The PGA of BC would like to send its condolences to the family of Russ White, who passed away on March 15th.

 

Russ was a longtime rules official who worked many PGA of BC events and according to his obituary, he was born in 1921, raised in Point Grey and he grew up sailing, playing basketball and lacrosse. He also developed a lifelong passion for golf and skiing.  

 

In his late teens, his family moved to Chilliwack where he met his wife and lifelong sweetheart Ida, who tried to keep him on the straight and narrow for 54 years, but predeceased him in 1996.  

 

Russ served his country in the Second World War, as a bomber pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force, stationed in England and Tunisia. After returning, he settled into family life, moving to Deep Cove in the early 1950s, becoming a 58 year member of his beloved Seymour Golf & Country Club.  

 

The family will have a private memorial and a commemorative run down Whistler's Lower Dave Murray run. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the SPCA, listen to Ella Fitzgerald and lift a glass of red wine.   

 

The PGA of BC is proud to announce the winner of Mini Minor Hockey draw to play during intermission of the April 7 Vancouver Canucks-Anaheim Ducks game is Jordyn Verbeek, a goalie with the 9-10 year old Langley Atom A3 Eagles team. Jordyn was nominated by Matt Palsenbarg of Northview Golf & Country Club and her lucky ballot was pulled out in the draw conducted by the PGA of BC on March 14th.

Through the Canucks' Mini Minor Hockey program, which includes initiation/novice, atom and pee wee minor hockey teams throughout the province, select minor hockey teams are given the opportunity to skate during the intermission of a Vancouver Canucks home game.

 

This exciting opportunity is made possible through the Canucks Centre for BC Minor Hockey and its collaboration with BC Hockey and Charter Bus Lines of British Columbia. These organizations work in partnership to allow minor hockey players and coaches the chance to participate in events which support their growth and development.

 

PGA of BC facilities still have until March 26 to sign up their facilities for Junior Canucks Golf Week. Please refer to an email you would have received from PGA of BC Sales Manager Grant Gray in late-February. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Grant at 604-303-6766.  

 

Congratulations are the order of the day for Jordan Rourke of Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Tyler Thorau of Olympic View Golf Club and Robert Bird of Nicklaus North Golf Course for successfully passing their Playing Ability Test at Belmont Golf Course in Langley on March 11 and 12.

Belmont was playing in fine spring form and despite the harsh winter weather, the course was in great shape, courtesy of Belmont Head Professional Mark Forrest and his team.

Rourke, Thorau and Bird all shot under the pass score of 156 and were happy to receive their Welcome packages. Once each applicant completes the necessary paperwork, they will become Candidates for Membership with the PGA of Canada.

For all other applicants, the new 2014 Playing Ability Test Schedule will be finalized by April 1.

The PGA of BC is proud to announce some changes to the 2014 PDP race. The notable changes include additional avenues to earn points, flexibility in various categories, deeper payouts and an increase to the overall purse. 

The first update of 2014 also sees the announcement of the first leader in the race: Jeff Palmer of Olympic View Golf Club. Palmer earned points by presenting at the Education Series, participation at the Spring Education Seminar, and volunteerism in the PGA of BC Learning Centre at the Vancouver Golf & Travel Show. 

Victoria Golf Club is hosting a Retirement Dinner for Mike Parker on Saturday April 12th to help celebrate 43 years at Victoria Golf Club, with 29 of those years at the Head Professional position.   

The Western Canada Qualifying Round for the 2014 RBC Canadian Open will take place Monday June 9 at the Marine Drive Golf Club.     

 

The Regional Qualifying Competition at Marine Drive is one of three first stage regional qualifiers and features 18 holes stroke play with the low qualifier at each site receiving an exemption directly into the 2014 RBC Canadian Open field, provided the starting field is a minimum of 100 competitors at each site. The top 15% of finishers at each regional qualifying competition are eligible to compete at Final Qualifying at Club de Golf St-Rapha�l on July 21.

 

The deadline to register for the June 9 event is June 2.
 

For more information on the qualifying process, please click here   

Congratulations to University Golf Club Head Professional Michael Mather, who along with wife Jacquie welcomed daughter Aubrey Grace Mather to their growing family. Aubrey was born just before 7 a.m. on Sunday, March 16 after a short labour and weighed in at a healthy 6 lbs and 15 ounces. Aubrey joins big brother Nathan, who is just a little more than 2 years older. Michael, Jacquie and Aubrey returned home to join Nathan and the family is healthy and happy with its newest addition.

Congratulations also go to Cedar Hill Golf Course Professional Jamie Murphy, who scored 93% on his Class A exam. 

Assistant Professional - Fernie Golf & Country Club

Candidate for Membership - Copper Point Golf Club 

Click here to view careers listed on the PGA of Canada website