PGA of BC PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
SIMPLEPAY
SimplePay is a technology-driven, client-focused payment-processing company based in Port Coquitlam. We understand the complexities of building and managing the business of golf, and your need to deliver a next-level experience to every guest, every time.

SimplePay’s Account Executives are experts in building and streamlining payment-processing programs that help you drive efficiencies to increase guest experience, as well as your bottom line. Our solutions integrate with major golf POS systems and technologies. Whether you need guidance with mobile, in-shop or online payments, we are here and ready to help.

SimplePay is a Bronze-level Preferred Partner of the Association and the title sponsor of the Show Lounge at the PGA of BC Buying Show, taking place virtually Oct. 13-14. Click below for more information, or contact Carlos Borges, SimplePay Founder & CEO, at 778-386-8068 or [email protected].
KAT KENNEDY WINS PGA of BC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
Kat Kennedy’s steady play over two days at Northview Golf & Country Club led to her first professional victory on Wednesday as she captured top spot in the PGA of BC Women’s Championship presented by Dexim Golfwear.

Despite a windy and rainy final round on Northview's Ridge Course for the 36-hole, stableford-scoring tournament, Kennedy (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) matched the 33-point performance she put up in Tuesday’s opening round to take the title with a 66-point total.

Michelle Waters (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) finished with 63 points to take runner-up honours and collect $600 for her performance. Stephanie Wong (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) matched Kennedy for best round of the day Wednesday with 33 points and placed third, five points off the pace, to take home $425. Kyla Inaba (Predator Ridge Resort) also finished in the money, with her 58-point total good for fourth spot and $325.

Click below to read our complete recap and access final scoring.

The PGA of BC thanks host Head Professional Greg Pool, superintendent Dave Fair and the entire Northview team for their outstanding hospitality during the tournament. Further thanks go to Dexim Golfwear for its continued support of the Women’s Championship and its on-site presence during both rounds of the event.
MEMBERSHIP VOTING OPEN FOR 2021 PGA of BC AWARDS
All Professionals are reminded of the opportunity to help the Association identify its 2021 provincial award recipients by voting for their preferred candidates in 11 member-determined categories.

Earlier this month, the PGA of BC announced the Regional Award Recipients in all member-determined categories following an open nomination period and extensive deliberations by regional nomination committees. Each of the Regional Award Recipients are now provincial finalists for this year's PGA of BC Awards, with the Provincial Award Recipients to be announced next month. Eligible provincial award recipients will also be put forward as the PGA of BC's nominee for corresponding PGA of Canada national awards where applicable. 

PGA of BC members are now asked to vote for their preferred candidate in each category. The voting results will then be considered alongside judgements made by the Final Selection Committee, which consists of past PGA of BC Award recipients. Please note the membership vote will NOT directly determine the recipient of each award, but will be considered in arriving at final selections. 

Please pay close attention to the information provided on the ballot, including award criteria and the nominee-supplied details supporting their award candidacy.

Votes can be cast for the following award categories:


Golf Professionals: Click below to vote for your preferred award recipients in each category.

Only one (1) ballot per PGA of BC member may be submitted. Multiple ballots submitted by the same member will void all submitted ballots.

Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday, Oct. 3.

This year's Regional and Provincial Award Recipients will be honoured at the 2021 PGA of BC Awards Celebration presented by Replay Golf Supplies Tribal taking place via online broadcast on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Viewing information will be shared closer to the event.
FINAL CALL FOR PGA of BC BUYING SHOW EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
Dozens of exhibitors are already signed up to join us for the 2021 PGA of BC Buying Show, set to take place Oct. 13-14. There's still time for prospective exhibitors to register for this year's virtual event before tomorrow's deadline.
 
As British Columbia’s premier golf-merchandise buying show, this event will once again provide a forum for golf-industry suppliers and service providers to establish meaningful connections with PGA of BC Professionals, facilities and other retailers in a one-stop shop setting. 
 
Although much consideration has been given to the format of this year's event, after assessing all possibilities, the Association has determined that a virtual show is the best option to ensure a safe and successful event that meets the needs of both exhibitors and attendees alike. Following positive feedback regarding the 2020 Buying Show and with enhancements coming to the event platform, the PGA of BC is looking forward to another successful virtual gathering in 2021.
 
The registration rate for an exhibitor booth is $350 plus GST. Exhibitor registrations will be accepted until 4 p.m. PT on Thursday, Sept. 30. Click below for more information, a video describing the functions of virtual exhibitor booths and a link to registration.

Exhibitors will receive access to administration of their booth as soon as can be facilitated upon registration.

The PGA of BC looks forward to releasing more details specific to attendees in the days ahead.
COMPLETE PGA of CANADA COMPENSATION & BENEFITS SURVEY
The PGA of Canada is sponsoring a confidential national compensation and benefits survey to provide members with a better sense of competitive pay rates and incentives in each region and zone. All members are now welcome to access and complete the survey.

It is more important than ever that every member participates in this survey. This year's information will be used to establish compensation and benefit benchmarks which will be used to educate owners and employers in Canada on appropriate compensation levels and benefits as well as information to arm, you, our members when negotiating or renegotiating your employment agreement to know what you should be paid and what you are worth in any Golf Professional position as a valuable PGA of Canada member. The ultimate goal is to start driving compensation standards in the Canadian golf industry moving forward.

From this survey, no one at the PGA of Canada -- including the national/zone office staffs or other members -- will know your salary or other personal information. This year's survey will be facilitated by a third-party HR firm that specializes in compensation and benefits surveys and adheres to strict Canadian privacy standards.

Please complete the survey prior to the Oct. 31 deadline. Click below to access the survey and find more information; PGA of Canada website login is required.
REGISTER NOW FOR PGA HEAD PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF CANADA
Members eligible to compete in the 2021 PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf are reminded of the upcoming registration deadline.
 
The 54-hole event, running Oct. 26-28 at Ontario's Lookout Point Country Club, is open to all Head, Executive and Head Teaching Professionals. Ten PGA of BC members are already registered to compete, including 2008 winner Kyle German (Bald Eagle Golf Club) and 2018 champion Brian McDonald (Fairview Mountain Golf Club).
 
Registrations will be accepted until Oct. 8. Click below to access the tournament page and a link to registration. 
RECENT RESULTS
Dave Zibrik (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) earned the coveted yellow jacket Tuesday by winning the G&G Tour Championship in a playoff.

In the 36-hole event played Monday at Big Sky Golf Club and Tuesday at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Zibrik shot rounds of 69 and 70 to finish tied at 5-under with Brett Webster (Cedar Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range), who went 73-66 over the two days. Zibrik claimed the title on the first playoff hole and took home $1,000, while Webster earned $750. A three-way tie for third at 4-under included John Shin (Northview Golf & Country Club), Kevin Stinson (Cheam Mountain Golf Course) and Cory Renfrew (Modern Golf Vancouver), with each player pocketing $560.

The tour's season-long Order of Merit wrapped up with Stinson in first place, while Zibrik's win vaulted him to second spot in the standings. Kyle German (Bald Eagle Golf Club) finished the season in third place.
Though the wind howled at Fairview Mountain Golf Club Monday for the Interior PGA Tour Championship, that didn't seem to bother Mark Kitts (Shadow Ridge Golf Club, pictured).

Kitts made nine birdies en route to a 7-under 65 and a five-stroke victory worth $600. Ethan Danish (Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club) took runner-up honours and $400 after shooting 70, while Lionel Taylor (Talking Rock Golf Course) posted a 71 to claim third place and $340.

Danish finished the season as the tour's Order of Merit leader, edging Cody Bell (Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club) for top spot. Taylor ended the year ranked third.
CONGRATULATIONS
The PGA of BC is pleased to share that Apprentice Professional Cody Stewart (Chilliwack Golf Club) and longtime partner Talia were recently engaged.

Stewart popped the question on the couple's five-year anniversary during a visit to Quail's Gate Winery in Kelowna earlier this month. As pictured, Stewart got down on one knee in the vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake to ask for Talia's hand in marriage.

Please join us in wishing all the best to the happy couple!
MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Vince Cianfagna's application for Life Professional Designation has been approved by the PGA of Canada

Todd Baker has transferred from the National Zone and joins Cultus Lake Golf Club as a Class "A" Professional

Nicholas Crookall has left Glacier Greens Golf Club

Ty Li has left Richmond Driving Range 

Martin Boland's application to the PGA of Canada has been approved and he becomes an Apprentice Professional at GolfTEC Richmond

Tyler McKay has successfully completed the National Training Program and becomes a Class "A" Professional with British Columbia Golf
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
No new opportunities
PGA of BC PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT -- COLIN LAVERS
Class "A" Professional, Seymour Golf & Country Club

PGA of Canada member since: 2007

Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional? 
Originally, because of my love of golf and my business background. Thought it would be a good pathway to becoming a Head Professional. After I got into it, I discovered my passion for coaching.

Who has influenced your career the most, and how? 
Big turning point influencer was Jason Glass as he pushed me move out of the pro shop and become a full-time coach. From there a multitude of coaches: Matt Cella, Jennifer Greggain likely the most as we've worked together for years with British Columbia Golf.

Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of? 
Being named PGA of BC Coach of the Year (Colin is pictured here with the 2020 award). Athletes playing their best golf and achieving their goals.

If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be? 
Think outside the box. While respecting traditions, we need to keep looking at ways to make golf more accessible and relatable in order to grow it.
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
Thinking of hiring a PGA of BC Professional for the 2022 season? Statistics have proven that autumn is the most desirable time to post open positions at your facility.
 
Knowing this, the PGA of BC will once again feature a Careers Board at the upcoming Buying Show. Although this year's show will be held in a virtual format, the Association will continue to post open positions within the PGA of BC's booth.
 
Many great success stories have started with positions advertised and interviews being conducted at the Buying Show. Should you wish to ensure your opening is featured, please send your posting to Membership & Events Manager Doug Titterington by Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. PT.
 
Please ensure any submissions adhere to our Career Posting Guidelines.  
PGA of British Columbia | [email protected] | (604) 303-6766 | pgabc.org
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