We are excited to announce that the new Communication & Membership Committee has been formed for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025. Thank you to all the applicants who have volunteered their time and passion to help support our Association.
This committee was formed after the dissolving of two former committees, Promotion & Communication and Membership & Employment.
This new committee will meet shortly to review the direction for the PGA of Alberta communication plan along with finding new initiatives that will positively affect the entire membership.
Education News
Register Now! Assistants’ Board PD Series
The Assistants Board is excited to present their PD Series webinars on the road to the 2025 season!
Panelists: Chris Schatzmann, Sam Kirkness, Robb James, Tyrel Babkirk
This will be the first of five webinars produced by the Assistants Board with the intention of providing professional development for all assistants within the industry. This will produce an avenue for networking and relationship building so members can continue to further their careers.
Registration will be open for all 5 events, with specific dates to be announced soon.
*Reminder this is free to all members and each participant will receive 2 Top 100 Points/ Webinar up to a maximum of 6*
Partner News
Golf Genius Sponsors PGA of Alberta Awards Night Celebration
Golf Genius is proud to sponsor the cocktail reception at the annual PGA of Alberta Awards Night, which honours the hard work and dedication of Alberta PGA members. The event will be held on October 22, 2025.
“The deep support we receive from PGA of Alberta members is something we certainly appreciate and value greatly", said Nick Wolfe, VP of Sales, North America, Golf Genius. "We take pride in the fact that many who are nominated for awards are users of our products, and to think that using Golf Genius contributed in some small part to that nomination is satisfying to our entire team”, continued Wolfe. “Our company is committed to making professionals’ lives easier and enhancing the experience of all golfers who enjoy this wonderful game. We we raise a glass to honour your hard work and commitment at your facilities. We look forward to many more years of our successful partnership between the PGA of Alberta and Golf Genius.”
About Golf Genius... Golf Genius provides innovative software and services to a global golf community of over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, destination resorts and millions of consumers in more than 65 countries. We also serve national federations, regional associations, and tours, including the USGA, Golf Ireland, England Golf, Japan Golf Association, Slovak Golf, the Legends Tour, the European Tour, and the PGAs of America, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland.
Golf Genius is the worldwide leader in digital solutions for the golf industry, including tournament and event management, golf shop operations, and coaching platforms. Our direct-to-consumer business reaches millions of golfers with a popular portfolio of consumer-focused golf apps offering GPS, auto shot tracking, scoring and statistics, shots gained, video analysis, and fantasy golf. Additionally, Golf Genius operates and maintains the GHIN system in the U.S. for the USGA. Our mission is to enhance the golf experience for organizations, facilities and individual golfers.
Golf Genius has more than 300 team members, including 75 PGA Professionals, with sales and support operations in the United States, Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, please visit golfgenius.com or contact:
Annual Awards Night Recognizes Outstanding Achievement in 10 categories within Alberta’s Golf Industry, champions on the field of play, bursary winners and Lifetime Achievement
CALGARY—The PGA of Alberta doled out the hardware to a group of members who made significant contributions to the game of golf, and a commitment to growing the industry, during its annual Awards Night on Wednesday in Calgary.
“The PGA of Alberta Awards program is a critical pillar for recognizing and celebrating the efforts of our members’ exceptional contributions to golf in our communities,” said Chris Paskin, Chair of the PGA of Alberta Awards Committee and head golf professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
“The role of the local golf professional extends far beyond playing competitively or helping others with their games. Golf professionals are community leaders who are crucial to nurturing the sport’s growth and sharing the life skills the game presents within the community. It is so great to see the tireless efforts of these professionals, regardless of the role they are playing, being recognized by their peers here in Alberta.”
The PGA of Alberta received a record number of nominations to recognize individuals demonstrating outstanding achievement in each of the 10 award categories.
And the 2024 winners are…
Apprentice Professional of the Year Nic Longley (Silver Springs Golf and Country Club)
Class "A" Professional of the Year Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney Golf Club)
Club Professional of the Year Jeff MacGregor (Glendale Golf and Country Club)
Coach of the Year Luke Workman (Glencoe Golf and Country Club Teaching Centre)
Executive Professional of the Year Curtis Robertson (Valley Ridge Golf Club)
Junior Leader of the Year Matt Seifert (Golf Future)
Retailer of the Year (Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Over $500,000) Banff Springs Golf Club (Andrew Szewczuk)
Retailer of the Year (Annual Gross Merchandise Sales Up To $500,000) Stony Plain Golf Club (Robb James)
Sales Rep of the Year Kristi Larson (KL Agency)
Teacher of the Year Scott Stiles (Earl Grey Golf Club)
Each of the award winners will automatically have their names submitted for nomination for the PGA of Canada awards which will be handed out on Canada Night during the PGA Show in Orlando.
The PGA of Alberta Awards process began July 21 with a nomination period in Alberta. Once the nomination period closed, August 27, individuals were notified they had been nominated for an award. Nominees were then required to complete an application to move forward in the provincial awards process.
A sub-committee comprised of awards committee members and past winners of the respective award was then created to review all of the nominations. Using a platform called SmarterSelect, a ranking system was used to determine the five finalists in each category.
A main awards committee was formed of past Club Professional of the Year recipients to rank each of the finalists and determine a winner.
The PGA of Alberta also used the celebration ceremony to present the following awards and bursaries:
Jack Skellern Patron of the Year G&G Brands (Brad German)
Top 100 Winner Greg Johnson (Golf Future)
Top 100 Rookie of the Year Joel Griffith (Valley Ridge Golf Course)
The PGA of Alberta presented four bursaries of $1,000 each to the following deserving Apprentice Professionals/Class “A” Assistant Professionals:
Year Round
Bryce Halverson (Carmoney Golf and Country Club)
Nathan Barendregt (Nevada Bob’s Grande Prairie)
9-Months or Less
Shannon Raina (Earl Grey Golf Club)
Daniel Humbke (Lacombe Golf and Country Club)
The PGA of Alberta also created the Jim Jempson Bursary of $2,500, in collaboration with the Jempson family, for a deserving Apprentice Professional.
Jim Jempson Bursary: Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club)
Winners of the PGA of Alberta Championship events were also recognized during the gala evening.
Championship Winners:
Player of the Year Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
Order of MeritChampions:
Head Pro Category - Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Curling Club)
Ladies Category - Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club)
Assistants’ Category - Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
Our Srixon / Cleveland Golf Team Match PlayChampions (North Bracket) Phil McClusky and Logan Hill (River Bend Golf and Recreation Area)
Cobra PUMA Golf PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Champion Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course)
PING Canada Club Professional Champion Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort)
Cobra Puma and Mobilicab (Club Car) PGA of Alberta Champion Eric Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club)
Ladies’ Champion Gina Nelson (Highlands Golf Club)
Seniors’ Champion Scott Allred (Elbow Springs Golf Club)
Bill Carrington (Leadership Pillar) and Clarence Semrau (Industry Leader) were honoured as the 2024 recipients of the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Carrington was a club professional for more than a half century, the bulk of that in the Wild Rose province. That includes 20 years as the head pro at Windermere Golf and Country Club.
He would later work at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Pine Hills Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Resort and Speargrass Golf Course. He was voted the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 1988.
Semrau made his mark in the industry as the longtime owner and operator of Golf Supply House. While Semrau wasn’t a PGA of Alberta member, he enjoyed a strong relationship with countless pros and earned a reputation for superb customer service.
When Semrau wasn’t working, he loved to spend his free time on the fairways and greens. He and his wife, Shirl, were members at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and would take their clubs to Arizona during the winter months.
Under Semrau’s leadership, Golf Supply House stepped in as title sponsor for the PGA of Alberta Assistants Championship, something that continued even after he sold the company in 2010.
Top 100 News
Top 100 Professionals of 2024
The PGA of Alberta is proud to officially announce the Top 100 PGA of Alberta Golf Professionals for 2024 as determined by the rankings in the Top 100 Programpresented by TaylorMade Golf Canada. See the list below for more details! These Members will receive a custom Top 100 logo recognizing their accomplishment.
Greg finished the year with 90 points to win his first PGA of Alberta Top 100 award. Following closely behind in second place was Bryce Halverson (Carnmoney GC) with 87 points and Joseph Busetto (Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) took third place with 74 points.
This year the PGA of Alberta will award a "Rookie of the Year". This award will be given to the member with the highest point total who became a PGA of Canada Apprentice Professional the year prior.
In a shortened program rotation that only lasted nine months, 539 PGA of Alberta professionals received at lease 1 point as this initiative continues to grow year after year.
Register Now! Spots Available for Day 3 Buying Show Education
We are less than a week away from the 2024 Buying Show!
Spots are still available for the Buying Show Education Session on day 3 in meeting room - 224, the Round Table Discussion is a great way to interact with your fellow professionals and gain insights from all aspects of the industry!
The Education Committee has decided to host an open round table discussion session for this year’s Show, presenters areElizabeth Stewart,Nic Longely, andStephen Yanitski. Topics covered will include Club Fittings, Ladies Events, and Corperate sales strategies. The Buying Show is the largest event for PGA of Alberta Members to gather and network, and now there is an opportunity to share your ideas and learn what others in the province are doing. Participants will spend 20 minutes at each table with a predetermined topic, please come prepared with questions and information of your own.
Participants will receive Top 100 Points: 3 points/session.
If you have any questions or need any assistance registering please contact the office via Thomas Powley.
Association News
Calgary G&CC Head Professional Drives Into Retirement
Tom Greiner will, among other things, miss the commute to work.
The entrance road at Calgary Golf & Country Club weaves through the picturesque property, with pristine fairways out the windows on either side. You’re treated to a sneak preview of Holes 9 and 18, both dandy downhillers, and a view of a beautiful clubhouse that is backdropped by the Elbow River.
In four decades on staff at Calgary Golf & Country Club, including 32 years as head professional, Greiner has done this drive thousands and thousands of times.
He announced several months ago that he would be retiring at the conclusion of this current season. Calgary Golf & Country Club, like many courses across Alberta, pulled the pins after the Thanksgiving long weekend.
“My first drive down to the club was with Al Ewen, my predecessor,” Greiner reminisced. “I’m pretty sure it was in January of 1985, or it may have been December of 1984, and the club had an opening for an assistant golf professional and they flew me out for an interview. I was living in Toronto at that time. So, I flew in the night before, stayed at a downtown hotel, and Al picked me up. Driving into the golf club, I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was one of those bluebird days, middle of winter, fresh snow on the ground, and we’re driving in and I’m thinking, ‘Oh boy, this place looks pretty special.’ ”
Think of all that has changed in golf since the mid-1980s — from the equipment, fashion and technology to the heroes that we’re emulating during our range sessions. But through that time, Greiner has remained a constant at Calgary Golf & Country Club. He’s been a familiar (and friendly) face for multiple generations of members and a role model for his peers. He was saluted as the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 2018.
Jeff MacGregor, the head pro at Glendale Golf & Country Club in Edmonton, described Greiner as “just a true professional” and somebody who has “set the standard within our business.”
“He’s been a mentor to many and a leader in our industry,” echoed John Wilson, a way-back-when junior member at Calgary Golf & Country Club — that was during Ewen’s tenure — and the head professional at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club. “To have that tenure at a Club like that, it’s amazing. You’ve heard the story about him driving down that road on the first day and it’s snowing and that he knew that’s exactly where he wanted to be when he drove through those gates. And he stayed there for 40 years. It’s incredible.”
Greiner was “immensely proud” to host the PGA of Alberta’s 2024 PING Club Professional Championship in late July, one of many dates on his summer schedule that left him feeling a bit nostalgic. “Even with every Club event, it’s like another chapter — ‘This is my last men’s member-guest, this is my last ladies’ member-guest, this is going to be my last club championship.’ You do think about that, and there’s some emotion that goes through you.”
Throughout his final season as a head professional, he’s been reflecting on his start in the sport. He didn’t grow up in a golfing family but vividly remembers an on-a-whim round at age 13, alongside a couple of buddies at a municipal layout in Burlington, Ont.
“From that first time, which really just instilled a love of the game, to end up like this, is pretty surreal,” added Greiner.
He has been asked often about his future plans and always starts with the appeal of squeezing in a few more rounds and experiencing Calgary’s next splendid summer at a different pace.
“I just want to simplify things, enjoy the city, enjoy my home, enjoy my backyard and be able to enjoy a summer not having my days laid out for me because I have this list of things that need to be accomplished at work,” he said.
He will, however, miss his commute. His initial observation, all those years ago, was spot-on — Calgary Golf & Country Club is a pretty special place.
“One of my lines for many, many years has always been that I have the best head office in Calgary,” Greiner said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to call this home for so many years. Probably a lot of professionals would aspire to be the head professional at a top-tier private club in the country, and this certainly is one of those. So, for me to be able to be in the position that I’ve been for so many years, you know, I feel so lucky.
“I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
Association News
PLYR Athletics Partners With PGA of Alberta
The PGA of Alberta is thrilled to announce a new partnership with PLYR Athletics for the next two years! PLYR will serve as the Title Sponsor of the PLYR Season Kick-Off, set to take place at the beautiful Banff Springs Golf Course.
Chase Porter, Founder of PLYR Athletics, shared his excitement “On behalf of PLYR, we are very excited to partner with the PGA of Alberta and its membership through an event that closely aligns with our brand values. 2025 marks the ten-year anniversary for us at PLYR, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off the year with this partnership and to host an event at the prestigious Banff Springs Golf Course. We look forward to making the Season Kick-Off a memorable experience for everyone involved!”
About PLYR:
PLYR is a dynamic apparel brand founded in 2015 in Saskatchewan, blending casual streetwear with golf attire. Over the past decade, PLYR has evolved to encompass a broader range of athletic wear, while still staying true to its roots in golf. The brand is committed to challenging the norms of athletic apparel through innovation, sustainability, and style.
In addition to it’s golf heritage, PLYR has grown to offer a variety of athletic options across other sports as well as become a great corporate apparel option for Canadian businesses and sports teams. PLYR Athletics is not just a clothing brand; it’s a movement aimed at empowering individuals to perform their best, both on and off the course. Join us in redefining athletic apparel and pushing the status quo of what’s considered "cool” in athletic apparel.
Three-Time Olympic Golf Coach, Derek Ingram, to Highlight Final Day of PGA of Alberta Buying Show
CALGARY—One of the nation’s most accomplished golf instructors, Derek Ingram, will highlight the final day of the highly-anticipated 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show, October 24 in Calgary, during “A Conversation with one of Canada’s Top Coaches” presented by PING Canada.
A three-time Olympic golf coach, Ingram will bring PGA of Alberta members behind the scenes of him working with many of Canada’s top players on the PGA TOUR including Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith, representing Team Canada at the 2024, 2020 and 2016 Games as coach of the men’s golf team, while also sharing his coaching philosophy during the Q&A session hosted by Todd Halpen (Golf Future).
“Derek is an extraordinary talent who is an articulate, engaging and motivational presenter. We are grateful to our generous partner, PING Canada, for providing our members the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experiences Derek has acquired throughout his impressive career,” said Robert Rousselle, executive director, PGA of Alberta. “Derek’s presence brings our annual Buying Show to a new level. I hope our membership will gain inspiration from this opportunity, while taking valuable information back with them on their continued journey to achieve personal excellence and growing their respective business.”
A three-time recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award (2020, 2007 and 2003), the Winnipegger has been involved in Golf Canada’s high-performance program for over 15 years. He served five years as Men’s Assistant Coach for Team Canada prior to being named women’s head coach at the end of 2009. In 2012 Ingram moved into the role of men’s head coach, where he currently oversees the amateur and young professional squads.
A seven-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award and three-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Coach of the Year Award, Ingram has been selected as one of the top 10 coaches in Canada by the National Post, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, and a Top 50 Teacher in North America by Golf Range Magazine.
Ingram also competed on the Canadian Tour for two years and was twice named Manitoba PGA Player of the Year Award (2008 and 2003).
The PGA of Alberta Buying Show is slated for October 22-24, at the Calgary BMO Centre.
Boasting exhibitors throughout Western Canada, the Buying Show is an opportunity for PGA of Alberta members to forge meaningful connections, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities for their business as the Show brings together golf professionals, industry suppliers, and sales representatives for this improved Show experience that also includes the creation of two PGA of Alberta lounges.
The only show of its kind in Canada, this year’s premier gathering of the golf community will also deliver:
an improved Featured Products Area showcasing the latest and most exciting offerings. Here, you’ll discover signature products that highlight innovation and quality, including exclusive new items making their debut. This hub location for the 2024 Show will provide attendees the opportunity to explore cutting-edge equipment, stylish apparel, and unique accessories;
complimentary, delicious food and beverage options for all exhibitors and attendees, courtesy of our partner Gordon Food Service (GFS), in the 19th Hole;
improved parking and Wi-Fi access;
a Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony to remember that will recognize trailblazers, innovators, and champions in our community who continue to drive the golf industry forward.
The 2024 Buying Show will operate 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., October 22-23; and on October 24 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.). All exhibitors will be on the floor until the close of the Show floor on the final day. A Business Professional Dress Code will also be in effect for the duration of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
If you have any questions related to the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, please contact Michelle Moody at [email protected].
Awards News
2024 PGA of Alberta Award Finalists Announced
We are excited to announce the 2024 PGA of Alberta Awards finalists.
Join us in raising a glass to excellence as we recognize and honor the outstanding achievements and contributions within the golf industry in Alberta and announce the winners of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Awards on Wednesday, October 23, following the close of Day 2 of the buying show.
Indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres and sip on a beverage of your choice from the host bar while mingling with golf professionals, industry affiliates, and exhibitors. All exhibitors and attendees of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show are welcome to attend.
The cocktail reception will begin at 5:00 pm and lead into the awards ceremony at 5:30 pm with the evening concluding at 7:30 pm. Thank you to our PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception Presenting Sponsors, Gordon Food Service and Levelwear.
Apprentice Professional of the Year Finalists
In alphabetical order by last name. Click on the names below to learn more about each finalist.
The Education Committee is excited to bring you the following education sessions for the 2024 Buying Show!
Registration is open for all members and is filling up fast! Register now to secure your spot in each of the sessions for the Buying Show. Each session will be held in Meeting Room - 224, registration closes the day of each session. Participants will receive Top 100 Points: 3 points/session.
If you have any questions or need any assistance registering please contact the office via Thomas Powley.
With Bob Paley - PGA of Canada Pat Fletcher Retailer Of The Year Award Recipient
Bob will be sharing strategies for buying and running a successful golf shop that will be essential for anyone attending this years Show. Bring any questions you have to make the most out of this session and set your course up for success in 2025.
We will have a Catherine Cacaoutis from Nike Golf and the retail side of the industry that specializes in store optimizations and visual merchandising to help our professionals understand the importance of setting up your pro shop effectively to increase sales and guest experience. Catherine has a background in apparel, footwear, accessories, product, along with education in fashion business school has worked in the industry for over 20 years. Her passion for business and product is second to none as her previous experience links to brands such as Harry Rosen’s, Sporting Life, Holt Renfew, Levi’s, Golf Town, and now more importantly with Mint Green Group as the Product Manager for Nike Golf. Topics such as fashion trends, story telling within a retail location, branding, and color matching for facilities that will look to optimize their current retail space or develop a new storefront.
The Education Committee has decided to host an open round table discussion session for this year’s Show, presenters are Elizabeth Stewart, Nic Longely, and Stephen Yanitski. Topics covered will include Club Fittings, Ladies Events, and Corperate sales strategies. The Buying Show is the largest event for PGA of Alberta Members to gather and network, and now there is an opportunity to share your ideas and learn what others in the province are doing. Participants will spend 20 minutes at each table with a predetermined topic, please come prepared with questions and information of your own. Check out the bottom of the registration page for more details.
Top 100 Points: Attendees will receive 3 points/session
Awards News
Carrington, Semrau Saluted as Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Bill Carrington and Clarence Semrau are the latest recipients of the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Carrington was a club professional for more than a half century, the bulk of that in the Wild Rose province. That includes 20 years as the head pro at Windermere Golf and Country Club.
Semrau made his mark in the industry as the longtime owner and operator of Golf Supply House.
The 84-year-old Carrington is currently recovering from back surgery, but it’s his goal to attend the PGA of Alberta Awards Ceremony, which are scheduled for October 23.
“To receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the PGA of Alberta is a tremendous honour,” Carrington said. “I have been a PGA of Canada member for 64 years, with 44 of those years right here in Alberta. It’s been a real pleasure watching my family grow up in golf and witness their successes in the golf industry. Over the course of my career, I am proud to see that many of the men and women that I was lucky enough to mentor have moved on to become accomplished professionals in the golf industry.
“I am truly honoured to be recognized.”
Carrington started his career with the PGA of Canada in 1960. He arrived in Alberta in 1972, moving from Montreal to become head pro at Windermere. He was a fixture at ‘Windy’ for the next two decades, popular among members and also widely respected by his peers. In fact, he was voted the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional of the Year in 1988.
He would later work at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Pine Hills Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Resort and Speargrass Golf Course.
Carrington was successful as a player, winning the PGA of Alberta Championship in 1980 and PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship in 1990. He also served from 1994-2010 on the provincial board of directors, although his greatest impact might have come through his mentorship. Eight of his assistants would eventually be hired as head professionals. He influenced even more as an instructor in the golf management program at what is now MacEwan University.
“I remember when I first came to Edmonton in 1983, going down to see his pro shop, just to see how he arranged it, and I was just blown away by how he everything arranged so professionally,” recalled Bill Penny, a longtime PGA of Alberta pro and close friend of Carrington. “I think he made it a really exciting atmosphere for his young assistants to work in. On the outside service part of it, he really shone in that, just to give the membership a first-class service. Just everything was well-organized. Tournaments were well-organized. Everything that a professional should do at a club, Bill was doing. And for the young assistants to see this, I’m sure that helped lead to their success.
“And he still follows all the young pros that come into the business or are accepting their first jobs. He always tries to get ahold of them and congratulate them and wish them success, and he’s always there to lend an ear. He’s just a tremendous man.”
Semrau passed away in 2018. He’ll be represented at the PGA of Alberta Awards evening by family and friends.
“I can guarantee he would have been very surprised,” said Semrau’s son-in-law Craig Moody, who also worked alongside Clarence as general manager at Golf Supply House.
“Whatever he accomplished, he never wanted to make a big deal out of it. That was kind of his default, just the way he rolled.
“So, I think he would be surprised but very appreciative.”
Semrau had been running a custom home-building business and was looking for his next challenge when he purchased a company called National Marketing of Canada in 1986 and rebranded it as Golf Supply House.
While Semrau wasn’t a PGA of Alberta member, he enjoyed a strong relationship with countless pros and earned a reputation for superb customer service. If a course was having issues with range equipment or other gear they’d purchased through Golf Supply House, he’d often show up to fix it himself.
“He was about people. He always wanted to help people,” said Semrau’s daughter, Maureen Moody. “It was important to him that his customers were happy. The people that worked for him and with him, he wanted to look out for them. He didn’t care what titles he had. If there was something he could do to help, he just wanted to do that. If he could drive across the city or outside the city to help somebody to repair something or anything like that, it’d be like, ‘Off he goes.’ You could just see he cared.”
When Semrau wasn’t working, he loved to spend his free time on the fairways and greens. He and his wife, Shirl, were members at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and would take their clubs to Arizona during the winter months.
Under Semrau’s leadership, Golf Supply House stepped in as title sponsor for the PGA of Alberta Assistants Championship, something that continued even after he sold the company in 2010.
Both Semrau and Carrington will be celebrated with deserving colleagues who have made significant contributions to the game of golf over the past year when the PGA of Alberta hands out nine additional awards to honour their extraordinary achievements in 2024.
Tournament News
McCluskey and Hill Finish On Top Of Team Match Play Championship
The season long contest for the Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play Championship, presented by Nike, came to a close on Thursday, September 19th, where Phil McCluskey and Logan Hill were victorious.
The team from River Bend G&RA battled their way through the North side of the winners bracket, coming out on top of five consecutive matches to earn their spot in the final where they met Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) and Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood G&CC) from the South. Unfortunately, Kirkness was unable to make the final but was replaced by Matt Bean (Priddis Greens G&CC) to set the stage at beautiful Red Deer G&CC.
The front nine saw a back and forth clash as both teams looked to get a jump on their opponents and the team from Priddis Greens G&CC took the turn at 1up. McCluskey had other plans on the final nine holes as he birdied 10 and 11 to move Riverbend G&RA ahead in the match, then traded birdies with Locke on 12 to keep them in the lead.
McCluskey and Hill kept their lead heading into 18, still 1up, where both players made par, securing their first Srixon/Cleveland Team Match Play Championship.
Cuthbertson and Belbin Victorious on Consolation Side
There was another match taking place at Red Deer G&CC on September 19th to decided the Champion of the consolation bracket, which includes every team that was unable to win their first round match.
Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain GC) and Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) emerged victorious on Thursday with a 4&2 finish against Matt Freeman (Canyon Meadows GC) and Kyle Wade (PGA of Alberta Member). After losing in the opening round, both teams stayed alive on their respective sides of the bracket, winning four matches consecutively and earning the chance to win the consolation side of the Championship.
Thank you to Srixon/Cleveland and Nike for their sponsorship and to all the teams that competed in this years Team Match Play Championship.
Association News
William Wright Jr In Memorium
Mr. William Wright Jr. “Billy” of Edmonton born March 15, 1941, passed away on September 16, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his children.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bill leaves behind his children Richard (Tanya), Billie-Su (Chris Redlinger) and granddaughter Sydney.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Linda (Serby), parents William Sr. and Jane Wright, his brothers, Harry and James, and son-in-law Chris Redlinger.
Bill was deeply committed to his faith, living a life guided by his strong spiritual beliefs and values.
He was a Golf Professional for over 55 years and a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association, PGA of America, and European PGA to which he became a Lifetime member of all three Associations. He was a dedicated real estate agent for 40 years.
Family & friends wishing to pay their respects may do so on Friday, September 20, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Service, 5311 91 St NW Edmonton.
Interment Service will take place on Saturday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m. at South Haven Cemetery 5004 Meridian St NW, Edmonton with Pastor Bob Millman officiating.
Battle of Alberta Showdown Set for Team Match Play Final
Phil McCluskey and Logan Hill will be on familiar turf.
Before they were pros at River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, both honed their skills as youngsters at Red Deer Golf & Country Club, so they should know every nook and cranny of the course that will play host Thursday to the final of the PGA of Alberta’s Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play event.
Eric Locke, meanwhile, will be in familiar territory. He’s been to the championship match three times now.
“I’m hoping third time is a charm,” said Locke, the manager of player development at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. “Both times I’ve been to the final, we’ve lost on 17.”
McCluskey and Hill — the head professional and associate professional, respectfully, at always-busy River Bend — have never previously advanced this far in this season-long showdown.
Their reward is an opportunity to compete for the title at their old stomping grounds.
“I was a junior member at Red Deer Golf and Country Club,” McCluskey said, starting to chuckle as he prepared for a joke at his own expense. “I’m not even going to say when, because it was before electricity.”
And how about Hill?
“I grew up there, too — a lot later than Phil did,” he quipped. “To compete at what used to my home course, that will be a lot of fun.”
For a lot of PGA of Alberta members, the Srixon/Cleveland Golf Team Match Play is among the highlights on the annual tournament calendar.
This March Madness-style bracket starts with 64 two-player teams — 32 in the south, 32 in the north.
If you want your name engraved on this trophy, you need to win six straight matches.
McCluskey and Hill proved to be the most dynamite of duos in the north.
As McCluskey put it: “We’ve done an unreal job of picking each other up this year.”
The boys from River Bend most recently knocked off Cardiff’s Dallas Cantera and Jeremy Lavallee to secure their spot in the provincial final.
Locke and his usual partner, Inglewood Golf and Curling Club head pro Sam Kirkness, sizzled through the south side of the bracket. They punched their ticket to the last dance by eliminating Matt Cook and Craig McArthur of Canyon Meadows.
Thing is, Kirkness departed earlier this week on a members’ trip to Ireland. Since he will be unavailable for the championship match, Locke will instead join forces with Matt Bean, an associate pro at Priddis Greens.
“The main thing that Sam and I do is we hit lots of greens between the two of us,” Locke said, dishing on their recipe for success so far. “So, 13, 14, 15 times a round, we’ll have two looks at birdie. And very rarely does one of us not have a look. For us, we almost feel a little relentless. We don’t give holes away, I guess, is the best way to put it.”
As Kirkness prepared for his getaway, he had a message for his pal.
“He just said, ‘Go get ’em,” Locke relayed.
And what did Bean say?
“He was like, ‘Are you sure you want me?!’ ” Locke said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Oh yeah, it’ll be just fun. There’s no pressure.’ ”
No pressure, although there are bragging rights on the line.
And not just among the four gents who will be trading birdies Thursday at Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
“It’s more of a joke than anything, nothing serious, but we like to be able to say the south is a little stronger than the north,” said Locke, winner of the 2024 PGA of Alberta Championship. “It’s kind of Calgary-Edmonton in hockey, that same kind of thing. We like to play it up a bit that way.”
Red Deer has always been considered neutral territory in the Battle of Alberta, but McCluskey and Hill have picked a side and are now hoping to notch a win for the north.
“The two guys we’re playing are good friends, really good players,” McCluskey said, setting up Thursday’s final match. “We’re going to have to play our best to even have a chance. But there’s no reason we can’t.”
Association News
Apply Now To Join The Communication & Membership Committee
Apply Now to Join The new “Communication & Membership Committee”
The PGA of Alberta’s Membership & Employment Committee along with the Promotions & Communication Committee are both dissolving to form one, unified committee: Communication and Membership Committee.
A new application process has been launched. For all member considering joining the newly created Communication & Membership Committee, please submit a brief cover letter stating why you want to be involved and a summary of your contributions to the Association in recent years.
Please submit all applications to Marlene Sanderson ([email protected]) before the deadline - October 3rd at 4 PM.
The new Committee will be announced on October 14, 2024.
Committee Responsibilities: The Communication & Membership Committee shall meet as a committee up to 4-times per year and at the call of the chairs for:
Review PGA of Alberta By-Laws and provide recommendations as required.
New Member Orientation.
Compensation Survey.
Job Posting Standards.
Communication & Membership Initiatives.
Club Relations.
Association Resource Centre.
Retention and attraction of golf professionals in Alberta.
Review and recommend changes or additions to the Hole in One Program.
Discuss how to promote the brand of the PGA of Alberta.
Stay aligned and updated on the PGA of Canada employment implementations and strategies.
Make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning PGA of Alberta’s social media policies and platforms.
Review and recommend any changes needed to the PGA of Alberta Top 100 Program (point allocation, prize breakdown, Top 100 initiative, etc.).
Make recommendations to the Board of Directors for implementing changes within the scope of the committee’s mandate that will be beneficial to members of the PGA of Alberta.
Proactively obtain input and suggestions from members on their level of satisfaction with suggestions for improvement of the communication and membership portfolio.
Review with the Executive Director any breach of member misconduct and make recommendations for any fines or suspensions to the Board of Directors for any case related to employment or membership.
Liaise with other committees as required on operations and activities that may overlap.
The Committee Chair will provide a report on committee activity at each Board of Directors meeting even if no formal committee meetings have taken place.
Top 100 Points - Each member will receive five Top 100 points for being a part of the committee (see more information here).
Heffernan Shoots Course Record To Claim PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada
Congratulations to Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) on winning the 2024 PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada.
Wes Heffernan started Saturday’s final round looking up the leader board sitting 8 shots behind before breaking the course record to finish the day carding a 62. Heffernan started his day with a birdie on the first to kick start some momentum that eventually built to a red hot 29 in his final nine holes. The now 2-time champion also won this event back in 2019 at TPC Toronto.
Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) did his best to keep up with Wes in the final round, carding a 64 and finishing the tournament just one shot behind the champion. Fox won the PGA of Alberta Assistant’ Championship in August along with both 2-day Players Tour events and the Pro-Pro Scramble, a very successful 2024 season.
Congratulations to all PGA of Alberta professional that competed in this years PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada.
Eric Locke and Samuel Kirkness Win G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball Title
RED DEER, Alta.—Eric Locke and Samuel Kirkness capped off the 2024 PGA of Alberta tournament season by taking top honours in the G&G Pro-Pro Best Ball event at River Bend Golf Club in Red Deer, Alta.
Locke (Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club) and Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) celebrated a two-shot win after carding a 9-under-par, 63.
“We have played a bunch of PGA of Alberta Championships here so we knew there would be lots of birdies out there and that we’d have to get off to a pretty quick start with two par-5s,” said Locke, who won the PGA of Alberta Championship last month. “Luckily, we did that and then we just had to try to keep it going from there. We knew everyone was going to make birdies and eagles out here so we kept the pedal down for as long as we could.”
They certainly did.
The Calgary-based duo put together one eagle, nine birdies, and two bogeys on the fast River Bend layout for nines of 32-31.
“This is definitely the firmest that I’ve ever seen River Bend. You had to really pick your spots where you were going to land the golf ball because it was hopping forward,” said Kirkness. “The course was in really great condition. The greens were rolling really, really well. Overall, the course played awesome.”
The two buddies, who both used to work together at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, cited their friendship as the key to their success in the team best ball event.
“Sam and I used to play a lot of golf together when he worked at Priddis and this is an easy way for us to get together and play, same with the match play events this season,” said Locke. “It’s nice to get out there and play with your buddy again. It makes it easy for us because we do play a lot of golf together, so we know each other’s games well.”
Wes Heffernan and Scott Smith – both from Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre – were locked at 7-under-par (65) with Chris Toth (Broadmoor Golf Club) and Chase Rau (Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club).
Earl Grey Golf Club pros, Pat Wilmot and Scott Stiles, placed fourth in the field of 49 teams after carding a round of 66.
Jasper Pros Feeling the Love from PGA of Alberta Peers
In the days and weeks after they were forced to evacuate their homes — and their course — due to a devastating wildfire, Tahlon Sweenie, Troy Mills and the rest of the golf professionals at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have received an outpouring of support from their PGA of Alberta peers.
That comes as no surprise to those who have been through similar circumstances, who still remember the worrying and wondering, who can provide advice on the rebuild and recovery and, above all else, can relate to what is an emotional rollercoaster.
“Having gone through a natural disaster, I called Tahlon and we had a lengthy conversation,” said Glendale Golf and Country Club’s head professional Jeff MacGregor, who was working at Inglewood when it was one of several Calgary-area hangouts to sustain significant damage during a historic flood in 2013. “He’s a good friend of mine and I just told him, ‘If you need anything, I’m there for you. Because I’ve been there.’ ”
Jason Vaughan, too, was keen to lend his support.
Vaughan was head professional at Fort McMurray Golf and Country Club when a wildfire struck that community in 2016. He and team were evacuated for a grand total of 40 days.
“Tahlon posted a picture on Facebook of him, his family and his dog, all in the car, piled in and leaving,” said Vaughan, still based in Fort McMurray but now as director of golf and grounds at Miskanaw. “And so, I sent him a message — ‘Hey buddy, if you need anything, feel free to give me a shout. I’ve been through this same situation.’
“Looking back on it, I know the exact feeling of just grabbing whatever you can grab and getting in a vehicle and not really knowing where you’re going to go. I just sent him a message saying, ‘Hey, if you need anything, Fort McMurray is here for you. We’re here to help. Because we know your situation.’ ”
Jasper residents were recently allowed to return to their hometown, a magical mountain destination that has attracted millions of tourists over the years. Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe and a long list of royals have vacationed here — and played golf during their stay.
There has yet to be an update from Fairmont on any potential damage to Stanley Thompson’s iconic design at Jasper Park Lodge. Both the Resort and Golf Course remain closed, with a recent social media posting that stated: “JPL looks forward to welcoming our colleagues and guests back when the time is right.”
“It just brings you right back to where you were and your immediate reaction is, ‘How do I help?’ ” said Bob Paley, executive professional at Kananaskis Country Golf Course, sharing his reaction to the jarring images from Jasper in late July. “It’s not a case of, ‘Somebody helped me, so now I have to help.’ You’re not keeping score. But you just want to be a part of that same community, because you know what it feels like to be supported.”
The sibling stunners at Kananaskis — home to the Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette layouts — were both destroyed by flooding in June 2013. The facility was ultimately closed for nearly five years but now, after an extensive rebuild, is one of Canada’s great golf comeback stories.
“It’s critical having that network of people that is there to support you, and PGA professionals are a significant part of that posse or that village that I had and anybody in that kind of situation has,” Paley said. “You sort of feel like you’re in the middle of a tornado and they just turn the fans off and just bring some calmness and some perspective that you didn’t have, and maybe even just a pump-up. It’s almost like having siblings. It just felt like I was a part of something, something bigger than I was helping to take care of me.
“I’d just lost my dad the week before the flood and so people were aware of that, as well. People were just genuinely showing care. It wasn’t just, ‘If you need something, let me know.’ People were calling, coming out when it was safe to do so. It was, ‘What do you need? How can we help? Do you have any team members that need work?’ It was incredible.”
Blair McDowell experienced the same after a fire levelled the clubhouse at Northern Bear in mid-January of this year.
Even in the midst of their off-season, his counterparts were filling his voicemail and e-mail inbox.
“I had so many people — golf professionals, general managers, those involved with the PGA of Alberta — reach out to me,” said McDowell, the executive pro at Northern Bear. “It sure felt like a brotherhood. People were trying to lend a helping hand anywhere they could. Anything we needed, if they could, they would like to provide. That was really nice.”
That part isn’t about to change, either.
Whether Sweenie and Mills are looking for temporary jobs for their staff or tee-times for their members, they have a lot of friends that they can lean on.
“I’ll never forget a lot of the golf professionals that helped me out when times were tough,” said MacGregor, recalling that neighbouring superintendents also offered to loan maintenance equipment, helping Inglewood to reopen nine holes about a month after the flood.
Added Vaughan: “There were times when it pulled on the heart strings, just the extra mile that people would go.”
“That’s how it works within our Association, because there are so many damn good people that are looking out for each other,” Paley reasoned. “It’s like that warm, comfortable blanket of support that helps you through these times when you need it. It’s nice to be able to be that blanket. But it’s also nice, when you need that blanket, to have that.”
Alberta’s golf fans have also stepped up and done their part, too. The Rogers Charity Classic, the annual PGA Tour Champions stop at Canyon Meadows, directed $250,000 to Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal, with that donation coming from ticket proceeds.
But what all of these pros stressed is that the need for help remains long after the flames are extinguished, or the floodwaters recede.
“The initial shock is something, but the rebuild is what I think of,” Vaughan said. “That’s where the support from other people definitely comes in handy to keep you pushing and loving what you’re doing.”
The team at Jaspar Park Lodge can be sure, their family at the PGA of Alberta are there to support them for the long run.
Tournament News
Golf Future Holds On To Win Pro-Assistant Championship
Todd Halpen and Greg Johnson sat one shot back of the team from 365 GOLF, Josh Fleming and Tyler LeBouthillier, heading into round 2 of the Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Championship. The three format event consisting of Best Ball, Scotch Ball and Scramble would make for an exciting finish at Mickelson National GC on Wednesday.
Halpen and Johnson looked to start fast and they did, posting three birdies and an eagle in the opening 6 Best Ball holes. This would give them the out right lead heading into Scotch Ball, which traditionally has been the toughest format in the event but they were able to battle with one birdie and one bogey. Fleming and LeBouthillier meanwhile, were looking to take back the lead they held at the start of the day. After falling 3 shots behind in the Best Ball portion, the team from 365 GOLF made eagle on the 276 yard par 4, 7th hole and would head to the Scramble portion behind by 1.
The final 6 holes would prove to be a race to the finish and a true grind by all 4 PGA of Alberta teaching professionals. Fleming and LeBouthiller would strike first as they made birdie on hole 13, tying for the lead after 31 holes and hoping to finish strong and take home the Championship. Holes 14 & 15 saw both teams come away with par but the pair from Golf Future weren’t going to let it slip away as they made birdie on the short 16th hole which would end up being the difference. Congratulations to Todd Halpen and Greg Johnson on winning their first Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant Championship.
Mitchell Fox Continues to Sizzle in 2024 Winning Players Tour at Turner Valley Golf Club
CALGARY—Make it four victories for Calgary’s Mitchell Fox on the PGA of Alberta calendar this summer.
The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course proved once again he is amongst Alberta’s best in 2024 after taking the final Players Tour event of the season with a clean round of 67 at the Turner Valley Golf Club.
“I feel like I’ve played really solid this year. I putted really well these last few weeks so that’s helped a lot,” said Fox. “Today, I hit it really well and the game has been good all year. I just need to hope to break through in a few weeks in the national events, but this feels good to win here leading into that.”
Fox was sharp from tee-to-green throughout the 6,818-yard Turner Valley track where that hot putter helped him roll in five birdies on a bogey-free card.
Fox also won the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship, the Players Tour 2-Day Event at Cougar Creek, and teamed up with Matthew Mah to win the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble earlier this summer.
The field of 30 players were slated to tee it up over two-days for the final Players Tour event of the season, but Mother Nature had other ideas, throwing heavy rain down in southern Alberta on Wednesday which forced Tournament Officials to shorten the event to a single-day 18-hole shootout.
“The course was really good especially considering how much rain they got yesterday. It was kind of surprising how well it recovered. It was in really good shape,” added Fox. “It was enjoyable to play. The setup was really good. I had Sam (Kirkness) who ended up finishing second in my group, so it was a good battle going back and forth all day.”
Inglewood Golf and Country Club’s Kirkness made a charge down the finishing stretch, making back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. Fox and Kirkness were tied heading into the final hole, but Fox secured the title after a costly bogey on the 397-yard, par-4 by Kirkness for a 68.
Matthew Mah (Mill Woods Golf Course) was third at 69 (-3).
Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club) and Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort) rounded out the top-five, deadlocked in fourth at even-par 72.
PGA of Alberta Launches Two Bursary Options for 2024
It’s bursary season for PGA of Alberta members!
Hot off the presses, we are excited to announce the PGA of Alberta will be offering not one, but two, bursary opportunities in 2024.
We are pleased to offer four bursaries, each valued at $1,000, available to all seasonal and year-round Apprentice Professionals and Class "A" Professionals. A minimum of two bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals, working nine months or less.
We are also excited to introduce a new addition to our bursary offerings: the Jim Jempson Bursary. This prestigious new bursary will award $2,500 to one individual and is open exclusively to Apprentice Professionals.
Jim Jempson was a distinguished life member of the PGA of Canada and a recipient of the PGA of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award. His dedication to promoting excellence and growing the game of golf left a lasting impact on our community. The Jim Jempson Bursary honours his legacy and continues his commitment to the development of golf professionals.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support your professional growth. Apply for these valuable bursaries today and take a step forward in your career!
The winners of all 2024 bursaries will be announced at the PGA of Alberta Awards Ceremony, on October 23, at the Calgary BMO Centre, to close off the second day of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show.
The deadline to apply is end of day on September 30. With the deadline fast approaching, please act now to secure your chance to receive this financial support! Apprentice Professionals are welcome to apply for both the PGA of Alberta Bursaries and the Jim Jempson Bursary.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Marlene Sanderson at the PGA of Alberta office (403-256-8894 or [email protected]).
Tournament News
Scott Allred Wins Senior Championship, Gina Nelson Tops in Ladies Championship at Trestle Creek GR
EDMONTON—Scott Allred and Gina Nelson etched their names in the history books as the winners of the 2024 Seniors and Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions at Trestle Creek Golf Resort near Edmonton on Tuesday.
Allred, who made the trip up Highway 2 from Calgary, was the only player in the 40-man field to finish sub-par in both rounds, taking the title with a combined score of -5. Nelson (Highlands Golf Club) was the top woman in Alberta for the second straight year.
Calgary’s Allred posted scores of 68-71—139 to take his eighth Seniors Championship by three shots.
“I just thought I’d try to keep the ball in play and hit fairways and greens. That’s all I kept saying to myself and then lag putting because it is so challenging on these greens,” said Allred, who had a bogey-free back-nine with six birdies on his opening day. “I was able to make a few birdies on the back nine yesterday, shooting 30, that is a low for me. A few went in for me. I feel very fortunate to have this eight times now. It’s exciting to still be competitive coming up on 64 here.”
Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) was second at 142 after carding rounds off 68-74. Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Course), Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) and Chris Toth (Broadmoor Golf Club) finished deadlocked in third at 144.
The win secures Allred a spot in the final qualifier for the 2025 Rogers Charity Classic – Canada’s lone PGA TOUR Champions stop – which has been contested on his home course at Elbow Springs Golf Club.
“There is an incentive to get into the final qualifier for the Rogers. It is neat to play with some of those guys who still haven’t qualified – that’s what I like about this,” added Allred. “As long as I’m still competitive, it keeps me motivated. It gives me the drive to keep working on my game.”
Gina Nelson was a model of consistency in the Ladies Championships, locking in rounds of 78-77 for a winning total off 155.
“It was in great shape. I’ve played here a couple of times and knew that the greens can be really challenging depending on where they put the pins. They did put them in some tough spots, so I knew putting was a big thing and needed to eliminate those mistakes as much as possible on the greens which was still a challenge but managed to pull it off."
It is the second time in her career that Nelson has won the top Ladies Championship in Alberta back-to-back.
“It is really important event. It helps grow women’s golf and I know that has been a big push at the PGA of Canada and here in Alberta, so we hope to continue pushing this tournament to be successful and be something that a lot of people are striving to play, and be a part of, because it is a big title to have,” she said.
Elizabeth Stewart (Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club) finished the 2-day Championship in second with Marsha Rogers (The Derrick Golf and Winter Club) placing in third.
Seniors and Ladies Championship Kicks Off At Trestle Creek GR
The Seniors & Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions kicked off round 1 at Trestle Creek GR.
Leading the way for the Seniors is Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched cards on Monday with opening rounds of 68. Whitecotton was in control of his game all day draining 4 birdies and failing to drop a shot throughout the 18 hole test. Allred found his momentum as he made the turn, collecting 6 birdies in his final 9 holes to erase two early bogies and keep himself in contention to win another PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship.
The Ladies were also navigating their way on the sloped greens of Trestle Creek GR. Last years champion, Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) once again leads the field as she looks to go back-to-back for the second time in her career.
Leaders After round 1
Name
Facility
Score
Keith Whitecotton
The Quarry
68
Scott Allred
Elbow Springs GC
68
Chris Toth
Broadmoor GC
71
Kent Fukushima
PGA of Alberta Member
72
Gord Courage
Hamptons GC (The)
72
Mark Corrigan
PGA of Alberta Member
73
Jeff Cuthbertson
Stony Plain GC
73
Larry Petryk
Larry Petryk Golf Academy
73
Name
Facility
Score
Gina Nelson
Highlands GC
78
Marsha Rogers
Derrick G&WC (The)
86
Elizabeth Stewart
Edmonton Petroleum G&CC
88
Round 2 Draw
Association News
PGA of Alberta Professionals Host Golf Day for People with Physical Limitations
Golf professionals tee off FREE program, August 23 from 1 – 4 p.m., at Valley Ridge Golf Club
CALGARY—Golf professionals in Alberta are teeing up a drive to break down barriers and make the game more inclusive for people with physical/cognitive disabilities by hosting a community outreach learn-to-play session for people with a disability at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
A FREE program for golfers of any age with physical limitations will be available on August 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Valley Ridge Golf Club in Calgary. A total of 24 participants will be instructed by six PGA of Alberta Assistants Board members through four, one-hour stations: driving range; putting green; short game area; and activity time. Funded by Jumpstart, equipment will be provided and prizes up for grabs. Registration is still available at www.golfgenius.com/ggid/aw9g3p/register.
“We created this program as a way for our PGA of Canada Golf Professionals to not only assist with instructing the grassroots portion of the game, but to also reach those demographics who can sometimes be unserved when it comes to receiving golf instruction” said Bryce Halverson, Head Associate Golf Professional at Carnmoney Golf Club.
“The PGA of Alberta is committed to elevating the experience for numerous traditionally under-serviced demographics in the community by doing our part to provide positive experiences through golf instruction and activities. We hope to further strengthen the overall local golf community with inclusivity and diversity,” added Stephen Yanitski, Assistant Golf Professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.
Both Halverson and Yanitski, along with Jumpstart and the PGA of Alberta, created a plan to serve this need, and identified four key community groups to positively impact in 2024: people with a physical disability; Indigenous communities; women/girls; and Els for Autism/Special Olympics in Calgary and Edmonton with the goal of making the game of golf a more welcoming and inclusive place for all to enjoy.
Earlier this summer a one-day summer camp for 16 Indigenous youth was held at Rundle Park Short Course in Edmonton. Calgary-based also led a series of events focused on supporting Els 4 Autism, Aspergers Friendship Society, and Special Olympics. Alberta professionals also introduced more than 70 junior girls and young women to the game.
Tournament News
Eric Locke’s Up First PGA of Alberta Championship Title
Calgary area pro celebrates one-shot victory with rounds of 66-68 at prestigious event
CALGARY—Calgary’s Eric Locke was crowned king of the PGA of Alberta for 2024 on Tuesday.
The teaching ace from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club celebrated a one-shot victory at the two-day Cobra Puma Golf and Moblicab PGA of Alberta Championship held at Stony Plain Golf Course.
Locke held off a late charge by defending champion, Wes Heffernen, to take the flagship event on the PGA of Alberta calendar with rounds of 66-68 (-10).
Locke led wire-to-wire against the largest field ever in the history of the PGA of Alberta’s flagship event with 120 pros in the Wild Rose province teeing it up on the 6,800-yard test on the west side of Edmonton.
Taking advantage of stellar playing conditions, Locke carried a one-shot lead over Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs Golf Course) into the final 18-hole spin after rattling off a hat trick of birdies to close out his opening round six deep from par. Fox, who has won nearly everything on the table in 2024, and the scrappy Allred posted 67s on the first day with a handful of big names, including Heffernen, carding 68s.
“With Mitch Fox, Sam Kirkness, Wes Heffernan, and Dillon Batsel behind me it didn’t matter that I was at the top because I knew I was going to have to go out there and shoot a number today,” said Locke after winning the first PGA of Alberta Championship in his career. “I didn’t think 68 was going to be good enough, to be honest, and I figured I had to shoot another 66 or better to compete with those gentlemen.”
A head-to-head battle of the heavyweights in Alberta golf ensued throughout Tuesday’s final round on the treelined Stony Plain track. Locke and Heffernen opened with identical nine-hole scores of 33. Mixing together three birdies with a bogey after making the turn, Locke carried a two-shot lead into the final hole where he gave one shot back before signing a card for 68 to secure the victory.
“They made their push early and came out of the gates fast,” added Locke. “But actually, seeing them start to make birdies kind of settled me down because you have to do that too.”
Heffernen (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) was forced to settle for second place despite firing a 67 for low second-round honours, finishing at -9. Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) and Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) shared third spot on the leaderboard at -8. Kirkness won the Players Tour presented by Duca del Cosma at the Mill Woods Golf Course earlier this summer. Batsel lost the season-opening event at Picture Butte in a playoff.
The Stony Plain Golf Course has hosted many PGA of Alberta and Alberta Golf events throughout its rich history.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to host the most significant event on the 2024 calendar in northern Alberta,” said Jeff Cuthbertson, Executive Professional, Stony Plain Golf Course. “The course presented a really fair test of golf with chances to score and stretches where players were just looking to hold on. It was a privilege to host the top pros in our province.”
Locke Shoots 66 To Lead PGA of Alberta Championship
The Cobra/Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship kicked off round 1 at Stony Plain GC early Monday morning with a record setting 122 players in the field.
Leading the way was Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) after finishing his day with three consecutive birdies to card a 6-under 66. Joining him in the final group is Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched scorecards, finishing the day one shot back of Locke.
Tuesday will look to have an exciting race to the finish as 23 players completed their rounds under par.
Leaders After Round 1
Name
Facility
Score
Eric Locke
Priddis Greens G&CC
66
Mitchell Fox
Speargrass GC
67
Scott Allred
Elbow Springs GC
67
Dillon Batsel
Desert Blume GC
68
David MacComb
Royal Mayfair GC
68
Wes Heffernan
Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre
68
Josh Gorieu
Lewis Estates GC
68
Samuel Kirkness
Inglewood G&CC
68
Round 2 Draw
Tournament News
Shaun and Donna Piercey Victorious at Pro-Lady North
On Monday, ladies from Edmonton and surrounding areas joined their PGA of Alberta golf professionals at The Ranch G&CC to compete for the 2024 Pro-Lady North Title.
The team from Ranch G&CC (The), Shaun and Donna Piercey, had it rolling as they topped the field with 45 stableford points on their way to victory.
Thank you to all participants and volunteers who made the Adidas Golf/EFW Radiology Pro-Lady North a huge success for 2024!
Two PGA of Alberta Members Advance Through Rogers Charity Classic Pre-Qualifier
When Jeff Murdoch turned 50 in February, he added this to his summertime to-do list — trying to earn a tee-time to compete alongside the PGA TOUR Champions stars at the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic.
He’s now one step closer.
Murdoch was one of two PGA of Alberta members to advance through Friday’s pre-qualifier at Hamptons Golf Club.
The final qualifier to round out the 78-man field is set for Tuesday at Elbow Springs.
“I kind of set my goals on this in February and it just motivated me to keep my game in shape, to keep me in shape and keep me motivated,” Murdoch said. “I just wanted to do it to show my kids that it’s OK to try and OK to fail. So I’m pretty happy.”
There was no failure Friday.
Murdoch, who has maintained his PGA of Alberta membership but now works as a fire captain in Edmonton, carded a 3-over 75. After a lengthy wait to find out how that score stacked up, he made a clutch par on the first playoff hole.
Randy Robb, the director of coaching and high performance at Mickelson National Golf Academy, also advanced with a par in that three-for-two playoff.
“I didn’t expect this at all,” said Robb, who is a three-time winner of the PGA of Alberta’s Junior Leader of the Year award and continues to work with some of the most talented up-and-comers in the Calgary area. “I’ve been in Saskatoon all week at the Canadian Men’s Amateur, supporting the guys and walking the course, and I hadn’t touched my clubs in six days.
“I was in Quebec at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada the week before, so it’s not like I hadn’t played. But you know, we talk to our students about trying to ramp up going into an event. And then you get to the tee today and it’s like, ‘OK, which wedge is in here?’
“I made an eagle on No. 16, so that really helped. I didn’t expect 75 to be in a playoff, but I hung around and now we’ll see what happens Tuesday at Elbow Springs. That’s kind of fun.”
Wouldn’t it be fun if he could play his way into the star-studded field for the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic?
That award-winning tournament runs Aug. 16-18 at Canyon Meadows and features some of the biggest names in the birdie-making business — Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, and Mike Weir.
Robb has, over the years, encouraged countless students to attend the annual PGA Tour Champions shootout.
“I remember being there several years ago when Freddy (Couples) shot 61,” he reminisced. “And you’re thinking, ‘Whoa, that’s incredible!’ ”
The lineup for Tuesday’s final qualifier at Elbow Springs also includes Edmonton’s Larry Petryk, the reigning winner of the PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Championship. His provincial title provided a bye through the pre-qualifier.
As Murdoch, formerly the director of golf at Cougar Creek, prepared Friday for his three-hour drive home, he was excited about pulling a U-Turn to return to Calgary in just a couple of days.
And he was admittedly a bit emotional as he thought about calling his loved ones to share the news that he was through to the next stage of the qualifying quest.
“I have a 20-year-old at RCMP school and an 18-year-old about to start university, so I just wanted to show them that dad could still play some good golf,” said Murdoch, who won the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional Championship in 2009. “And yesterday was my anniversary and I’m off playing a practice round. So I’ve got a really supportive family.
“It’s still a big road ahead of me,” he added, looking ahead to Tuesday’s shootout at Elbow Springs. “It’s still an uphill climb. But I’m up for the challenge and can hold my head high.”
Tournament News
Mitchell Fox Continues to Roll in 2024 Winning Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship
CALGARY—Calgary’s Mitchell Fox is having a summer to remember, rattling off his third victory of the PGA of Alberta’s 2024 tournament series on Wednesday at the Sirocco Golf Club.
The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course carved out rounds of 66-65—131 (-13) for a four-shot victory at the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship.
“It’s a huge relief for me. I’ve come close the last three or four years in a lot of events. I’ve been edged by one by Wes (Heffernan) last year in the Assistants, so it is nice to come out on top,” said Fox, who also won a Players Tour event and the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble. “Looking at the names on that (Assistants) trophy, it is nice to add my name to that group of guys.”
After throwing together a card of five birdies, an eagle and one bogey in his first 18-hole spin, Fox kept the pedal down in Wednesday’s final round.
“The match was tough. Any time you are going head-to-head with a guy like Wes, and having guys like Mike Belbin and Dillon Batsel hanging around you know it is going to be a tough day,” added Fox. “I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score no matter what with Wes chasing me down, so I think that helped me.”
Mission accomplished!
With Heffernan on his tail Fox carded seven birdies in a bogey-free round on the final day.
“I didn’t play as good yesterday as I did today. I made a ton of putts yesterday, got some breaks off the tee where I made some bad tee shots but today, I just played really well all day,” said the former Canadian Tour player. “I putted well, I hit it well. The key over the last two days was probably that it was my better putting over two days all year. I hit it really good.”
Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance) made a charge, opening his final round with 30 on the front side, but came up just shy in trying to successfully defend his title after stumbling down the finishing stretch with a bogey and double-bogey in his five holes coming home. Heffernan closed with rounds of 69-66—135 (-9) for second place. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) settled for third place at 138 (-6) in the field of 68 players.
