winning the Championship in 2020 and 2021: Gina Nelson (Highlands GC). Gina played two excellent rounds for the Championship and shot an impressive -3 under par 69 for R2 today. Gina had an excellent blemish free round today, carding a 1-under par 35 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 2-under par 34 on the back-9, with 3 Birdies today to prevail over her nearest competitor by 3-strokes. Gina finished with a two-day Championship total of 143 (-1 overall).
In solo Second Place, last year’s Champion, was: Katy Rutherford(Silver Springs G&CC) who played 2 great rounds and finished 3-strokes back from the top. Katy carded an excellent -1 under-par 71 today which included 4 Birdies. Katy carded a 37 on the front-9, followed it up with a 34 on the back-9 and finished with a two-day Championship total of 146 (+2 overall).
Rounding out our Top-3 today was: Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) who played 2 solid rounds of golf, carding a 79 in R1 and a 76 today to finish the Championship with a two-day 155 (+11 overall).
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: Gina Nelson (Birdies on #6 & #11 & #13), Katy Rutherford (Birdies on #2, #15 & #18), Crystal Shapka (Birdie on #5), Carmen Kinas (Birdie on #16) & Elizabeth Carr (Birdie on #17).
Petryk Capturers First Seniors’ Championship Title
Today saw the final round of the 2023 Seniors’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in fantastic shape and conditions were overcast but still great for our competitors.
Our 2023 Seniors’ Champion, after a hard fought 3-hole playoff (#18, #10 & #18) is: Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) who prevailed to take home the Title. Larry carded the round of the day firing a -5 under par 67, carding a 34 on the front-9 and following it up with a 33 on the back to force a playoff . Larry finished with a two-day Championship total of 139 (-5 overall) after shooting even-par 72 for Round 1.
In Second Place, last year’s defending Champion and just coming up short in the playoff was: Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who carded two great rounds to finish at 5-under par overall for the Championship. Scott carded a great 2-under par 69 in Round 1 and followed it up with a solid 2-under 70 today.
In a two-way tie for Third Place, finishing with two-day Championship total’s of Even-Par, 144 was: Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) & Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi). Jeff fired a 75 & 69 and Darryl carded 69 & 75.
Rounding out our Top-5, in solo possession of Fifth Place was: Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member) who played two solid rounds of golf for the Championship, carding 72 for Round 1 and 74 for Round 2 and finishing with a two-day Championship total of 146 (+2 overall).
Congratulations to our Super Senior Division (60+) winner: Brian Bassen(Strathmore GC) who carded two great rounds to finish the tournament at +9 and Tied for 13th place of the overall Seniors’ Championship field.
Congratulations to our 2 skins winners today: Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) with a Birdie on #12 and Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC) with a Birdie on #18 who both take home $ 410 each!
Allred & James Tied In Lead After R1 Of Seniors’ Championship
Today saw Round 1 of The Seniors’ Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell & Inside Golf Inc and hosted at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC. The course is in fantastic shape and our players had an overcast but great conditions for their first round.
After Round 1, in a Two-Way tie for First Place was: Last year’s defending Champion, Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) & former Champion, Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who both carded excellent -3 under par 69’s today to open up a 2-stroke lead over their nearest competitor and setup for a heated battle tomorrow. Scott carded even-par 36 on the front-9 and followed it up with a great 3-under par 33 on the back-9 with 3 Birdies. Darryl started hot today with a 3-under par 33 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies. He followed it up with an even-par 36 on the back.
In solo Third Place is: Phil McCluskey (River Bend G&RA) who carded a great 1-under par 71 today to remain well in contention and slot into our Final group. Phil fired a 34 on the front-9 with 2 Birdies and a 37 on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a 4-way tie for Fourth Place, after all carding even-par 72’s is: Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC), Kent Fukushima (PGA of Alberta Member), Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) & Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) who remain in the hunt with low rounds needed tomorrow.
Leading our Super Senior Division (60+) is Ron Laugher (Priddis Greens G&CC) who carded an excellent even-par 72 and sitting tied 4th in the overall division.
First tee time is at 12:12 PM tomorrow and our last group tee’s it up at 2:00 PM. Congratulations to our 1 Skins winner today who won $840 - Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) with an Eagle hole-out on the Par 4 Sixth hole today.
Nelson Nabs The Lead After R1 Of Ladies’ Championship
Today saw R1 of the Ladies’ Championship at the beautiful Silver Springs G&CC with the course in mint shape for our competitors.
Leading the way and our 2020 and 2021 Ladies’ Championship Winner is: Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) who carded an excellent +2-over par 74 today. Gina played steady golf today and carded 37’s on both 9’s to hold a 1-stroke lead over her nearest competitor and to comfortably sit in the final group going out.
In solo Second Place, last year’s defending Champion is: Katy Rutherford (Silver Springs G&CC) who carded a great +3-over par 75 today. Katy played consistent golf today, carding 37 on the front-9 and 38 on the back-9 to sit 1-stroke off the lead and setting up a great battle for tomorrow’s final group.
In solo Third Place is: Jennifer MacKinnon (Earl Grey GC) who carded a solid +6-over par 78 today. Jennifer carded 38 on the front-9 and 40 on the back-9 to fill out our final group tomorrow and remain in contention with a low round needed tomorrow.
Rounding out our Top-5 is: Carmen Kinas (Canyon Meadows G&CC) and Marsha Rogers (The Derrick G&WC) who both carded +7-over par 79’s today and will try to keep some heat on the final group.
First tee time is at 11:36 AM tomorrow and our final group tee’s it up at 12:03 PM.
Congratulations to our 1 skins winner today: Elizabeth Carr (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) with a Birdie on #11 and will payout $ 220.
Congratulations to the 14 players who passed the Play Ability Test #5 today at Highwood Golf. The 14 players all successfully passed after shooting the target score (79) or better (49 years & younger) to become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada.
After a heated battle today, three players rose above the rest to qualify for the Shaw Charity Classic event held at the Canyon Meadows G&CC on Aug. 18th-20th. The three players advancing are: Hyeong Geon Kim (-6), Jeff Gove & Ted Purdy. A 4-man playoff took place for the last spot available in the event and Ted Purdy prevailed on the 3rd playoff hole with an approx 5 foot Birdie to move on at the Event Qualifier at the beautiful Lynx Ridge GC. Good luck to all advancing players at the Main event!
Today saw the last Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful Mill Woods GC sponsored by adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presented by Pixel Army. The course was in fantastic shape and the Leaderboard saw a tight battle at the top for the title. This year’s event continued with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition.
Our Champions this year are: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) + Shari Beier who fired a superb round today to finish with a blistering 50 Team Net Stableford team points to win by 3! Shaye and Shari carded an excellent 29 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with 21 Points on the back-9 on their march to victory.
In Solo Second Place, was the team of: Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) + Kim Whitecotton who put 47 Team Net Stableford Points on the board today. Keith & Kim carded 23 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with a strong 24 Point back-9.
In Solo Third Place. was the team comprised of: Dallas Cantera (Cardiff G&CC) + Kim Sabourin who fired an excellent 46 Team Net Stableford Points today. Dallas and Kim carded a great 24 Points on the front-9 and followed it up with 22 Points on the back-9.
Special thanks to our host course of Mill Woods GC for putting on another top-notch event and to our Sponsors adidas Golf & EFW Radiology and presenting Sponsor Pixel Army. Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
5 Progress from Shaw Charity Classic Pre-Qualifier
Congratulations to the five competitors who shot 70 or better today at Valley Ridge GC for the Pre-Qualifier to claim the 5 spots advancing to the Event Qualifier, next Tuesday, August 15th at Lynx Ridge GC. It was a perfect day for golf, and we saw some great scores on the Leaderboard. We also had an exciting 2-man playoff for the last advancing spot, both carded 2-under par 70’s today and battled on Valley Ridge #1 in the playoff.
3 Players rose above the field today to comfortably progress to the Event Qualifier, after all carding excellent 4-under par 68’s, they are: PGA of Alberta Member, Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry GC), Pat Patterson (Royal Palm Yacht & CC) & Wes Martin (River’s Edge Golf Club).
The Fourth spot progressing onwards, thanks to a great 3-under par 69, is Mike Grob who just avoided the playoff amongst the 2-under par 70’s. The playoff was between PGA of Alberta Member, Kent Fukushima (Redwood Meadows) & Hyeong Geon Kim (Georgia National) and was complete after the first hole. Hyeong prevailed after hitting a huge drive on the Par 5 first hole, making the green reachable and calmly drained his approximate 12-foot Eagle putt after hitting a good 2nd shot in to heap the pressure on his opponent.
All five players have now qualified for the main Event Qualifier, next Tuesday, August 15th at Lynx Ridge GC. The Shaw Charity Classic will be taking place at Canyon Meadows G&CC from August 18th - 20th.
Heffernan & Smith Capture 2023 G&G Brands Pro-Pro Best Ball Title
Today saw the Pro-Pro Best Ball sponsored by G&G Brands hosted at the beautiful Mickelson National GC. We had a strong field of 59 teams encompassing 118 total players for the event. Our winning Team created a bit of distance between themselves and the trailing pack but the Leaderboard was tight for the chasing pack with 29 Teams under par or even today.
Our 2023 G&G Brands Pro-Pro Best Ball Champions today were: Wes Heffernan + Scott Smith (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) who carded an outstanding 10-under par 62 and were victorious over their nearest competitors by 2-strokes. Wes and Scott had a blemish free round and 10 Birdies today to take home the title firing a 30 on the front-9 and following it up with a 32 on the back-9.
Attendee Registration Open for the 2023 Alberta Buying Show
Attendee Registration is OPEN for the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show!
The PGA of Alberta would like to invite you to attend the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show on October 17 – 19 at the Calgary BMO Centre in Hall D to showcase your company and products!The purpose of the Buying Show is to bring Golf Professionals, Equipment Manufacturers, and Sales Representatives all together in the same building, in order for them to prepare their inventories for the following season.
Over the course of the three days, nearly 1,200 people gather from across the province, and country, to look at what’s new and exciting in the golf industry. Our Buying Show continues to be the only “full scale” show of its kind in Canada and it is with great pride that we host this show every fall for our Members, Industry Suppliers and guests of the Industry. The Buying Show is an event that is restricted to PGA of Canada Members, Non-PGA of Canada Facilities, and Golf Industry Equipment Manufacturers/Businesses.
The Show will be hosted in Calgary at the BMO Centre (Hall D) in Stampede Park.We are excited to build off the success of previous shows which include easy transportation in & out of the city, increased networking opportunities, and walking distance from our preferred hotel partner, Hotel Arts.
If you have any questions about the Show, please contact Michelle Moody ([email protected]). Click on the "Exhibitor Hub" or "Attendee Hub" tab below for more details and to get started with your registration.
Parking and Wi-Fi are both complimentary for Exhibitors and Attendees.More details related to parking will be released closer to the Show. A code for Wi-Fi access will be given at the Show.
There are 5 Ticket Types for Attendees. Please read through the descriptions below to ensure you register using the correct category.
PGA of Alberta Member
PGA of Alberta Professionals who have paid their annual dues and work within Alberta.
PGA of Canada Member (Outside of Alberta)
PGA of Canada Professionals who have paid their annual dues and are working in a Zone outside of Alberta.
Individual(s) working at a facility with an employed PGA of Alberta/Canada Professional and are not Members of the PGA of Canada and do not pay annual dues. This ticket type is for Facility Owners, General Managers, Food & Beverage Staff, and Employees at a course or a guest who is somehow affiliated with a facility.
NGCOA Member
Individual(s) whose facility is a Member of the National Golf Course Owner’s Association and does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at their facility.
Please note NGCOA Members are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show.
Green Grass Facility
Individual(s) who are attending the Buying Show on behalf of a facility that does not have a PGA of Canada Professional employed at the course and is not a Member of the NGCOA. There is a $75.00 per person charge for this ticket type when purchased in advance online and a $125.00 per person charge when purchased at the door.
Please note those representing Green Grass Facilities are only eligible to attend on Day 2 (October 18) & Day 3 (October 19) of the Buying Show.
Looking for more information on the benefits of attending the 2023 Buying Show? Click on the button to download our Attendee Package for further details on all the Show has to offer Attendees this year!
Ready to register? Click the above button to get started.
Tournament News
Whitecotton & Samletzki Victorious At Pro-Senior Presented by Golf Trends INC
Today saw the last Pro-Am of the season hosted at the beautiful River Bend G&RA sponsored by Golf Trends INC and was a great day for golf. We had a field of 49 teams for a total of 98 competitors! The course was in outstanding shape and all the teams had an incredible experience at a top-notch facility.
This year saw the event continue with the Team Net Stableford scoring format which kept things fun and exciting for the competition. The point allocation in this format is: 6 points for a Hole-in-One, 5 points for a Double-Eagle, 4 points for Eagle, 3 points for Birdie, 2 points for Par & 1 point for Bogey.
Our Champions were the team of: Keith Whitecotton + Brian Samletzki (The Quarry) who played an excellent round to finish with 47 Team Net Stableford Points and won through retrogression. Keith had 4 Birdies on the card and Brian had 2 Eagles & 4 Birdies for 23 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 24 on the back-9 on their way to victory.
In Second Place through retrogression was the team of: Jason Stanier + Bob Karch (Inglewood G&CC) who also accumulated an excellent 47 Team Net Stableford Points today. Jason had 4 Birdies on the card today and Bob had 1 Eagle & 6 Birdies for 24 Team Stableford Points on the front-9 and 23 on the back-9.
Finishing in Third today, at 44 points was the team of: Kyle Brandt + Mike Chupka (The Derrick G&WC). Kyle had 3 Birdies on the card and Mike pitched in with 1 Eagle & 5 timely Birdies of his own for 23 Team Stableford Points on the front & 21 Points on the back today.
Special thanks to our host course and their entire staff: River Bend G&RA for putting on such a great event and to our Sponsor: Golf Trends INC. Without their continued support events like these would not be possible!
Each year the PGA of Alberta recognizes Members and Industry Representatives for their achievements throughout the season, their career, as well as for their contributions to the Association and the game of golf.
We encourage all Members and Industry Partners to become a part of our Awards Program by nominating an individual or facility that you feel is deserving of an Award. In total, nine Awards are up for nomination this year:
Please note the following for the 2023 Awards Program:
Coach of the Year Award Eligibility - Nominees must be certified within Golf’s National Coach Certification Program Competition stream (Coach of New Competitors, Coach of Developing Competitors) to be eligible to be a Finalist and win the Award.
Top 100 Points - Every member that submits a nomination form by August 18, 2023, will receive 2 Top 100 points for this program year (ends December 31, 2023). The maximum points you can receive is 2 total, even if you nominate more than one person.
Nomination(s) – We encourage all PGA of Alberta Professionals and Industry Partners to nominate a deserving individual in each of the Award categories. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Awards Criteria - Click Here to view the criteria for each Award.
Deadline to Nominate - Nominations for all awards will close at the end of day on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Video Bio Submissions - All members who are nominated for an Award are highly encouraged to submit a short video bio in addition to their application form.
Awards Banquet (Save the Date) - Award winners will be revealed at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 18, at the Calgary BMO Centre (after day two of the Buying Show).
Vandermey Victorious At Players Tour At The Ranch G&CC
Today was the sixth and final Players Tour event of the season at the beautiful The Ranch G&CC in Edmonton and our competitors were treated to an absolutely mint and fantastically conditioned course and a perfect day for golf. This was the last open stroke play event of the season that Members amass Order of Merit points from with the Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship at the end of August the final event to earn points to earn a spot on either the Head Professional or Assistants’ team to represent Alberta at the PGA of Canada Championships later in the fall.
Nick Vandermey (Windermere G&CC) lead the field today to take home the final Players Tour title of the season. Nick fired an outstanding -5 under par 66 today on the par 71 Ranch G&CC to prevail by 3-strokes over his nearest competitors. He carded a 2-under par 33 on the front-9 with 1 Eagle and 1 Birdie. He followed it up on the back-9 with a blemish free -3 under par 33 with 3 Birdies.
In a tie for Second, after all carding great -2 under par 69’s was: Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC), Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) & Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC). Rounding out our Top-5, after carding -1 under par 70’s was: Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) & Levi McDermott (Big Buck Golf Centre).
Thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team -The Ranch G&CCfor helping to put on yet another successful event.
Congratulations to our Skins Winner: Jeremy Maher with an Eagle on #13.
Linquist Takes Home 2nd Seniors’ Division Title Of Season
The 2nd and last PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Division event of the season did not disappoint with many legends of our Association competing and having some excellent playing conditions at the beautiful The Ranch G&CC.
After a hard-fought battle on the course, Jerry Linquist (Lewis Estates GC) takes home the title with an excellent score of 1-under 70. Linquist carded a great round of golf throughout today, shooting 35-35 on the front and back nines to seal the victory with 5 Birdies on the card.
Keeping Linquist on his toes and finishing in second was Richard Stringer (Country Hills GC) who played great today and carded even-par 71 to fall 1 stroke short of our leader. Richard carded 35-36 with 6 Birdies on the card today. Rounding out the Top-3, both carding a score of +2 over par 73 was: Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) who carded 34-39 with 2 Birdies on the card & one of our Host Professionals Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC) who carded 35-38 with 2 Birdies on the card.
Thank you to our Host Venue and their whole team -The Ranch G&CCfor helping to put on yet another successful event.
Congratulations to our Skins Winners today: Blair Oko with an Eagle on #13, Gary Christenson with a Birdie on #3, Andre DiBartolo with a Birdie on #8, Jerry Linquist with a Birdie #9, Murray McCourt with a Birdie #15 & Richard Stringer with a Birdie on #16.
Dhaliwal & Gillis Claim 2023 Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters Titles
The 2023 edition of the Play Golf Alberta - Royal Mayfair Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & Blue Tees is officially in the books. Today’s second round saw a continuation of the perfect conditions and our competitors battled all day to try and win their respective divisions and overall title.
Winning her first Junior Masters title in the Overall Girls’ Division was Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield GC) who prevailed on the second playoff hole (#18 X2) after making a clutch approx. 5 foot putt for par. Sophie played outstanding golf over both rounds and finished the Tournament at +11 after carding 71 in round 1 and 80 today with a two-day gross total of 151. Finishing in second this year was Carla van Remmen (Pinebrook G&CC) finishing the Tournament at +11 after shooting 73 & 78. Rounding out the top 3 was Gabrielle Roznicki (The Glencoe G&CC ) who finished the Tournament at +20 after firing 78 & 82.
Congratulations to the Winner of the U-15 Girls Division: Alessandra Sundquist(Willow Park G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +10 after carding 75 & 75 and had a two-day gross total of 150. Finishing in Second place was Rhea Deo (Royal Mayfair GC) who finished Tournament at +16 after carding 77 & 79.
In the Overall Boys’ Division, our 2023 Play Golf Alberta - Royal MayfairJunior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & Blue Tees Champion is: Ryan Gillis (Pinebrook G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +2 with a two-day gross total of 142 carding 75 yesterday and our low round for today with a -3-under par 67. Ryan had only 1 blemish on his card today with 4 Birdies carding 34 & 33 today.
Rounding out our top 4 was, Josiah Tong (Heritage Pointe GC) who finished the Tournament at +3 overall after firing 71 & 73, Jared Code (Glencoe G&CC) who carded 72 & 72 & Ethan Howes (Broadmoor GC) who carded 69 & 75 and who tied finishing the Tournament at +4 overall.
Congratulations to the Winner of the U-15 Boys Division: Harrison Kiziak (Belvedere G&CC) who finished the Tournament at +2 with a two-day gross total 142 after carding 70 & 72. Finishing in Second place was Chase Lassman (Stony Plain GC) who finished the Tournament at +4 after carding 70 & 74.
Ethan Howes (Broadmoor GC) in the Overall Boys’ Division and Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield GC) in the Overall Girls’ Division stood above the rest of the field today to hold the lead in their respective divisions heading into Round 2 tomorrow.
Ethan carded a great 1-under par 69 today, carding 34 on the front nine and 35 on the back-9, with 4 Birdies on the card. Sitting right behind Ethan is two players who both carded +1 over-par 71’s: Josiah Tong & Peter Hlushak who will be looking to catch our Leader. Five other players sit within 3 strokes of the lead heading into tomorrow for R2 with low rounds needed to catch the top of the Leaderboard.
Sophie carded a great +1-over par 71 today, carding 37 on the front nine and 34 on the back-9 with an Ace on #4 and 3 Birdies. Sitting just 2-strokes off the lead is Carla Van Remmen who carded +3 over-par 73 today to remain well in contention for the overall title.
In the U-15 Boys’ Division, Jayden Arnold (Earl Grey GC) had our round of the day carding an excellent 3-under par 67 to sit atop the Leaderboard in his respective division. Jayden fired a 34 on the front-9 and followed it up with a 33 on the back-9 with 5 Birdies today to give himself a healthy 3-stroke lead heading into tomorrow’s final round.
In the U-15 Girls’ Division, Alessandra Sundquist (Willow Park G&CC) sits at the top after carding a great +5 over-par 75 today. Alessandra carded 37 on the front-9 and followed it up with 38 on the back-9. She holds a 2-stroke lead over her nearest competitor.
Round 2 kicks off at 8:00 AM tomorrow with the Boys’ Divisions out first and the Girls’ Divisions following with the last tee time set for 11:00 AM. Players will battle it out so they can take home the 2023 Junior Masters title as well as their respective division title.
Kirkness Claims First PING Club Professional Championship Title On Home Turf
Players were treated to a beautiful day for R2 at the PING Canada Club Professional Championship hosted at the picturesque Inglewood G&CC in Calgary. The course continued to be in mint shape for all our competitors and the weather was excellent throughout the day for the entire field.
Our 2023 PING Club Professional Champion, Head Professional of our host venue, is: Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) fresh off his strong 6th place showing at the PGA of Alberta Championship 2 weeks ago. Sam had a resolute performance on home turf with a convincing victory of a 5-stroke margin over his nearest competitors in this 2-day stroke play Championship.
Sam started the day tied in the lead (-4) in our final group and began his round on the front foot with the pedal to floor with Birdies on 3 of the first 4 holes. Sam only had 1 blemish to show on the front-9 after carding a strong 4-under par 32, with 5 Birdies, and a healthy lead established over his nearest competitors. He followed it up with a solid 1-under par 34 on the back-9 to cruise in as our 2023 PING Club Professional Champion. Sam had a two-day Championship total of 133 and finished the Championship at -9.
In a two-way tie for Second place was: Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) and Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who both put together two great rounds for the Championship to finish with a Championship two-day total of: 138 (-4). Scott carded our low round for today with a blistering 64 (-7), with a 4-under par 31 on the front-9 and carded a 31 on the back-9. Kevin carded a 68 (-3) today shooting 37 on the front-9 and carding a 4-under 31 on the back-9.
In solo Fourth place was: Jamie Gerlitz (Picture Butte GC) who finishes the Championship at -2 with a two-day total 140. Jamie carded -2 today with a 2-under 34 front-9, he followed it up with an even-par 35 on the back-9.
Rounding out our Top-5 for the Championship, in a two-way tie for Fifth place, with two-day Championship totals of: 142 , at Even-Par was: Matthew Mah (Mill Woods GC) & Adam Bruce (GOLFTEC Sherwood Park).
In a two-way tie Seventh place was: last year’s Club Pro Champion, Stefan Cox (Calgary G&CC) & our other host professional, Jason Stanier (Inglewood G&CC) finishing the Championship at +1 with two-day totals of 143.
Rounding out our Top-10, in a three-way tie for Ninth place, finishing the Championship at +3 with two-day totals of 145 was: Weston Gillett (Lacombe G&CC), Matt Freeman (Canyon Meadows G&CC) & former Champion, Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC).
“We’re proud to be recognized as a valuable partner of the PGA of Alberta, working in synergy with their team, to grow the game in Canada. We look forward to sharing our data-driven insights and processes with their members,” said Bodo Sieber, CEO, Tagmarshal 
