PGA of BC PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
KAL TIRE
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Visit Kal’s website to learn more or contact any local store today for a fast, easy and free estimate.

Kal Tire is a proud Silver-level Preferred Partner of the PGA of BC and a Contributing Partner to Canucks Junior Golf Week. Click below to visit Kal Tire online.
EXCITING NEWS FOR ALS PATIENTS AS GOLFATHON FOR ALS RETURNS
The PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS presented by Pacific Blue Cross tees off next week for a 16th consecutive year on the heels of exciting news for patients and families affected by the neurodegenerative disease.

Encouraging developments on local treatment options have only underscored the importance of the Golfathon for ALS that takes place each June, when PGA of BC Professionals across the province play from sunrise to sunset, completing as many holes as possible in a single day at their respective courses to raise money in support of the ALS Society of BC (ALSBC). The initiative set a new record in 2020 with more than $200,000 raised, bringing the cumulative total since 2006 beyond the $2.1-million mark.

Earlier this month, ALSBC’s PROJECT HOPE reached its funding goal of $5.3 million to establish an ALS Research Professorship at the University of British Columbia, which will strive to provide BC residents diagnosed with ALS with greater access to promising therapies in the late stages of clinical trials.

Although the significant totals raised over the years through the Golfathon for ALS were not part of the $5.3 million making PROJECT HOPE a reality, PGA of BC members and those donating to the cause have still played an important role in making it achievable, helping ensure that ALSBC's patient and family services were uncompromised while securing funding for the project.

Click here to learn more about PROJECT HOPE and how the Golfathon for ALS has made an impact, and why it's as important as ever for PGA of BC Professionals to support the cause.

More than 30 PGA of BC facilities will take part in this year's Golfathon for ALS, with at least two scheduled for the first week of June. Kicking things off at Mount Brenton Golf Course, Jan Best will conduct his Golfathon on June 1, while Jessey Church will bring the initiative back to Aberdeen Glen Golf Course on June 2.

Click below to learn more about the Golfathon for ALS, to view participating facilities and event dates or to make a donation.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW FOR IAN WEBB SCHOLARSHIPS
The PGA of Canada Foundation is now accepting applications for Ian Webb Scholarships.

The foundation will award up to five scholarships of varying amounts to a maximum of $2,000 to PGA of Canada members and their immediate family members pursuing post-secondary studies, or to members engaged in a full-time, formal education program meant to advance their standing within the profession. These scholarships, awarded for more than 25 years, were re-named in memory of PGA of Canada member Ian Webb, who passed away from cancer in 2019.

Applicants must be a PGA of Canada member, or the spouse, child or grandchild of a PGA of Canada member, living or deceased. Applicants also must be enrolled in a full-time education program, or be in their final year of high school and engaging in full-time studies within six months. Rylee McDonald, daughter of PGA of BC Professional Brian McDonald (Fairview Mountain Golf Club), was among the 2020 recipients of Ian Webb Scholarships.

The deadline to apply is June 25. Click below to learn more and access the application form. Please direct any inquiries to Wayne MacPhee at wayne@pgaofcanada.com.
SPACES AVAILABLE IN UPCOMING PLAYING ABILITY TESTS
Current and prospective applicants to the PGA of Canada are reminded of upcoming opportunities to participate in a Playing Ability Test (PAT).

Scheduled PATs to be administered by the PGA of BC with spaces still available include:

  • June 21 - Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
  • July 13 - Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
  • Sept. 7 - Belmont Golf Course

Registration for each PAT closes 10 days prior to the event date. However, spaces are limited and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so signing up early is recommended.

In addition to the application fee -- which includes the cost of the applicant's first PAT attempt --proof of employment within the golf industry, a letter of recommendation from a Class "A" Professional and a signed applicant agreement must be submitted to the PGA of Canada before access to PAT registration is granted.

Click below to view the upcoming PAT schedule, including links to registration and target scores by gender and age range at each site. Please direct any inquiries to Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington at doug@pgabc.org.
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Patrik Ericson's application to the PGA of Canada has been approved and he becomes an Apprentice Professional at Valley Golf Centre

Derrick Hawes has transferred from the Alberta Zone as a Life Member

Peter Oliphant has left Peace Portal Golf Club
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Teaching Professional - GolfTEC Vancouver Terminal Ave.

Associate Golf Professional - Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
PGA of BC PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT -- JESSEY CHURCH
Class "A" Professional, Aberdeen Glen Golf Course

PGA of Canada member since: 2012

What career path led you to where you are today? 
Being raised in the industry and from a small town it was very easy to make the move into a Professional position. After I hung up the competitive sticks I knew I wanted to help people learn to love the game and to play it better, so becoming a Teaching Professional in my hometown was an amazing way to do that.

Who has influenced your career the most, and how? 
Ian Wrynn the Director of Golf/Head Professional at Aberdeen Glen Golf Course. He has been an amazing mentor and has really helped to lead me down the road to being a better Professional. We have known each other for 15 years so our relationship started back when I was just a junior and I have really grown under his guidance.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC? 
The most rewarding part for me is helping new players discover the game for the first time, especially in this current climate where so many new faces are coming to the game.

What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why? 
A bit of a homer answer here, but Aberdeen Glen Golf Course is still at the top of my list. A course of our calibre in Northern BC is just insane. Elevation changes, manicured greens and a true championship feel make me extremely proud to call this course home.
Want to be featured in the Professional Spotlight of an upcoming E-News? Click here to complete the PGA of BC member profile questionnaire.
FACT OF THE WEEK
PGA of BC Competition Advisor & Senior Rules Referee Jack Croucher is entering his 11th season serving in a formal role for the Association, but has been assisting with PGA of BC championship events and Playing Ability Tests for an even longer period.

The PGA of BC proudly presented Croucher with a 10-year Service Award during its 2020 Awards Celebration and is grateful for the Kamloops resident's continued guidance.

PGA of BC Professionals are welcome to contact Croucher with any rules-related questions throughout the season. Send your inquiries by email to jcroucher65@gmail.com or reach him by phone at 250-318-3527.
PGA of British Columbia | info@pgabc.org | (604) 303-6766 | pgabc.org
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