PGA of BC PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
CALLAWAY GOLF
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Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway manufactures and sells premium golf clubs, golf balls, golf and lifestyle bags, golf and lifestyle apparel, and other accessories.
With a staffer team in British Columbia of more than 100 Golf Professionals, Callaway is a co-title sponsor of the PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship -- scheduled for July 5-6 at Talking Rock Golf Course -- as well as a national sponsor of the PGA of Canada Assistants' Championship, Head Professional Championship, and the Patronize Your PGA Professional initiative. Click below to visit Callaway Golf online.
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IN MEMORIAM: SEAN RICHARDSON |
The PGA of BC regrets to share the sad news that Teaching Professional Sean Richardson (The Harvest Golf Club) passed away Sunday at the age of 52.
One of the most accomplished coaches and instructors among the ranks of PGA of BC Professionals, Richardson had battled cancer for several years prior to his passing. He spent the entirety of his impressive 32-year career as a PGA of Canada member based at golf facilities in British Columbia.
A testament to his work with players at all levels, Richardson was a three-time provincial award recipient of the PGA of BC, taking home the Association’s Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award in 2004, the Teacher of the Year Award in 2010 and Coach of the Year honours in 2018, which he is pictured receiving above. Richardson also spent most of the past decade working as a technical coach for the Kelowna chapter of BC Special Olympics.
Many of Richardson’s students have gone on to achieve tremendous success. They include two-time PGA Tour winner Nick Taylor, two-time Korn Ferry Tour winner Adam Svensson, former LPGA Tour player Sue Kim, and Darren Wallace – the youngest-ever winner of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at age 15 in 2004 – just to name a few. A couple of other students he worked with closely who have been successful in golf and life are Symetra Tour players Jessica Wallace -- Darren’s sister -- and Megan Osland. He was particularly proud of their accomplishments outside of golf and the role that golf played in their success.
Richardson is survived by wife Tracy, daughters Alexis and Kiana, stepsons Ewan and Colin, brother Michael, and parents Keith Richardson (Nanae) and Susan Hodges. The PGA of BC extends its sympathies to all of Sean’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Click below to read more about Richardson's life and career.
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PGA of BC ENTERS PARTNERSHIP WITH NIKE GOLF |
The PGA of BC is pleased to announce a new Preferred Partnership with Nike Golf for the 2021 season.
In addition to its support of PGA of BC Professionals as a Gold-level Preferred Partner throughout the season ahead, the agreement will see Nike Golf serve as title sponsor of this year’s Club Professional Championship.
Nike Golf’s offerings include a wide array of high-performance apparel options for men, women, and juniors, as well as innovative, convention-breaking footwear and accessories that help players look, feel and play their best on course. That’s why top players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau, Michelle Wie West, and many more, proudly represent Nike Golf on tour.
“We are excited to be partnering with the PGA of BC and helping to deliver one of its marquee events of the summer,” said Adam Cox, President of Mint Green/Nike Golf Canada. “The West Coast has always shown a strong affinity for Nike Golf and we are proud to be the title sponsor of the 2021 Club Professional Championship."
The Club Professional Championship is open to all PGA of BC Head, Executive and Head Teaching Professionals. The 36-hole, individual stroke-play tournament will take place Sept. 20-21 at Victoria’s Royal Colwood Golf Club. Brad Clapp (Ledgeview Golf Club) is the event’s defending champion, having won the 2020 title in a playoff at Nicklaus North Golf Course, earning him the honour of having his name etched on the Dick Munn Memorial Trophy for the first time.
Click below to read more about this exciting partnership.
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GOLF TOURNAMENTS ADDED TO LIST OF RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES |
Please be advised of the updated restrictions within British Columbia and the new order from the Provincial Health Officer as it relates to sport and travel for sport, as well as their impacts for golfers and facilities.
Of note, golf tournaments were recently added to the list of activities considered to be "group sports" and are prohibited as a result. No restrictions have been announced on regular tee-sheet play, provided that facilities are adhering to all other guidelines set forth by health authorities.
Additionally, new orders will be enacted later this week under the Emergency Program Act to restrict vacation and recreational travel between health regions.
Given current circumstances and the current order remaining in effect until at least late May, the PGA of BC is reviewing all options for its 2021 championship schedule. The administration team intends to provide updates on the status of PGA of BC championship tournaments once more information is available.
Click below to review current guidelines and restrictions as they relate to sport and travel for sport within the province. All efforts to ensure the health and safety of individuals and employees within British Columbia's golf community are greatly appreciated.
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PGA of BC Professional Ann Holmes (Prince George Golf & Curling Club) was named an inductee to the University of British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2021 last week.
The 2000-01 Thunderbirds Women's Golf Team (pictured), which had Holmes as head coach, was named to this year's induction class in recognition of their tremendous season that culminated in an NAIA national championship. The squad was the first to earn a title for a Canadian program, while Holmes earned the conference's Coach of the Year honours for that season.
Players on the roster included former PGA of BC Professional Lindsay MacDermott (nee Jackson), Katie Duke, Jill McAuley, Liz Ream, Kelly Reid, Sarah Stewart (nee Moodie) and Jackie Touchet (nee Hays), while Holmes's assistant coach was Maija Salmon (nee McCauley).
The PGA of BC extends its congratulations to Holmes and all team members on this prestigious honour! Click below to view the team's Hall of Fame webpage.
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The Vancouver Island Club Pro Tour was the first regional circuit to complete a PGA of BC Order of Merit-counting event this season on Monday, with Lance McCullough (The Ridge Course at Cordova Bay) securing the victory.
McCullough (pictured) earned a one-stroke win with his 1-over-par 72 at Highland Pacific Golf, which was worth $540. Runner-up honours belonged to Brad Liptrot (Olympic View Golf Club), who carded a 73 and earned $440. Mark Forrest (Beban Park Golf Centre) and Nate Ollis (Cordova Bay Golf Course) shared third place with matching 74s, taking home $290 apiece.
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Troy Kapko has transferred from the Manitoba Zone and joins GolfTEC Coquitlam as a Teaching Professional
Cody Stewart has left Cheam Mountain Golf Course and joins Chilliwack Golf Club as an Apprentice Professional
Ray Kwok has returned from his Leave of Absence and joins Birdies & Buckets Golf Family Golf Centre as a Teaching Professional
Greg Pidlaski has transferred to the Alberta Zone
Nara Kim's application to the PGA of Canada has been approved and she becomes an Apprentice Professional at The Vancouver Golf Club
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PGA of BC PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT -- IAN STONE |
Head Professional, Uplands Golf Club
PGA of Canada member since: 2011
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
My love of golf, and admiration of Golf Professionals at a young age.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Working through all jobs in the golf department of the club.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Don Billsborough, Bruce Rands, Norm Jackson, Jay Wilson, Earl Davies. Too many to name. I've been fortunate to receive support, encouragement and guidance from many longtime Professionals.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Owning and thriving with my own small business; having 14 staff members and seeing them grow.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
A bad day in the golf world beats a good day in most other jobs.
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Want to be featured in the Professional Spotlight of an upcoming E-News? Click here to complete the PGA of BC member profile questionnaire.
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Although the PGA of BC's Careers board is visible only to member Professionals, anyone is welcome to submit a golf-industry job to be included among the listing of available opportunities.
The PGA of BC's Career Posting Guidelines are publicly available on the Association website under the "Membership" tab, and can also be accessed by clicking below. All career opportunities posted to our Careers board are also forwarded to the national office to be included on the corresponding national job listings.
If your facility or company has an open position that you wish to advertise to our members across the province, please review the guidelines and submit your posting to PGA of BC Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington at [email protected].
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