October 15, 2008
South Okanagan Events Centre
Each year the PGA of BC Golf Awards recognizes the leader's in British Columbia's golf industry. At the 14th annual Awards Dinner PGA Golf Professionals, industry sales representatives, corporate supporters of golf in BC and the Golf Facility of the Year were honoured.
American Express, Vincor International, Pacific Golf Magazine and Simmlands Insurance sponsored the gala evening and ensured another first-class event.
PGA of BC members nominated their fellow professionals and four regional committees then selected finalists for each award. A five-member Awards Selection Committee made up of past PGA of BC Golf Award winners then voted in each category to determine the overall victors.
HEAD PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR KEITH GIBSON, Long Beach Golf Course, Tofino/Ucluelet, BC Years in Current Position: Nine
Previous Positions:- Assistant Professional, Cowichan Golf & CC (3 years)- Swan-e-set Bay Resort & CC (1 year)- PGM Distance Education Instructor, Camosun College (2 years)
Since moving to Long Beach nine years ago, Keith Gibson has become an important contributor to the fabric of life in his community while improving the golf course and operation by leaps and bounds.
Donating the golf course and lesson time to a wide variety of charitable local causes, he works with local school programs to reward deserving students, and to introduce the less-fortunate to the game through free golf experiences.
Keith has served on the board of directors of the PGA of BC for the last six years and is currently Finance Chairman and Vice-President.
ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR presented by Cleveland Golf MARK STRONG, Richmond Country Club, Richmond, BC
Years in Current Position: Four
Previous Positions:- SFU Varsity Golf Coach (1 season)- Golf Centre Assistant, Richmond Country Club (2 years)- Golf Shop Assistant, Revelstoke Golf Club (4 years) - Back Shop Services, Revelstoke Golf Club (1 year)
As a top assistant at a busy high-profile golf club, Mark Strong's days are long. When you add on the additional responsibility this year of being the commissioner of the Srixon Lower Mainland Tour, take "long" and stretch it out to "longer".
Besides shop time, teaching and clubfitting at Richmond Country Club, Mark has worked closely with sponsors to ensure that the club's men's nights have a steady base of financial support.
And being responsible for an entire schedule of tournaments, with all the details involved, adds up to a monster workload. But Mark has been able to maintain strong play and has demonstrated himself to be a well-rounded professional.
FACILITY OF THE YEAR presented by Simmlands Insurance
MORGAN CREEK GOLF COURSE, Surrey, BC
Head Professional: Wayne Vollmer
Opening Year: 1995
Since opening in 1995 to rave reviews, Morgan Creek Golf Course has hosted a long list of PGA of BC tournaments as well as high-profile events including the Canadian Women's Open, Air Canada Championship qualifying, and many other events.
Under the direction of Head Professional Wayne Vollmer, Morgan Creek has achieved a top reputation for service quality and for the excellence of the golf experience. The pro shop is well stocked and managed, and the food and beverage experience is superior.
Two and a half million dollars' worth of improvements have been made in recent years in the form of drainage, a fully enclosed range and clubhouse enhancements. In giving back to the community, their Ladies Pro-Am has raised a quarter of a million dollars for the local hospital over the past 8 years.
GOLF SHOP OF THE YEAR
COWICHAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, Duncan, BC
Head Professional: Norm Jackson
Norm Jackson and his staff at Cowichan utilize a multi- faceted approach to build sales in the pro shop.
A big part of it is the personal knowledge and experience of the staff, who know their customers and have established relationships of trust and friendship with many.
As an award-winning clubfitting facility, Cowichan does an excellent business in selling sets of clubs based on the expertise of certified club-fitting specialists on the staff.
Norm Jackson is personally very well known in his community and does a lot to support worthwhile causes. That level of awareness pays off in sales in the shop over time.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ROB ANDERSON, Director of Instruction, Rob Anderson's Golf Academy @ The Harvest Golf Club, Kelowna, BC
Years in Current Position: One
Previous Positions:- Head Professional, The Harvest Golf Club (2003 - present)- The Harvest Golf Club (numerous roles 1994 - 2002) - Exempt Member of the Canadian Tour (1994 - 1997) - Gallagher's Canyon (1987 -1989) 2008 saw the creation of Rob Anderson's Golf Academy at
The Harvest Golf Club, offering a full suite of instructional programs for beginners and more accomplished golfers in Kelowna and surrounding area.
Rob has a strong history of working with high-calibre players and continued that this year in coaching a variety of top performers at various championships.
As a Level 2 NCCP Coach and selected as one of the National Post's top 50 instructors in Canada, Rob's credentials are growing steadily. Said one of his nominators: "Rob is gaining a great reputation as a teacher who can get long term improvement out of their students."
JUNIOR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR MUNCIE BOOTHDirector of Golf (Head Professional), Langara Golf Course & McCleery Golf Course, Vancouver, BC
Current Years in Position: Nine
Previous Positions:- Head Professional, Langara Golf Course (1992 - 1998)- Director of Golf, Chilliwack Golf & CC (1985 - 1992)- Head Professional, Mission Golf & CC (1978 - 1985)
An experienced head professional who has worked at Mission, Chilliwack, Langara and McCleery, Muncie Booth's biggest contribution to the promotion of junior golf takes the form of the Inner City Youth Golf Program. Started in 1999, the program offers a window on the golf world to disadvantaged children from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighborhoods.
Upwards of 100 children a year go through the program at McCleery Golf Course thanks to fund- raising efforts undertaken by Muncie and by the men's and women's clubs at McCleery along with corporate sponsors.
The goal is to provide disadvantaged children with the opportunity to learn to play this wonderful game of golf, and at the same time give them a chance to have a very positive life experience. The aim is to make a difference in a kid's life, even if it is for only one week each year.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
JOHN BEDDIS, Acushnet Canada, Inc (FootJoy)
Years in the Golf Industry: 15
John Beddis of Acushnet Canada has been nominated for Sales Representative of the Year no fewer than 10 times in the 17-year history of the category. He won the award in 2004 and in 2006.
John makes it his business to visit his accounts frequently to make sure product is adequately stocked in pro shops and to assist in restocking where needed.
Period promotions, loyalty programs, referral letters, these and other ideas generate business for the shop.
John's attitude is that he doesn't have 120 "accounts", he has 120 business partners. Helping maximize the sell-through of product is good for the partner and good for the sales rep. It seems simple, but there's no doubt it works given the many complimentary remarks John received from a large number of nominators.
PATRON OF THE YEARCALLAWAY GOLF CANADA
Each year, the PGA of BC Board of Directors designates a Patron of the Year to acknowledge the contributions of a company or person that has added real value to the activities of our association.
Callaway is the PGA of BC's largest single sponsor, and has supported the Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro- Junior Championship for as long as it has been held, which is more than 15 years. Three years ago, Callaway came to us and asked if there was more they could do with us. So we designed a new event - the Club Professional Championship - and Callaway became the title sponsor.
Now we're three years into this event and it has quickly become one of the most popular on our entire schedule. We held this year's event last week at Marine Drive Golf Club and had an excellent field, with some very good golf played.
Callaway Golf is obviously a very big player in the world of golf in Canada, in North America and around the world. Considering it is just over 25 years old, its growth has been remarkable, as has its sense of innovation and pushing the envelope in club design and performance.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BRYN PARRY, Apprentice Professional, Seymour Creek Golf Centre, North Vancouver, BC
Bryn has now won this award for a record fourth time, which is a real testament to his golfing prowess considering the very high calibre of playing talent that resides within our zone association here in B.C.
Bryn had another dominating season on the B.C. golf scene. He won the PGA of BC Championship at Quilchena in record fashion, putting together three consecutive rounds of five-under-par 67 to win by 12 strokes.
He won the PGA of BC Assistants Championship in the rain at Westwood Plateau, again virtually lapping the field by going seven under par over two days and winning by four.
He leads the Club Car PGA of BC Order of Merit by more than $5,000 over his nearest pursuer. He led the Vancouver Golf Tour money list and placed second on the Srixon Lower Mainland Tour's money list. He is a factor in every tournament he enters and his name is a seemingly constant presence on the leaderboard.
He is the first member of our association to be named Player of the Year four times, having achieved that honor previously in 2000, 2005 and 2006.
An accomplished teacher, and a devoted husband and father, Bryn has established a very strong record of excellence in golf in B.C., one that our aspiring young professionals can only try to emulate.
South Okanagan Events Centre
Each year the PGA of BC Golf Awards recognizes the leader's in British Columbia's golf industry. At the 14th annual Awards Dinner PGA Golf Professionals, industry sales representatives, corporate supporters of golf in BC and the Golf Facility of the Year were honoured.
American Express, Vincor International, Pacific Golf Magazine and Simmlands Insurance sponsored the gala evening and ensured another first-class event.
PGA of BC members nominated their fellow professionals and four regional committees then selected finalists for each award. A five-member Awards Selection Committee made up of past PGA of BC Golf Award winners then voted in each category to determine the overall victors.
HEAD PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR KEITH GIBSON, Long Beach Golf Course, Tofino/Ucluelet, BC Years in Current Position: Nine
Previous Positions:- Assistant Professional, Cowichan Golf & CC (3 years)- Swan-e-set Bay Resort & CC (1 year)- PGM Distance Education Instructor, Camosun College (2 years)
Since moving to Long Beach nine years ago, Keith Gibson has become an important contributor to the fabric of life in his community while improving the golf course and operation by leaps and bounds.
Donating the golf course and lesson time to a wide variety of charitable local causes, he works with local school programs to reward deserving students, and to introduce the less-fortunate to the game through free golf experiences.
Keith has served on the board of directors of the PGA of BC for the last six years and is currently Finance Chairman and Vice-President.
ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR presented by Cleveland Golf MARK STRONG, Richmond Country Club, Richmond, BC
Years in Current Position: Four
Previous Positions:- SFU Varsity Golf Coach (1 season)- Golf Centre Assistant, Richmond Country Club (2 years)- Golf Shop Assistant, Revelstoke Golf Club (4 years) - Back Shop Services, Revelstoke Golf Club (1 year)
As a top assistant at a busy high-profile golf club, Mark Strong's days are long. When you add on the additional responsibility this year of being the commissioner of the Srixon Lower Mainland Tour, take "long" and stretch it out to "longer".
Besides shop time, teaching and clubfitting at Richmond Country Club, Mark has worked closely with sponsors to ensure that the club's men's nights have a steady base of financial support.
And being responsible for an entire schedule of tournaments, with all the details involved, adds up to a monster workload. But Mark has been able to maintain strong play and has demonstrated himself to be a well-rounded professional.
FACILITY OF THE YEAR presented by Simmlands Insurance
MORGAN CREEK GOLF COURSE, Surrey, BC
Head Professional: Wayne Vollmer
Opening Year: 1995
Since opening in 1995 to rave reviews, Morgan Creek Golf Course has hosted a long list of PGA of BC tournaments as well as high-profile events including the Canadian Women's Open, Air Canada Championship qualifying, and many other events.
Under the direction of Head Professional Wayne Vollmer, Morgan Creek has achieved a top reputation for service quality and for the excellence of the golf experience. The pro shop is well stocked and managed, and the food and beverage experience is superior.
Two and a half million dollars' worth of improvements have been made in recent years in the form of drainage, a fully enclosed range and clubhouse enhancements. In giving back to the community, their Ladies Pro-Am has raised a quarter of a million dollars for the local hospital over the past 8 years.
GOLF SHOP OF THE YEAR
COWICHAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, Duncan, BC
Head Professional: Norm Jackson
Norm Jackson and his staff at Cowichan utilize a multi- faceted approach to build sales in the pro shop.
A big part of it is the personal knowledge and experience of the staff, who know their customers and have established relationships of trust and friendship with many.
As an award-winning clubfitting facility, Cowichan does an excellent business in selling sets of clubs based on the expertise of certified club-fitting specialists on the staff.
Norm Jackson is personally very well known in his community and does a lot to support worthwhile causes. That level of awareness pays off in sales in the shop over time.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ROB ANDERSON, Director of Instruction, Rob Anderson's Golf Academy @ The Harvest Golf Club, Kelowna, BC
Years in Current Position: One
Previous Positions:- Head Professional, The Harvest Golf Club (2003 - present)- The Harvest Golf Club (numerous roles 1994 - 2002) - Exempt Member of the Canadian Tour (1994 - 1997) - Gallagher's Canyon (1987 -1989) 2008 saw the creation of Rob Anderson's Golf Academy at
The Harvest Golf Club, offering a full suite of instructional programs for beginners and more accomplished golfers in Kelowna and surrounding area.
Rob has a strong history of working with high-calibre players and continued that this year in coaching a variety of top performers at various championships.
As a Level 2 NCCP Coach and selected as one of the National Post's top 50 instructors in Canada, Rob's credentials are growing steadily. Said one of his nominators: "Rob is gaining a great reputation as a teacher who can get long term improvement out of their students."
JUNIOR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR MUNCIE BOOTHDirector of Golf (Head Professional), Langara Golf Course & McCleery Golf Course, Vancouver, BC
Current Years in Position: Nine
Previous Positions:- Head Professional, Langara Golf Course (1992 - 1998)- Director of Golf, Chilliwack Golf & CC (1985 - 1992)- Head Professional, Mission Golf & CC (1978 - 1985)
An experienced head professional who has worked at Mission, Chilliwack, Langara and McCleery, Muncie Booth's biggest contribution to the promotion of junior golf takes the form of the Inner City Youth Golf Program. Started in 1999, the program offers a window on the golf world to disadvantaged children from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighborhoods.
Upwards of 100 children a year go through the program at McCleery Golf Course thanks to fund- raising efforts undertaken by Muncie and by the men's and women's clubs at McCleery along with corporate sponsors.
The goal is to provide disadvantaged children with the opportunity to learn to play this wonderful game of golf, and at the same time give them a chance to have a very positive life experience. The aim is to make a difference in a kid's life, even if it is for only one week each year.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
JOHN BEDDIS, Acushnet Canada, Inc (FootJoy)
Years in the Golf Industry: 15
John Beddis of Acushnet Canada has been nominated for Sales Representative of the Year no fewer than 10 times in the 17-year history of the category. He won the award in 2004 and in 2006.
John makes it his business to visit his accounts frequently to make sure product is adequately stocked in pro shops and to assist in restocking where needed.
Period promotions, loyalty programs, referral letters, these and other ideas generate business for the shop.
John's attitude is that he doesn't have 120 "accounts", he has 120 business partners. Helping maximize the sell-through of product is good for the partner and good for the sales rep. It seems simple, but there's no doubt it works given the many complimentary remarks John received from a large number of nominators.
PATRON OF THE YEARCALLAWAY GOLF CANADA
Each year, the PGA of BC Board of Directors designates a Patron of the Year to acknowledge the contributions of a company or person that has added real value to the activities of our association.
Callaway is the PGA of BC's largest single sponsor, and has supported the Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro- Junior Championship for as long as it has been held, which is more than 15 years. Three years ago, Callaway came to us and asked if there was more they could do with us. So we designed a new event - the Club Professional Championship - and Callaway became the title sponsor.
Now we're three years into this event and it has quickly become one of the most popular on our entire schedule. We held this year's event last week at Marine Drive Golf Club and had an excellent field, with some very good golf played.
Callaway Golf is obviously a very big player in the world of golf in Canada, in North America and around the world. Considering it is just over 25 years old, its growth has been remarkable, as has its sense of innovation and pushing the envelope in club design and performance.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BRYN PARRY, Apprentice Professional, Seymour Creek Golf Centre, North Vancouver, BC
Bryn has now won this award for a record fourth time, which is a real testament to his golfing prowess considering the very high calibre of playing talent that resides within our zone association here in B.C.
Bryn had another dominating season on the B.C. golf scene. He won the PGA of BC Championship at Quilchena in record fashion, putting together three consecutive rounds of five-under-par 67 to win by 12 strokes.
He won the PGA of BC Assistants Championship in the rain at Westwood Plateau, again virtually lapping the field by going seven under par over two days and winning by four.
He leads the Club Car PGA of BC Order of Merit by more than $5,000 over his nearest pursuer. He led the Vancouver Golf Tour money list and placed second on the Srixon Lower Mainland Tour's money list. He is a factor in every tournament he enters and his name is a seemingly constant presence on the leaderboard.
He is the first member of our association to be named Player of the Year four times, having achieved that honor previously in 2000, 2005 and 2006.
An accomplished teacher, and a devoted husband and father, Bryn has established a very strong record of excellence in golf in B.C., one that our aspiring young professionals can only try to emulate.
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