After much review and consideration from the Board of Directors and Education Committee, the Spring Seminar will be virtual again this year. The dates are scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd, 2022.
The overall goal is to still provide a top tier event that will be beneficial for all members involved. Stay tuned next week for updates on speakers that will be presenting along with the opening of registration.
Thank you for your continued support for the PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar
Awards News
Don Price Inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame
We are proud to recognize Mr. Don Price as one of seven Members inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame during the National Awards Ceremony on January 27th.
Born in 1941, Don joined the PGA of Canada in 1964 as an Assistant at the Earl Grey GC. He continued his golf career as a Head Professional with Red Deer GC, Canyon Meadows G&CC and Glencoe G&CC, where he retired in 1998.
He was a Class ‘A’ Member for 34 years and throughout his membership, gained much recognition for his work within the Association and his personal career. Don became a PGA of Alberta Board Member in 1966, served as President from 1976 - 1980 and remained an Advisor to the Board until 1998. He also spent four years as the National Representative for Alberta and became the National Employment Chairman as the PGA of Canada Rep.
Don Price was honoured as the Alberta Club Professional of the Year for a record five consecutive years from 1980 - 1984. He was also recognized and awarded the Canadian Club Professional of the Year Honour in 1983. Some other achievements include:
1977 - PGA of Canada Classic Shimoda Japan Champion
1978 - Southern Alberta Pro Match Play Challenge Champion
1979 - 2nd place in the Canadian Club Pro Challenge
1981 & 1983 - Alberta Pro-Lady Individual Champion
1993 - Alberta Seniors’ Champion
Don has contributed endlessly to Junior Golf Development. He started the Junior Masters in 1990, to give Calgary elite juniors an equal competitive opportunity to play, as the Edmonton Golf Association was doing for the city of Edmonton juniors.
In 1998, Don Price was recognized for not only being a member of the PGA of Canada for 25 years, but his years of golf service and his contributions to the game of golf. Soon after, Don retired in 1999 and moved to Creston, BC with his wife Linda.
Don was recognized once again for his involvement within the Association and the game of golf by becoming a Life Member of the Association in 2000, and in 2003 he was unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to receive the inaugural PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award in the Leadership category, one of five pillars for the Award.
In 2012, Don was once again recognized for his contributions to the Association and was presented with a second Lifetime Achievement Award, the latest being in the Association Builder Category.
Registration for the 2022 PGA of Alberta Virtual Spring Seminar is now OPEN!
The seminarwill be held March 2nd & 3rd as a digital Education Conference via the Whova App/Platform - which allows video integration with a variety of video hosting platforms, sharing of agendas with attendees for presentations, sharing of any presentation related documents the Speakers provide. Click here for a YouTube video on Whova.
The Education Committee has put together another exciting line-up of speakers to provide a top tier event focused on development and networking. Please note that discussions to confirm speakers is still on going and will be announced in the coming weeks. Speakers already confirmed will be highlighted in the news article section and education events tab of the website.
Please note that we are offering Early Bird Pricingto all our Members until February 11th! Mark these dates in your calendar now, we hope you plan on attending this annual kick-off to the golf season in an albeit different but still exciting capacity this year!
Riley Fleming Named Mike Weir Male Player of the Year
Riley Fleming of Lynx Ridge GCmanaged to pick up what he called “the biggest win of (my) career” this past summer at the PGA Championship of Canada – and he did it in record breaking fashion. In the history of the event, won in the past by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Moe Norman and Lee Trevino, nobody has gone as low as Fleming, who shot 66-63-68-66 to win by three strokes at Parcours du Vieux Village in Bromont, Quebec.
In addition, Fleming managed to battle back from an opening round 74 at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada with rounds of 66 and 69 to place in a tie for third.
A month before his triumph at the National Championship, Fleming won the PGA of Alberta’s Cobra Puma Golf Assistants’ Championship in a playoff over Grant Numrich, firing 64-71 at the two-day event at Sirocco GC. This was Riley’s fourth consecutive Assistants’ Championship victory with the PGA of Alberta.
Since receiving his card back in 2018, Riley has already amassed two provincial Player of the Year Awards (2018 & 2020), one national Player of the Year Award, six provincial Championship titles, and one national Championship title.
PGA of Canada News
Good Luck to Alberta Professionals at the Virtual National Awards Night
Registration is open for the Virtual PGA of Canada National Awards Night, which begins at 5pm MST on Thursday, January 27th. The Webcast will officially open and will begin running a pre-roll at 4:30pm MST prior to the beginning of the event at 5pm. In addition to the Awards, seven Hall-of-Fame inductees will also be recognized.
“With Bob Weeks and Kayla Grey back as co-hosts, as well as PGA of Canada Class "A" Member Jean-Sébastien Légaré,this event promises to be an exciting evening for all,” said Teejay Alderdice, President of the PGA of Canada. “I encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate our esteemed finalists and winners.”
Good luck to the following Alberta Professionals up for a National Award. To view all finalists, CLICK HERE.
Chris Schatzmann (Stewart Creek G&CC) - Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
Patrick Coli (Carnmoney GC) - Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
Josh Fleming (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights) - George Knudson Teacher of the Year
Chris Ward(Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year & Tex Noble Professional Development Award
Rachel Wiebe (Windermere G&CC) - Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC) - Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
Jamie Reimer (Golfuture YYC) - Ben Kern Coach of the Year
Fort McMurray GC (Head Professional - Kyle Corriveau) - Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
Katy Rutherford(Silver Springs G&CC) - Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year
Riley Fleming(Lynx Ridge GC) - Mike Weir Player of the Year
Education News
Golf Genius Webinar
The Education Committee is excited to announce that it will be hosting a webinar on all facets of the Golf Genius Software which will be available to all members. This day will consist of a morning and afternoon session where members can choose to educate themselves on a topic most relevant to their club.
Golf Genius Software has many benefits which include;
Overall learning about Golf Genius Software
Tools and features for tournament and league set up
Tools and features to enhance the golf shop
Member knowledge can provide value to their club
Objective:
To educate current PGA of Alberta members about the features of Golf Genius Tournament Management Software (GGTM) and Golf Shop Software (GGGS).
Date / Time:
February 1, 2022
We will offer an AM session and a PM session. Each session will cover the same material. If a participant chooses to attend the AM session, they are not required to attend the PM session but you may attend a different session in the PM.
9:30AM to 10:30AM – Session 1, 2, 3, or 4
10:30AM to 10:45AM – Break
10:45AM to 12:00PM – Continue session
12:00PM to 1:00PM - LUNCH
1:00PM to 2: 30PM – Session 1, 2, 3, or 4
2:30PM to 2:45PM – Break
2:45PM to 4:00PM – Continue session
Please click down below to learn more about what will be offered during the webinar.
PGA of Alberta and Foresight Sports Canada Extend Partnership for Two Years
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce an extended partnership with Foresight Sports Canada as the Presenting Sponsor of the Association’s Top 100 Program for the next two years!
"Foresight Sports Canada, the Canadian distributor for the San Diego, California based Foresight Sports, is extremely pleased to continue our partnership with the PGA of Alberta’s Top 100 Program to support PGA Members in education and professional development" said Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager and PGA of Alberta Member. "As a company committed to providing world leading information and metrics, we could not be happier with this fit. Thank you to all PGA Members who took advantage of the referral program over the past couple of years".
The PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program was launched in 2019 and is based on pre-defined measurable criteria designed to recognize members who dedicate their time and proven abilities in advancing the Association’s interests for the benefit of all Golf Professionals.
With this extended partnership, the PGA of Alberta will continue to offer 10 cash bursaries at a value of over $5,200! The annual Top 100 Award is given out to the member who accumulates the most points for the program year.
About Foresight Sports… Located in San Diego, California, Foresight Sports is a designer and manufacturer of performance analysis and game enhancement technologies. Their products include launch monitors, simulators, performance/entertainment software, and smart mobility solutions for a variety of sports and games.
In 2017, Foresight Sports unveiled its ground-breaking four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics, and has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Launch Monitor for four consecutive years.
Today, Foresight Sports is a total technology provider, with more than 15,000 GC launch monitors and golf simulation solutions in use in retail stores, driving ranges, commercial facilities, and homes worldwide. With engineering, manufacturing, and quality-assurance teams all located under one roof, Foresight Sports offers complete, vertically integrated solutions for every segment of the market.
To learn more about their products, please visit www.foresightsports.ca. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Garett Jenkinson, Territory Manager Alberta T: 403-861-0551 E: [email protected]
Education News
Podcast S3E4 Now Live
Episode 4 is hosted by one of the education committee chairs Josh Fleming (Golftec Calgary Beacon Heights). Josh will sit down with the President of the PGA of Alberta Assistants Board Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC). Bryce talks about his career in golf, where he predicts the industry is going, and what being a golf professional means to him. Bryce is an amazing professional and this podcast is worth a listen.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Brice McDermott hosts Barrett Jarosch on Training&Development/ Leadership
Also:
Craig Vogel hosts Martin Chuck on Effective Golf Instruction
The PGA of Alberta Mentorship Program (separate from the PGA of Canada Mentorship Program) provides guidance and direction to first-year Members of the Association. Developed in conjunction with the Assistants’ Board of Directors, the objective of the Mentorship Program is to create a group of Members who are passionate about their careers, the industry and Association, leading to long-term commitment in the golf industry.
IMPORTANT: Members must have their Class ’A’ status within the Association in order to be a Mentor. We are in need of Mentors in all geographical locations of the province. We want to ensure the best support possible for our new Apprentice Professionals and this will be accomplished by pairing a Mentee with a Mentor that lives in a close proximity.
Expectations of Mentors…
Commit to your Mentor/Mentee relationship(s) for a minimum of 2-years
Be accountable for your Mentee and provide continuous support on an ongoing basis as needed
Set parameters of the relationship with the Mentee and create a plan for goals/objectives on what both parties want achieve
Attempt to meet in person with your Mentee twice (Spring & Fall). Ex. This can be accomplished over a round of golf or at an Association tournament/event
Provide feedback to the office by completing the Mentor Evaluation Form when required
Top 100 Points… All Mentors will receive 5 Top 100 Points max. for their involvement in the Mentorship Program. These points are awarded annually. All Mentors must execute the action items as indicated and submit the Evaluation Form before being eligible to receive points. Points are only awarded for the first-year of your pairing. Become A Mentor in 2022… If interested in being involved, click the link below to submit the "Become A Mentor" formby February 18, 2022. After the form has been submitted, you will be added to the Mentor list (if eligible) and MAY be assigned a Mentee in March (depending on total number of Mentors/Mentees, and geographical location). Please ignore this form if you have already expressed interest in being a Mentor.
Become A Mentee in 2022... All new members of the Association are automatically signed up to be a Mentee in the program. If you received your card in 2021 or 2022, you will AUTOMATICALLY be assigned a Mentor in March of 2022.
If interested in being a Mentee and you are not a new member as stated above, please contact[email protected]at the PGA office for more information. Mentors are assigned based on several factors including geographical location to the Mentee.
Golf Show News
PGA of Alberta Golf Shows Cancelled
After much review and consideration from the Board of Directors, the Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows scheduled in March.
As we’ve all learned over the past two years, we still frequently see new developments related to COVID-19, and unfortunately it is no different starting off the new year with the Omicron variant taking hold of the world in unprecedented speed. The Association wants to keep everyone safe during these times and had to make the decision to postpone the Shows to 2023. If your facility purchased booth space at either Show this year, you will be refunded in full shortly.
Thank you for your support of the Alberta Golf Shows and for your understanding of this difficult decision. We look forward to bringing the Shows back in 2023 with the support of the entire industry.
Stay safe!
Association News
Run for the Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board in 2022
If you are interested in running for a position on either the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors or Assistants’ Board of Directors in 2022, please click the link below (login required) for more information and to be directed to the online Nomination form. Deadline to submit your interest is Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 (end of day).
Board of Directors The Board of Directors sets all policies, rules and regulations for the PGA of Alberta, meeting on a quarterly basis to conduct the business affairs on behalf of the Members. There are between nine and twelve Members elected to the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors, all are Class A Members of the PGA of Canada. Elections to the Board are held every year at the Annual General Meeting in March and election terms are set at three years.
Four (4) spots are open for election in 2022 for the Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Board.
Assistants’ Board of Directors Assistant Professionals (Class A) and Apprentice Professionals also have a voice in the Association, through the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Up to nine Class A Members or Apprentice Professionals are invited to run annually for two-year Committee terms on the Assistants’ Board of Directors, and upon election assume a portfolio, and attend Committee meetings consistent with those on the Board of Directors.
Three (3) spots are open for election in 2022 for the Assistants’ Board of Directors. Click here to see the current Assistants’ Board.
REMINDER - SAVE DRAFT FEATURE You can save your forms online before submitting. 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 form on the website
To find Saved Drafts, please go to "My Account" or "Manage Account" > My Saved Drafts
Click "Edit" beside the form you want to update
Submit when finished
Association News
Drake Mason in Memoriam (1955-2021)
We are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of PGA of Alberta member Drake Mason. He passed away in December of 2021 at the age of 66 years. Drake had worked at a number of golf facilities in Alberta which include Pheasantback GC, Edmonton Springs GR, and Billy D’s Driving Range.
Drake joined the Association in 1978 and received his 25-Year milestone as a Class "A" Member in 2008. A Memorial Service was held for him on December 27th, 2021 in Edmonton.
Our thoughts are with Drake’s family and friends during this time. Click the link below for his obituary.
Episode 3 is brought to you by Judy Forshnerand Shannon Raina of The Glencoe G&CC. They will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on how they have built their careers as a female in the golf industry. They will be discussing;
How Judy started and has remained at The Glencoe G&CC for 35 years
Pro/Cons of being a female golf pro
Career challenges
The importance of learning/listening to every member of the team
Thank you to Judy and Shannon for sharing some insight into their successful careers
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as Josh Fleming hosts Bryce Halverson on Growing As A Professional
Also:
Brice McDermott hosts Barrett Jarosch on Training & Development/ Leadership
The PGA of Alberta wishes everyone a Happy New Year and a fantastic 2022 Golf Season which is a few short months away! Our office will be open again starting on Tuesday, January 4th. Click here for staff directory.
