Congratulations to our 25-Year Class A Members in 2020
Congratulations to the following sixteen members for reaching their 25-Year milestone as a Class A Member of the PGA of Canada in 2020! All Members were recognized at the PGA of Alberta Annual General Meeting earlier in March for their outstanding dedication to the PGA of Canada and Golf Industry. With such an accomplishment, the National office will recognize each members milestone with a special certificate!
Glenn Boswell (Glencoe G&CC) Shelley Charlton(Pinebrook G&CC) Cameron Code (Edson GC) Bob Davidchuk(Canal at Delacour) Dana Down (Canmore G&CC) Bill Dreger (Canmore G&CC) Judy Forshner (Glencoe G&CC) Rick Gross (PGA of Alberta Member) Jerry Linquist (Lewis Estates GC) Ray Meria (Life Member) Jay Myren (Priddis Greens G&CC) Blair Oko(Blair Oko Golf Academy) Douglas Rowswell (Broadmoor GC) Rick Thompson (Edson GC) Steven Thomson (Glencoe G&CC) John Wilson(Montgomery Glen GC)
PGA of Canada News
PGA of Canada COVID-19 Update
In an ongoing effort to provide members with tailored guidance during this difficult time, we are pleased to offer the following complimentary resources to help you and your facility navigate the effects of COVID-19.
Be sure to check out the newly designed COVID-19 Member Resource Hub, which will be regularly updated with webinars, articles and other relevant information.
Webinars are free to join and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Recordings will be posted to the COVID-19 Member Resource Hub for those that are unable to attend the live sessions.
COVID-19: Avoiding the Rough - Planning for What’s Now and What’s Next - Ask the Expert When: Tuesday, March 31 @ 12:00 p.m. MST Description: During this 60-minute ’Ask the Expert’ webinar, international crisis management consultant and pandemic planning expert, Suzanne Bernier, will talk about and take questions on how and what golf professionals should be planning for and what to expect over the coming weeks and months, based on lessons learned from SARS, H1N1 and other infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. LISTEN HERE
What’s Happening to My Investment Portfolio? When: Thursday, April 2 @ 1:00 p.m. MST Description: In this interactive, Q&A webinar, Drew Keith from Edward Jones will support PGA members who need guidance and direction on managing their personal finances during these difficult times. REGISTER HERE
COVID-19: Your Human Skills as a PGA Professional Have Never Been More Required Than They Are Today When: Friday, April 3 @ 11:30 a.m. MST Description: From Ian James of RetailTribe: I will show you how the solution to the problems we face right now is, in fact, a “human one”. Best of all it isn’t me who has decided that. It’s the thoughts of some of the smartest people in the world, academic futurists, who’ve been trying to work out how we navigate the AI / Machine Learning age we are entering. Your human skills have never been more required than they are today. In fact, never has the golf industry needed your human skills and expertise more than now. REGISTER HERE
Planning Beyond the First Wave of COVID-19 When: Tuesday, April 7 @ 9:30 a.m. MST Description: This webinar will present a planning and strategizing session that will assist you in preparing your immediate ramp up, plan your HR needs for that ramp up and plan for future impacts you may face with your organizations. An opportunity to chat and collaborate with the other attendees will allow you to hear what others are planning in your industry. REGISTER HERE
Teaching the Regular Golfer with Andrew Rice When: Tuesday, April 7 @ 4:00 p.m. MST Description: In this webinar, Andrew will cover the basic patterns and corresponding fixes that he see’s along with general principles we should all be working towards. REGISTER HERE
Access articles from business experts in critical areas like marketing, communications and human resources, designed specifically for golf industry professionals in times of crisis.
If there are additional resources or education topics we can help with during this time, please contact Matt Allen with your suggestions.
Association News
Important Statement from NAGA - We Are Golf
We Are Golf (The National Allied Golf Associations/NAGA) are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our members, golfers, staff, volunteers and industry stakeholders as well as every Canadian in the communities where we live, work and play.
The COVID-19 crisis is an unprecedented and difficult time for Canadians. We Are Golf fully supports the recommendations and guidelines of Health Canada, the World Health Organization and regional public health experts to stop the community spread of the virus. As leaders in an industry that employs more than 300,000 Canadians and includes nearly six million golfers from coast to coast, our priority above all else is the health and safety of our people and our communities.
Where governments have not mandated the temporary closure of golf courses, operators of those facilities should take every health and safety precaution. We Are Golf also advocates for the essential need for golf course property maintenance during any of the temporary closures to be ready for operation while taking every health and safety precaution.
We look forward to better and healthier days and when the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy, clubs and courses will be ready to welcome golfers back to the tee.
Golf Canada | PGA of Canada | National Golf Course Owners Association - Canada | Canadian Society of Club Managers | Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
Association News
COVID-19 Update- Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Government introduces Canada Emergency Benefit to help works and businesses.
To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time for golf professionals and club operators across the country.
The PGA of Canada and its nine Zones are committed to providing updated resources and tips for members that are currently working at facilities that remain open for business, as well as members that are in self-isolation or those off of work as a result of COVID-19.
As always, please adhere to the latest guidelines published by local, provincial and federal authorities with respect to COVID-19.
Prevent the Spread
All Albertans are encouraged to take personal steps to help prevent the spread. To protect yourself and others:
stay home and away from others if sick or in isolation
wash hands often
cover coughs and sneezes
avoid touching face with unwashed hands
avoid travel outside Canada
self-isolate for 14 days if returning from travel outside Canada or were exposed to COVID-19
Monitor Your Symptoms
If you have symptoms, like a dry cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing:
This will be a temporary program for working adult Albertans who must self-isolate because they meet the Government of Alberta’s published criteria for self-isolation, including persons who are the sole care-giver for a dependent who must self-isolate because they meet the public health criteria, and who will not have another source of pay or compensation while they are self-isolated.
A one-time payment of $1,146 will be distributed to bridge the gap until the federal emergency payments begin in April.
We expect the program to be available through a simple online application this week and that funds will be deposited in the accounts of eligible recipients beginning at that time.
More information on how to apply will be available soon.
Golf Club Owners and Managers
The associations are continuing their efforts to better understand the regulations on golf clubs during this critical period of the year. You can make a business request at the following link to contribute to this process: https://www.sondage.mtess.gouv.qc.ca/index.php/916397?newtest=Y&lang=fr.
Member Assistance Program (MAP)
All members have access to free, professional and confidential counselling, coaching and consulting services through the PGA of Canada Member Assistance Program provided by FSEAP. These services can help you manage personal, family, and/or work-related concerns.
FSEAP is working diligently to ensure strong business continuity through these turbulent times. Their services are expected to remain seamless but may be delivered through telephone or video rather than in person given the nature of current events.
Services can be accessed 24/7 online or toll-free by calling 1-844-720-1212.
We are please to introduce our Virtual Golf Show! With COVID-19 cancelling the Golf Shows this year we still wanted to offer our consumers All The Deals!
With a click of a mouse you can still get the deals offered at the Golf Shows. We pride on being "The Most Trusted Resource in Golf" and with Golf Season around the corner lets start looking forward to brighter days on the links!
Please note there will be new deals coming in daily!
Association News
PGA of Alberta Office Hours Update
The Zone office staff will be working remotely but will remain reachable by email and phone during regular business hours (8:30am - 4:30pm MST) Monday through Friday to ensure continued support for our members and partners during these difficult times.
After many years of hard work and service, the PGA of Alberta RV has officially retired. The Association sold the RV at the end of February this year after buying it back in 2013.
Members and avid golfers alike will remember the PGA RV being present at many different Association events over the years including PGA on Wheels community events, Tournaments, Buying Show and our Golf Shows.
After many useful years with the RV as a Tournament/Event vehicle, it was decided to sell it and purchase an additional trailer for use at events. Stay tuned for the new trailer design coming soon.
New for this year, the PGA of Alberta has added one Ladies’ division event to the schedule to give female Professionals another opportunity to compete against one another rather than just the Ladies’ Championship. The Ladies’ division will tee off immediately after the GSH Series event that day and will play for a small purse.
Seniors’ division events will again be added to the schedule this year, one north and one south. Members must be 50-years and older by the tournament date to be eligible to participate. This will give members 50-years and older an opportunity to play in more events during the season playing against their peers of a similar age. The Seniors’ division will tee off immediately after the GSH Series and will play from a reduced yardage as well as for a small purse. Eligible members may only play in the GSH Series or Senior’ division, not both.
2020 Tournament Season - Registration Opens TODAY @ 10am
Tournament Registration opens TODAY @ 10am (March 11th) for ALL tournaments on the website. We have a great line up of tournaments from Championships, Golf Supply House Series, Pro-Ams, and Pro-Pro Team Events.
Please submit your Tournament Eligibility Form online NOW if you have not done so already to ensure you can sign up for tournaments right away. Click link below for form .
1. Sign up for multiple tournaments at once by clicking the "Add Another Tournament" option. This allows you to sign up for all your desired tournaments and only going through the registration process once. See image below.
2. You can click the "Register" button beside the tournament on the schedule page as seen in the image below to register or click on the tournament itself, then click on the green "Register" button. Either option works.
3. Check which Categories are eligible for each tournament by clicking on the tournament itself, and then looking under "Event Eligibility".
4. Click the "Pay Later" option when going through registration. Payments will go through manually on the website 28-days prior to each individual tournament you have signed up for. Example - You sign up for the PGA of Alberta Championship on August 17 & 18, payment will not be processed until July 20th (Payment Processing Date) as indicated on the tournament page itself.
Lastly, for a full update on the upcoming PGA of Alberta tournament season such as the new withdrawal policy, tournament eligibility, shorts policy, Pro-Am scoring format, etc. click link below.
Foresight Sports Canada Becomes Newest Partner of the PGA of Alberta
The PGA of Alberta is very excited to announce a brand new partnership with Foresight Sports Canadaas the Associations Presenting Sponsor of the 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 partner 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 (Golf Performance Canada at Elbow Springs). "As a company committed to providing world leading information and metrics, we could not be happier with this fit with the PGA of Alberta".
The PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program was introduced 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 new partnership, the PGA of Alberta will now be offering 3 additional cash bursaries for a total of 10 at a value of over $5,200! The annual award is given out at the Awards Banquet during the PGA of Alberta Buying Show to the member who accumulates the most points from October to September of the following year.
The PGA Win-Win Referral Program As a PGA of Alberta member, Foresight Sports know your customers love golf. If you refer one of them to Foresight Sports, you will be eligible to receive a commission on their purchase!
To sign up for the Win-Win Program and be eligible for referral commissions, please CLICK HERE or contact Garett Jenkinson for details (contact info below).
About Foresight Sports Canada… Foresight Sports produces the most trusted launch monitors in the world. The Foresights Sports GCQuad and the ceiling mounted GCHawk are world leaders in launch-monitor and golf-simulator technology and software, providing forward-thinking solutions to aid instruction, club fitting, and equipment innovation.
Foresight uses quadrascopic camera technology to measure the club and the golf ball independently to provide users the best golf ball and golf club delivery information available. The GCQuad is golf’s only portable launch monitor which can provide comprehensive golf ball and golf club data for every club in the bag, from driver all the way to the putter.
As the most trusted launch monitor in the world, Foresight Sports has more than 10,000 launch monitors in use in retail, residential, commercial, and driving range facilities around the world. The GCQuad and the GCHawk are trusted by the leading OEM’s for their indoor club fitting needs.
To learn more about the products, please visit www.foresightsports.com. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Thank you all 140+ members and guests for attending the 2020 edition of the PGA of Alberta Spring Seminar sponsored by E-Z-GO and hosted at the world-class facility The Derrick G&WC. A special thank you goes out to our sponsor Gordon Food Service for providing all attendees first class food and beverage throughout the two-day event.
Lastly, thank you to our lineup of talented Speakers for motivating our members heading into the 2020 season; Michael Breed (presented by Titleist/FootJoy), Matt Ginella, Nick Clearwater, Gia Bocra Liwski, Jason Glass and Darren Lexa. We hope to see everyone back next year in 2021! Click here to view some pictures taken from the event.
Tournament News
Club Pro Championship & Tournament Eligibility Form - Submit Now!
Club Pro Championship The Club Pro Championship will be hosted at Windermere G&CC in Edmonton on July 26/27 which is a Sunday/Monday. Registration will open on March 11th @ 10am along with all other tournaments.
Tournament Eligibility Form The 2020 Tournament Eligibility Form is now available on the PGA of Alberta website. The form is required to be filled out by every member playing in a PGA of Alberta sanctioned tournament this year.
After the form has been submitted and approved by the PGA of Alberta office, the member will receive notification by email stating they are able to register for events online once registration opens on Wednesday, March 11th.
Congratulations to the following Members on being elected to the Assistants’ Board of Directors:
Michael McEachern (Country Hills GC, newly elected)
Shane Garbutt (Blackhawk GC, newly elected)
Stephen Yanitski (Valley Ridge GC, newly elected)
Taylor Van Tighem (Royal Mayfair GC, newly elected)
Joel Douglas (Inglewood G&CC, re-elected)
Tournament News
2020 Tournament Season - What to Expect
With the 2020 tournament season just around the corner, we wanted to provide an update on what to expect for the summer! PLEASE NOTE: Tournament Registration will open for ALL tournaments on Wednesday, March 11th @ 10am. Please read the information below for important updates on registration as well as other new initiatives being implemented this season.
Tournament Registration Process After review by the Committee, registration for all tournaments will open for all tournaments on March 11th. Members will not have to pay for the event until 28-days prior to the tournament date. This will allow members to better plan their schedules in advance when determining which events they will sign up for.
Withdrawal Policy The withdrawal policy will see a few changes as follows:
Withdrawal up to 28-days prior to event date, before Payment Deadline = 100% Refund
Withdrawal after Payment Deadline but 14-days prior to event date = $50 Administration Charge
Withdrawal less than 14-days prior to event date but before Registration Deadline (Thursday prior to event date) = 50% Refund of entry fee
Withdrawal after draw is posted, after Registration Deadline = No Refund
Tournament Eligibility There will be several changes to tournament eligibility this season that will allow members to play in more events. As we want to increase participation as much as possible, the following changes will be implemented:
Category II and III Members will now be able to participate in the Pro-Junior, Pro-Lady, and Pro-Senior Pro-Ams and the Pro-Pro Best Ball and Scramble team events. The Tournament of Champions and Pro-Assistant will remain Category I eligibility only as members must be employed at an approved facility to participate as per the conditions of competitions.
Category III will also be eligible to play in the Team Match Play Championship. Registration will come on a first come, first serve basis. There will be no restrictions or priority given on when a certain category can register.
Tournament Skins/Entry Fee Tournament Skins will now be added to the entry fee for all stroke play events which are the Golf Supply House Series and Championships. Since the vast majority of members play skins at tournaments, it was decided to include the $20 per round into the entry fee to make it easier for members to enter skins and not have to carry cash to the tournament.
Pro-Assistant The event will be hosted at Jasper Park Lodge GC this year on September 8 & 9. The Association has not held a tournament in Jasper since 2011 so we are excited for the opportunity to go back and host the Pro-Assistant there. The tournament will be an afternoon start day 1 and morning start day 2.
The office will announce several room blocks shortly for the event so we encourage you to sign up once registration opens and secure your room as early as possible to take advantage of the preferred rates.
Team Match Play Championship The Team Match Play Championship will keep the same format as last year with the opening rounds being held at the beginning of the season to determine teams seedings. The opening rounds will be hosted at:
South Event – Country Hills GC on May 11th
North Event – Sturgeon Valley G&CC on May 13th
The format for the opening rounds will again be a 2-man best ball qualifier to determine rankings for the first round of the Team Match Play Championship. Purse money will be attached to the qualifiers for the top placing teams.
After the opening qualifying rounds, matches will resume as normal with the brackets being created based on the results from the qualifiers. The top ranking teams from the qualifiers will play the bottom ranking teams. If byes are needed due to an uneven number of teams, the byes will go to the top finishing teams from the qualifier.
All teams will be guaranteed the qualifying round plus the first round of the tournament, two rounds total. If you lose your opening match (after the qualifier), the team will be knocked out of the tournament.
Removal of Fall Championship After much discussion, it was decided to remove the Fall Championship from the 2020 season as it has been increasingly difficult to justify the cost of running this event. With the removal of the Championship, the Association can spread the sponsorship dollars to other tournaments to increase purses.
Pro-Ams - Net Stableford The format this season for Pro-Ams will be a Net Stableford for the Pro-Junior, Pro-Senior, and Pro-Lady’s. This will ensure scoring is transparent and the focus remains on the team aspect while giving Pro-Ams a fresh new format.
Seniors’ Division Seniors’ Division will again be added to two 1-day events this year, one in the North and one in the South. Members must be 50-years and older by the tournament date to be eligible to participate. This will give members 50-years and older an opportunity to play in more events during the season playing against their peers of a similar age. Locations will be announced shortly.
Ladies’ Division Similar to the Seniors’ Division events, we will be adding a Ladies’ Division event to the GSH Series to give female Professionals another opportunity to compete against one another rather than just the Ladies’ Championship. Location will be announced shortly.
Shorts Policy We will be removing the temperature policy for wearing shorts at tournaments this season. Members are permitted to wear shorts at any tournament they choose as long as the dress code policy including the host club’s policy is adhered to.
