2021 Hole in One Insurance Program Now Open - Purchase for the Entire Season Today!
Add some excitement to your tournaments and club leagues this season by purchasing Hole in One Insurance through the PGA of Alberta HIO program! In partnership with Foster Park Brokers Inc., the HIO program provides members and non-members the opportunity to purchase affordable HIO insurance for your club, corporate and charity events!
What Denominations Can I Purchase? Any denomination from $1,000 to $50,000 per hole can be purchased online. Should you wish to purchase more than $50,000 per hole, please contact [email protected] for a custom quote. On coverage up to $100,000, PGA of Alberta members will always receive the best possible premium from Foster Park Brokers.
How Do I Purchase? Coverage can be easily purchased on the PGA of Alberta website with the following steps:
Login to the website and select ‘My Hole In One’ under ’Manage Account’ or ’My Account’
Select the ’Create New Event’ button
Follow the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the easy purchasing process. It’s as simple as that!
*If you are a non-PGA of Alberta member and interested in purchasing, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (see contact info below).
What are the Benefits of PGA of Alberta HIO Program?
Competitive industry rates
Easy to purchase online
Purchase for one event OR for an entire season worth of events at once
Modify your events by contacting the office based on any changes that occur throughout the season
Fees/Premium waived if tournament is cancelled due to inclement weather
No dealing with the insurance company directly
Supporting the Association
Important Items to Note Electronic scorecards are acceptable as long as they can still be signed by the winner (digital signature acceptable).
Elevated flag/holes will NOT be permitted for HIO Insurance. However, clubs are still able to purchase insurance as long as the ball drops and stays in the hole after coming to a rest. There are NO requirements for a specific depth of the hole.
Questions? If have any questions on how this program can work for you, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (E: [email protected] OR P: 403-256-8894 / TF: 1-888-866-6140).
Association News
Dale Tomlinson & Matt Johnson named President/Vice President of Board of Directors
At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, Greg McGarry of the Glendale G&CC officially passed the torch to the new PGA of Alberta President Dale Tomlinson from The Winston GC. Dale has been a Board Member since 2011 and brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the Association as he moves into his new role as the 29th President of the PGA of Alberta. At the AGM, Dale officially announced Matt Johnson from the Royal Mayfair GC as the new Vice President.
We would like to give a special thank you to Greg McGarry for all of his efforts over the last two years as President of the Association. See the picture below of Greg McGarry receiving a recognition plaque for his years of service as President.
The Education Committee is happy to present the fourth episode in our new Podcast series featuring various PGA of Alberta Members. Our fourth guest will be Mr. Tahlon Sweenie of Jasper Park Lodge GC. He will be discussing a variety of topics which include, his life, journey in the golf industry and what it’s like working at, operating and bringing success to a highly renowned resort course. with our Host, Troy Mills of Jasper Park Lodge GC & PGA of Alberta Education Committee Member.
This new opportunity allows us to provide our members with more relevant topics from our industry leaders. The episodes are an easy listen, and we are confident that you will be able to extract some information that will help you professionally and personally. Our committee has enlisted the following guests for season 1 of the show; Dean Ingalls, Adam Werbicki, Riley Fleming, Bob Paley and Tahlon Sweenie. Each episode will be unique and cover specific topics that are relevant to our industry.
Tournament Registration opens TODAY @ 10am (Tuesday, March 16th) for ALL tournaments on the website (click here for full schedule). 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 when registration opens. Click link below for form. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
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 16 & 17, payment will not be processed until July 19th @ 4pm (Payment Deadline) as indicated on the tournament page itself.
Lastly, for a full update on the upcoming PGA of Alberta tournament season such as the withdrawal policy, tournament eligibility, event formats, etc. click link below.
The PGA of Alberta prides itself on being different, along with bringing new ideas to life.
The PGA of Alberta Marketplace is a hub for all Golf courses in Alberta that employ a PGA of Canada Professional. This hub will allow you to search individual courses quickly and easily with all the information you’ll need to get on the links.
The Marketplace is divided up into sectors; Teaching Facilities, Private, Semi-Private, Public and Resort courses. PLUS don’t forget to check out the Caddy Shack to search for all the NEW 2021 clubs.
Are you looking for a deal? Well we have those too. Search under the Show Specials to find spectacular golf deals. Be sure to check in weekly as the deals have just begun.
This Marketplace will be online until the end of the season. Be sure to use this hub for all your PGA of Alberta Golf Course needs.
Partner News
PGA of Alberta and Impact Canopy Canada Extend Partnership
The PGA of Alberta is pleased to announce a continued partnership with Impact Canopy Canada Inc. for 2021! Impact Canopies will be a new Presenting Sponsor of the Buying Show Welcome Breakfast held on the first day of the Show this year on Tuesday, October 19th.
The Welcome Breakfast was introduced to the Buying Show in 2019 at the BMO Centre in Calgary. All attendees and exhibitors of the Show are invited to this complimentary breakfast which begins at 8am, 1-hour before the Show officially opens at 9am.
“At Impact, we value our strong partnership with PGA of Alberta”, said Rachel Hart, Marketing Manager with Impact Canopy. “We are delighted to continue our involvement through 2021, this year as Presenting Sponsor of the Buying Show Welcome Breakfast. We would not miss this opportunity to connect face to face with members or the chance to showcase new and exciting products that will have courses covered from tee to green. We look forward to developing new and building continued relationships.”
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SPECIAL: Members of the PGA of Alberta are able to take advantage of exclusive specials on select Impact Canopies Canada products such as Canopies, Marquee Tents, Flags, Table Covers, Banners, Custom Face Covers, and more!
About Impact Canopies Canada… Impact Canopies has a 20-year history of helping leading organizations create exciting and highly visible branding campaigns and marketing initiatives. Impact Canopies Canada Inc. was formed in 1999 and has more than a decade of experience manufacturing and distributing all styles of canopies, pop-up tents, and accessories.
Today, Impact Canopies makes up the only true North American custom instant canopy brand. With Canadian offices in Vancouver and Toronto, Impact Canopy’s custom canopies, pop-up tents, banners, flags, inflatables, and more are widely available throughout North America at numerous convenient locations. Through the Impact Canopy offices, you can expect an extensive inventory, an available rental fleet, and expert sales & service advice. Click here to read various testimonials about Impact Canopies.
For more information on Impact Canopies Canada and to see what products they offer, please visit their website by clicking here or contact:
Congratulations to our 25 & 50 Year Class A Members in 2021
Congratulations to the following 14 members for reaching their 25 & 50 Year milestone in 2021 as a Class A Member of the PGA of Canada! All members were recognized at our Annual General Meeting on March 9th for their outstanding dedication to the Association and golf industry. With such an accomplishment, the National office will recognize each members milestone with a special gift!
50 Years
Wayne Stark (Life Member)
25 Years
Andrew Penner (McKenzie Meadows GC)
Art New (Canada Golf Card Driving Range)
Cathy Burton (Class A Professional)
Cliff Kryway (Class A Professional)
David Nikirk (Mickelson National GC)
Gary Lecuyer (Class A Professional)
Gerry Collett (Links at Spruce Grove)
Greg Griffith (Fox Hollow GC)
Jamie Driscoll (Trestle Creek GR)
Scott Bergdahl (Lakewood GR)
Scott Holland (Silvertip GR)
Tiffany Gordon (Carnmoney GC)
Todd Fiske (Class A Professional)
Tournament News
Club Pro Championship & Team Match Play South Venues Announced
Club Pro Championship The Club Pro Championship will be hosted at The Hamptons GC in Calgary on July 26/27.
Team Match Play Championship South The opening round for the Team Match Play Championship in the South will be hosted at Lakeside GC in Chestermere on May 10th.
Seniors’ Division Events Members must be 50-years and older by the tournament date to be eligible to participate. This will give these members an opportunity to play in more events during the season against their peers of a similar age. The Seniors’ Division will tee off immediately after the GSH Series it’s attached to and will play from a reduced yardage as well as for a small purse. Eligible members may only play in the GSH Series or Seniors’ Division, not both.
Venues #1 - Belvedere G&CCon June 9th #2 - Inglewood G&CCon August 9th
Tournament Eligibility Form Reminder The 2021 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 Tuesday, March 16th at 10am.
The 2021 tournament schedule is now live on the website! Be sure to check out the schedule and mark your calendar with your favourite events.
Tournament Registration will open for ALL tournaments on Tuesday, March 16th @ 10am.Please read the information below for important updates on the tournament program and new initiatives being implemented this season so you know what to expect.
Tournament Registration Tournament registration will follow the same process as last season allowing members to register for all events once opened. Members will not have to pay for each event until 28-days prior to the tournament date.
Eligibility Form The 2021 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 Tuesday, March 16th at 10am. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT FORM.
Withdrawal Policy The Withdrawal Policy for 2021 will be 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 = 50% Refund of entry fee
Withdrawal after draw is posted, after Registration Deadline = No Refund
The registration deadline date will be moved from Thursday’s to Wednesday’s at 4pm of the week prior to the event date. This gives host venues and players more time to plan their schedules in advance.
Assistants’ Championship Eligibility New for the 2021 season, Category II members working full-time in the golf industry (35+ hours/week for period of employment, minimum 5 months) will be eligible to compete in the Assistants’ Championship. This decision will help our Association align better with the PGA of Canada’s eligibility rule and was supported by feedback from the tournament survey. Life Members or any other member exempt into Category II but does not work full-time in the golf industry will remain ineligible for the Assistants’ Championship.
Tournament of Champions Eligibility Class A Assistant/Teaching Professionals working full-time at an approved golf course will now be eligible to play in the Tournament of Champions with their respective Club Champion. Opening the eligibility for this event will result in better participation and more flexibility for the clubs. Please note Apprentice Professionals remain ineligible.
PGA of Alberta Championship River Bend G&RA in Red Deer will host the PGA of Alberta Championship this season. Based on survey results, the majority of respondents who played in the Championship last year were in favour of going back to River Bend in 2021.
After this season, we will be moving the Championship back to a Calgary and Edmonton rotation so make sure you play in this prestigious event one last time at River Bend!
Team Match Play Championship The opening seeding rounds will be brought back for the Team Match Play Championship this season. The format for the opening seeding round will be team best ball to determine the team’s position for the brackets.
Pro-Assistant We are pleased to be bringing the event back to Jasper Park Lodge GC in 2021. For anyone that missed the event last season, be sure to take advantage this time around since feedback from the tournament survey was overwhelming. The office will announce several room blocks in the coming weeks. We encourage you to sign up once registration opens (if eligible) and secure your room as early as possible to take advantage of the preferred rates.
Pro-Ams The format for Pro-Am events (Pro-Junior, Pro-Senior and Pro-Lady) will continue as a Team Net Stableford in 2021. This will ensure scoring is transparent and the focus remains on the team aspect for these events.
Ladies’ Division For 2021, we will be adding a Ladies’ Division to all our Pro-Pro team events to give female Professionals more opportunities to compete against each other in addition to the Ladies’ Championship. Based on survey feedback from female Professionals, team events are the most preferred tournaments which include the Best Ball, Scramble, and Team Match Play. More details will be released in April for the Team Match Play format.
To register, please sign up for the team event you want to play in and during the registration process, please indicate who your partner will be.
Seniors’ Division We will again be hosting two Seniors’ Division events added to Golf Supply House Series events. Members must be 50 years or older by the tournament date to be eligible to participate in this division.
If eligible, we encourage you to participate this season as it gives you the opportunity to play in more events with members of a similar age.
Skins Tournament Skins will again be included as part of the entry fee for all stroke play events this season (Golf Supply House Series and Championships).
COVID-19 Tournament Guide After careful consideration, a Tournament Guide was created last season in response to COVID-19 that all players had to follow. This guide covers policies on arrival time, bunkers, scoring, flagsticks, etc. These policies are still being reviewed for the 2021 season. As we get closer to the start of the season in May, we will update the membership on this guide and any policies in effect.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Alberta will be held tomorrow on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021starting at10:00am.The AGM will be held virtually this year through Zoom.
Voting for the Board & Assistants’ Board is being executed online through a secure voting platform. If you did not receive an email communication on Feb. 16th, please contact [email protected]. Please note there will be no floor nominations this year.
Please click Read More below to be directed to the AGM information and Zoom Link if you did not previously receive (login required). All attendees of the AGM will receive 3 Top 100 points.
Education News
Professional Development Podcast - Episode 3
The Education Committee is happy to present the third episode in our new Podcast series featuring various PGA of Alberta Members. Our third guest will be Mr. Riley Fleming of Lynx Ridge GC. He will be discussing a variety of topics which include, his life, journey and all the highs and lows that can come in golf with our Host, Josh Fleming of GOLFTEC Beacon Heights & PGA of Alberta Education Committee Member. In this week’s episode, Riley will share some insight on what it was like being a touring pro and also his love for teaching golf & where that has taken him now.
This new opportunity allows us to provide our members with more relevant topics from our industry leaders. The episodes are an easy listen, and we are confident that you will be able to extract some information that will help you professionally and personally. Our committee has enlisted the following guests for season 1 of the show; Dean Ingalls, Adam Werbicki, Riley Fleming, Bob Paley and Tahlon Sweenie. Each episode will be unique and cover specific topics that are relevant to our industry.
The PGA of Canada is pleased to announce the formation of the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund, which will temporarily assist past and present PGA of Canada members and Apprentice Professionals who find themselves in financial hardship.
A pre-COVID-19 initiative that will extend far beyond the pandemic, the Fund will provide basics of life such as clothing, food and shelter, as well as financial assistance for health care services attributable to a mental or physical health condition, to those in need.
“The PGA of Canada is like a family and when a member of your family is suffering you do everything you can to help,” said Kevin Thistle, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Canada. “Ours is a family of thousands so it’s imperative we have an initiative like the Foundation Benevolent Fund in place to assist friends who have fallen on the hardest of times.”
A portion of 2019 member dues from all Class A members and Apprentices went towards the PGA of Canada Foundation Benevolent Fund, resulting in more than $200,000.
Eligibility for the Fund extends to the following: Current PGA of Canada members; Apprentice Professionals with the Association; members of the Association or apprentice professionals with the Association within the last 12 years who have resigned or been suspended; and spouses or dependents of current members or of apprentice professionals with the Association. Members or apprentice professionals with the Association who have been removed from membership for disciplinary measures are not eligible to make application. Spouses and/or dependents of these individuals are also ineligible.
CLICK HEREmore information, including how to donate to the Fund, FAQ and how to apply for assistance. Tax receipts will be provided for all donations.
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