Showing posts with label Golf Vancouver Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golf Vancouver Island. Show all posts
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Vancouver Sun/Province Golf Guide
In case you missed it this week the Vancouver Sun & Province released their annual golf guide. Click below to view the guide!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Bear Mountain Place Under Creditor Protection
VICTORIA — The Bear Mountain Master Partnership has opted for creditor protection as the ownership group behind Bear Mountain Resort and the residential development on Skirt Mountain tries to work out a deal with one of its lenders.
Click here to view the full story!
Click here to view the full story!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Canada’s Golf Team Announced for 2010 Copa de las Americas
Hill, Taylor, Kirby and Sherlock to represent Team Canada in Argentina January 6-9, 2010
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Team Canada members Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. have been selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Copa de las Americas being held January 6-9, 2010 at Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Copa de las Americas is a biennial amateur team competition for countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. There are three 72-hole competitions – men’s, women’s and overall – with 18 holes played on each of the four days.
Canada has enjoyed tremendous success at the Copa de las Americas since the event’s inception in 2003. Canada won the overall team championship in 2003 and 2005, the men’s team titles in 2003 and 2005 as well as the women’s title in 2003.
Canada also played host to the 2007 Copa de las Americas at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., where the team of Keven Fortin-Simard of Roberval, Que., Graham Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Laura Matthews of Essex, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock finished third overall. The men’s team finished fourth while the women’s squad finished second.
Accompanying the four-member team to Argentina as Team Canada’s Co-Captains are men’s head coach, Henry Brunton, and women’s head coach, Derek Ingram.
The venues for the 2010 Copa de las Americas – Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club – are the same two golf courses that will be used during the 2010 World Amateur Team Championships, scheduled to be played in October.
Originally scheduled to be contested in 2009, the Copa de las Americas were rescheduled to 2010 due to the troubled world economy.
Matt Hill, 21, captured eight individual NCAA wins, including six in-a-row as a member of the North Carolina State Wolfpack golf team. He won his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer. Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).
Nick Taylor, 21, finished first at the 2009 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA and went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tie for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.
The University of Washington Husky also tallied three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. He also was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur season and following the European and U.S. Amateur Championships.
Jennifer Kirby, 18, claimed a slew of titles across Canada in 2009 including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joined the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.
Stephanie Sherlock, 22, finished third at this year’s Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.
Other players who have represented Canada at the Copa de las Americas include:
2007: Beacon Hall Golf Club, Aurora, Ont., Canada, June 18-24, 2007
3rd overall, 4th men’s team, 2nd women’s team
Keven Fortin-Simard, Roberval, Que.
Graham Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.
2005: El Tigre Golf Club, Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, June 22-25, 2005
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 3rd women’s team
Richard Scott, Kingsville, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lindsay Knowlton, Toronto, Ont.
2003: Rio Mar Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, June 25-28, 2003
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 1st women’s team
Peter Laws, Mississauga, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lisa Meldrum, Montreal, Que.
ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.
For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Team Canada members Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. have been selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Copa de las Americas being held January 6-9, 2010 at Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Copa de las Americas is a biennial amateur team competition for countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. There are three 72-hole competitions – men’s, women’s and overall – with 18 holes played on each of the four days.
Canada has enjoyed tremendous success at the Copa de las Americas since the event’s inception in 2003. Canada won the overall team championship in 2003 and 2005, the men’s team titles in 2003 and 2005 as well as the women’s title in 2003.
Canada also played host to the 2007 Copa de las Americas at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., where the team of Keven Fortin-Simard of Roberval, Que., Graham Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Laura Matthews of Essex, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock finished third overall. The men’s team finished fourth while the women’s squad finished second.
Accompanying the four-member team to Argentina as Team Canada’s Co-Captains are men’s head coach, Henry Brunton, and women’s head coach, Derek Ingram.
The venues for the 2010 Copa de las Americas – Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club – are the same two golf courses that will be used during the 2010 World Amateur Team Championships, scheduled to be played in October.
Originally scheduled to be contested in 2009, the Copa de las Americas were rescheduled to 2010 due to the troubled world economy.
Matt Hill, 21, captured eight individual NCAA wins, including six in-a-row as a member of the North Carolina State Wolfpack golf team. He won his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer. Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).
Nick Taylor, 21, finished first at the 2009 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA and went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tie for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.
The University of Washington Husky also tallied three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. He also was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur season and following the European and U.S. Amateur Championships.
Jennifer Kirby, 18, claimed a slew of titles across Canada in 2009 including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joined the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.
Stephanie Sherlock, 22, finished third at this year’s Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.
Other players who have represented Canada at the Copa de las Americas include:
2007: Beacon Hall Golf Club, Aurora, Ont., Canada, June 18-24, 2007
3rd overall, 4th men’s team, 2nd women’s team
Keven Fortin-Simard, Roberval, Que.
Graham Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.
2005: El Tigre Golf Club, Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, June 22-25, 2005
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 3rd women’s team
Richard Scott, Kingsville, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lindsay Knowlton, Toronto, Ont.
2003: Rio Mar Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, June 25-28, 2003
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 1st women’s team
Peter Laws, Mississauga, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lisa Meldrum, Montreal, Que.
ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.
For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Golf in British Columbia
Why you should golf in British Columbia! View the Blog with You Tube video by Tourism British Columbia.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Lindbjerg repeats at 2009 BC Senior Men’s Championship
Bill Wilms repeats in Super Senior division
TERRACE, B.C. – Gudmund Lindbjerg of Port Moody, B.C. locked up his second provincial victory at the 2009 B.C. Senior Men’s Championship today at Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club in Terrace, B.C.
Lindbjerg shot an impressive 1-under par 71, finishing with a three day total score of 72-73-71=216 to defeat runner-up Bill Wilms of Delta, B.C. by 5 strokes. Wilms claimed second place at 5-over par 221 followed by Steve Berry of Sooke, B.C. in third at 6-over par 222 and John Gallacher of Burnaby, B.C. at 8-over par 224 for fourth.
Click here for the final round results
“This win feels really good,” says Lindbjerg. “It’s very tough to defend and this course was a real challenge. You really have to manage this course - you don’t just bang the driver every hole. I stayed calm and played well with the help of a great caddie.”
With his win today, Lindbjerg will captain the B.C. team to the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship at Gorge Vale Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. The team representing B.C. for the inter-provincial championship will be Lindbjerg, Wilms, Berry and Gallacher.
In the Super Senior division, Bill Wilms of Delta, B.C. repeated for the title at 5-over par 221. Ron Petersen of Coquitlam, B.C. finished in second at 14-over par 230 followed by local favourite, John Yasinchuk of Terrace, B.C. at 22-over par 238.
The play of the day went to Patrick Kelly of Vancouver, B.C. who carded an albatross on the par 5 hole #6.
TERRACE, B.C. – Gudmund Lindbjerg of Port Moody, B.C. locked up his second provincial victory at the 2009 B.C. Senior Men’s Championship today at Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club in Terrace, B.C.
Lindbjerg shot an impressive 1-under par 71, finishing with a three day total score of 72-73-71=216 to defeat runner-up Bill Wilms of Delta, B.C. by 5 strokes. Wilms claimed second place at 5-over par 221 followed by Steve Berry of Sooke, B.C. in third at 6-over par 222 and John Gallacher of Burnaby, B.C. at 8-over par 224 for fourth.
Click here for the final round results
“This win feels really good,” says Lindbjerg. “It’s very tough to defend and this course was a real challenge. You really have to manage this course - you don’t just bang the driver every hole. I stayed calm and played well with the help of a great caddie.”
With his win today, Lindbjerg will captain the B.C. team to the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship at Gorge Vale Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. The team representing B.C. for the inter-provincial championship will be Lindbjerg, Wilms, Berry and Gallacher.
In the Super Senior division, Bill Wilms of Delta, B.C. repeated for the title at 5-over par 221. Ron Petersen of Coquitlam, B.C. finished in second at 14-over par 230 followed by local favourite, John Yasinchuk of Terrace, B.C. at 22-over par 238.
The play of the day went to Patrick Kelly of Vancouver, B.C. who carded an albatross on the par 5 hole #6.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
TELUS World Skins Game Coming to Victoria, B.C.
Bear Mountain Resort to play host to 2010 TELUS World Skins Game with funds being raised for The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place
Victoria, BC - Victoria will welcome golfers and visitors from around the globe when it hosts the TELUS World Skins Game at Bear Mountain Resort in June, 2010.
As part of TELUS' ongoing commitment to 'give where we live' and the event's long-standing tradition of benefiting local charities, TELUS and organizers have selected The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place as the benefiting charity for the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game. "The 2010 TELUS World Skins will undoubtedly be an enormous success for participants and spectators in Victoria. Just as importantly, this announcement will initiate our funding drive for Jeneece Place in partnership with the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children," said Darren Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO. "Jeneece Edroff is a very special young woman and TELUS is thrilled to help her realize her dream to establish a home away from home for children and their families who have to travel for care at Victoria General Hospital, the Queen Alexandra Centre or for specialist appointments and lab tests in Victoria."
The two-day event will be held on June 21 and 22, 2010 and will feature the top names in international golf each representing a different country. The intimate, relaxed setting of the Skins Game format allows players to engage with the cameras and the crowds as they compete against each other for pride, prize money and the event's designated charity.
"From the outset, my vision for Bear Mountain Resort centred around offering a world-class golf experience with the most notable designers behind it," said Len Barrie, President and CEO of Bear Mountain Resort. "Securing the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game and working with TELUS and IMG to welcome some of the best players in the world will make that vision a reality."
Bear Mountain Resort was first introduced in 2003 with the Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed Mountain Course. In June of this year the new Nicklaus Design Valley Course opened giving Bear Mountain the distinction as the only resort in Canada with 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. The Mountain Course is a masterpiece, offering challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty. A par 72 playing at 7,212 yards, the course takes full advantage of its setting atop a 1,100-foot mountain, exhibiting dramatic elevation changes and awe-inspiring views.
The par 71, 6,807 yard Valley Course is more forgiving and plays at a lower elevation than the Mountain Course. It alternates between 300 and 400 feet above sea level with different vistas and scenery, but equally spectacular. Bear Mountain also features a Westin Hotel, Spa, Athletic Club, a variety of restaurants and a Village to round out the complete resort experience.
"After a hugely successful event this summer, we look forward to returning to Western Canada next June, and especially to visiting Victoria for the first time," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Canada. "A big part of the TELUS Skins Game's popularity is that it visits many of Canada's most spectacular destinations, and Victoria and Bear Mountain Resort will certainly add to that tradition. The fans in British Columbia have always been great supporters of the event when it has visited in the past, so we look forward to another tremendous event next June."
The 2010 edition of the TELUS World Skins Game will be the fifth time that it has been played in the province of British Columbia. Both Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler (1997, 2005) and Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon (2000, 2008) have earned the distinction of being the only two courses in Canada to host the event on more than one occasion.
The TELUS World Skins Game is always a highlight of the Canadian summer sporting schedule for the country's most passionate golf fans, as well as the community that hosts it. Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partners with local charitable organizations to make a difference as the event travels from coast-to-coast. Funds are generated through the 'Charity on the Course' program which includes donations made for every birdie and eagle played by the professional golfers during the two days of competition, as well as an online charity auction through eBay.
Next year's game will improve the quality of life for Vancouver Island's sick kids and their families for years to come as the money raised during the event will benefit the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place, a home away from home to be located near the Victoria General Hospital.
"I am so grateful that the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children has been accepted as the charity partner for the TELUS World Skins game, and that Jeneece Place is the designated project for donations," said Jeneece Edroff, the remarkable 15 year old who has raised more than $1.5 million for Variety the Children's Charity and whose vision will make Jeneece Place a reality. "It's exciting to think we're that much closer to making my dream of Jeneece Place a reality!"
The TELUS World Skins Game, an event owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 18 years, has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. The line-up of players, as well as event ticket information, will be announced and posted on www.telusskins.com in 2010.
For more information about Jeneece Place please visit www.jeneeceplace.org.
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines, and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
Victoria, BC - Victoria will welcome golfers and visitors from around the globe when it hosts the TELUS World Skins Game at Bear Mountain Resort in June, 2010.
As part of TELUS' ongoing commitment to 'give where we live' and the event's long-standing tradition of benefiting local charities, TELUS and organizers have selected The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place as the benefiting charity for the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game. "The 2010 TELUS World Skins will undoubtedly be an enormous success for participants and spectators in Victoria. Just as importantly, this announcement will initiate our funding drive for Jeneece Place in partnership with the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children," said Darren Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO. "Jeneece Edroff is a very special young woman and TELUS is thrilled to help her realize her dream to establish a home away from home for children and their families who have to travel for care at Victoria General Hospital, the Queen Alexandra Centre or for specialist appointments and lab tests in Victoria."
The two-day event will be held on June 21 and 22, 2010 and will feature the top names in international golf each representing a different country. The intimate, relaxed setting of the Skins Game format allows players to engage with the cameras and the crowds as they compete against each other for pride, prize money and the event's designated charity.
"From the outset, my vision for Bear Mountain Resort centred around offering a world-class golf experience with the most notable designers behind it," said Len Barrie, President and CEO of Bear Mountain Resort. "Securing the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game and working with TELUS and IMG to welcome some of the best players in the world will make that vision a reality."
Bear Mountain Resort was first introduced in 2003 with the Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed Mountain Course. In June of this year the new Nicklaus Design Valley Course opened giving Bear Mountain the distinction as the only resort in Canada with 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. The Mountain Course is a masterpiece, offering challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty. A par 72 playing at 7,212 yards, the course takes full advantage of its setting atop a 1,100-foot mountain, exhibiting dramatic elevation changes and awe-inspiring views.
The par 71, 6,807 yard Valley Course is more forgiving and plays at a lower elevation than the Mountain Course. It alternates between 300 and 400 feet above sea level with different vistas and scenery, but equally spectacular. Bear Mountain also features a Westin Hotel, Spa, Athletic Club, a variety of restaurants and a Village to round out the complete resort experience.
"After a hugely successful event this summer, we look forward to returning to Western Canada next June, and especially to visiting Victoria for the first time," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Canada. "A big part of the TELUS Skins Game's popularity is that it visits many of Canada's most spectacular destinations, and Victoria and Bear Mountain Resort will certainly add to that tradition. The fans in British Columbia have always been great supporters of the event when it has visited in the past, so we look forward to another tremendous event next June."
The 2010 edition of the TELUS World Skins Game will be the fifth time that it has been played in the province of British Columbia. Both Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler (1997, 2005) and Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon (2000, 2008) have earned the distinction of being the only two courses in Canada to host the event on more than one occasion.
The TELUS World Skins Game is always a highlight of the Canadian summer sporting schedule for the country's most passionate golf fans, as well as the community that hosts it. Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partners with local charitable organizations to make a difference as the event travels from coast-to-coast. Funds are generated through the 'Charity on the Course' program which includes donations made for every birdie and eagle played by the professional golfers during the two days of competition, as well as an online charity auction through eBay.
Next year's game will improve the quality of life for Vancouver Island's sick kids and their families for years to come as the money raised during the event will benefit the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place, a home away from home to be located near the Victoria General Hospital.
"I am so grateful that the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children has been accepted as the charity partner for the TELUS World Skins game, and that Jeneece Place is the designated project for donations," said Jeneece Edroff, the remarkable 15 year old who has raised more than $1.5 million for Variety the Children's Charity and whose vision will make Jeneece Place a reality. "It's exciting to think we're that much closer to making my dream of Jeneece Place a reality!"
The TELUS World Skins Game, an event owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 18 years, has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. The line-up of players, as well as event ticket information, will be announced and posted on www.telusskins.com in 2010.
For more information about Jeneece Place please visit www.jeneeceplace.org.
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines, and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club prepares to host 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship
Eugene Wong looks to defend
DUNCAN, B.C. – Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club in Duncan, B.C. is set to host the 108 th playing of the British Columbia Amateur, conducted by the British Columbia (BCGA).
One of Canada’s oldest golf championships, the BC Amateur runs July 14-17 and will crown the province’s top amateur golfer.
North Vancouver’s Eugene Wong will be back to defend his title, fresh-off his stellar play at the 2009 B.C. Junior Boys’ Championship where he finished runner-up to Riley Wheeldon of Comox, B.C. Wheeldon’s final round 8-under 64 earned him the junior title with a record-tying 270.
Also among those in the 156 player field eager to have their name on the Bostock Cup are last year’s runner-up, Parker Lilly of Victoria, B.C., 2009 B.C. Mid-Amateur champion, Ben Griffin of Victoria, B.C. and national amateur team member, Lindsay Renolds of Cristina Lake, B.C.
Other top contenders include past Canadian amateur champion, Darren Wallace of Langley, B.C., 2009 Times Colonist Open runner-up, Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, B.C. and past B.C. amateur champions, Bryan Toth of Victoria, B.C. and Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver, B.C.
Selection of the Willingdon Cup team representing B.C. at the Canadian Men’s Amateur this year will be based on the low 3 finishers in the tournament. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was named to the four-man Willingdon Cup team last week even though he won't be competing in the B.C. Amateur Championship – he accepted an exemption into the U.S. Public Links running the same week.
Competition will be 72 holes of stroke-play. There is a cut to the low 70 and ties after the second round.
In the event of a tie for the championship or positions on the Willingdon Cup Team there will be a sudden victory play-off immediately after completion of the final round.
Competition for the zone team championship and club team championship is on day one and two of the Championship only. Four person zone teams are named by each zone prior to the start of the tournament. The zone team competition uses the low 3 of 4 scores each day. Two-person club teams are selected after the first round by taking the two players with the lowest score from each club with two or more competitors.
The B.C. Amateur Championship is one of 13 provincial championships conducted annually by the BCGA.
A complete list of players, starting times and post-round results for the 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship can be found at www.bcga.org.
DUNCAN, B.C. – Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club in Duncan, B.C. is set to host the 108 th playing of the British Columbia Amateur, conducted by the British Columbia (BCGA).
One of Canada’s oldest golf championships, the BC Amateur runs July 14-17 and will crown the province’s top amateur golfer.
North Vancouver’s Eugene Wong will be back to defend his title, fresh-off his stellar play at the 2009 B.C. Junior Boys’ Championship where he finished runner-up to Riley Wheeldon of Comox, B.C. Wheeldon’s final round 8-under 64 earned him the junior title with a record-tying 270.
Also among those in the 156 player field eager to have their name on the Bostock Cup are last year’s runner-up, Parker Lilly of Victoria, B.C., 2009 B.C. Mid-Amateur champion, Ben Griffin of Victoria, B.C. and national amateur team member, Lindsay Renolds of Cristina Lake, B.C.
Other top contenders include past Canadian amateur champion, Darren Wallace of Langley, B.C., 2009 Times Colonist Open runner-up, Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, B.C. and past B.C. amateur champions, Bryan Toth of Victoria, B.C. and Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver, B.C.
Selection of the Willingdon Cup team representing B.C. at the Canadian Men’s Amateur this year will be based on the low 3 finishers in the tournament. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was named to the four-man Willingdon Cup team last week even though he won't be competing in the B.C. Amateur Championship – he accepted an exemption into the U.S. Public Links running the same week.
Competition will be 72 holes of stroke-play. There is a cut to the low 70 and ties after the second round.
In the event of a tie for the championship or positions on the Willingdon Cup Team there will be a sudden victory play-off immediately after completion of the final round.
Competition for the zone team championship and club team championship is on day one and two of the Championship only. Four person zone teams are named by each zone prior to the start of the tournament. The zone team competition uses the low 3 of 4 scores each day. Two-person club teams are selected after the first round by taking the two players with the lowest score from each club with two or more competitors.
The B.C. Amateur Championship is one of 13 provincial championships conducted annually by the BCGA.
A complete list of players, starting times and post-round results for the 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship can be found at www.bcga.org.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Third Canadian Tour Title For Byron Smith
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
VICTORIA, B.C., - Byron Smith fired a final round 64 to come from three strokes behind to win the Times Colonist Open by three shots over Jim Rutledge and amateur Brady Johnson.
Smith finished the tournament at 13 under par 267.
Click here to view the full field final round results.
In fourth spot at eight under 272 are Brock Mackenzie who shot 65, Ryan Yip (68), John Ellis (70), Ryan Carter (69) and third round leader Richard Scott with a 71.
Robert Gates finished solo ninth at 272 after a 70 while Chris Wall (67), Mike Grob (68), Richard Gilkey (69), Andy Matthews (69) and Wes Heffernan (70) finished tenth at 273.
Smith began his day by bogeying the first but bounced back with birdies at two and four before giving one back at seven.
A birdie at nine had him at one under on the day but then he showed why he won 2007 ROLEX Player of the Year honors.
He eagled 12 and came right back with birdies at three of his next four holes to pull away from the field.
“I was standing on the twelfth tee and told the spectators that were following us that this was where it starts,” said Smith, who takes home $32,000 for the victory, his third on the Canadian Tour.
“Luckily enough, I hit a great seven-iron there and made the putt for eagle.
“I got a little gift from the gods on 13 when I pulled my drive dead left, hit a tree and watched it ricochet back in the fairway.
“If it didn’t hit that tree, I was dead. That was the good break I needed to win the golf tournament.”
Smith continued his run with birdies at fourteen and sixteen to leave the field in his wake.
“Winning is a beautiful thing,” continued Smith. “I’m ecstatic.
“I did an interview yesterday saying it was good to be back but I really haven’t been away. I didn’t have a great year last year but I contended a few times.
“Winning never gets easier but there is no question you feel more comfortable and confident being in that situation if you have been there before. I’ll tell you, it’s nice to be back in the circle.”
Heading to the golf course this morning, Smith had one number in mind.
“I figured if I got to 12 under it would get the job done. If I got there that I would have to make somebody else beat me; I luckily got one more than that.
“That was a good little run I had going on the back side and I just missed that ten-footer at 15 that would have given me a nice cushion. I wanted that one very badly.
“The putter was ice cold until today when I awoke him out of his slumber.
“I kept myself in the tournament all week with my ballstriking and managed to make enough five and six-footers for par to keep my earlier rounds going.”
Brock Mackenzie grabbed a share of the lead earlier in the day with four birdies on his first seven holes followed by three more at eleven, thirteen and fifteen. A bogey at seventeen from the fringe followed by a three-putt at 18 ended his chances.
Third last year, Jim Rutledge moved up to a tie for second this time.
Birdies at six, seven and eight moved him into a share of the lead and had the galleries buzzing but with Smith’s game on fire and just one birdie the rest of the way, the local favorite fell short.
“I let a couple of chances get away from me on 12 and 13. I was on the right edge of the green at 12 and had a real sticky lie,” said Rutledge.
“I was more concerned with rolling the ball by the hole and off the green. I tried to get aggressive but I just didn’t do it.”
“I had another good chance on the next hole from the middle of the fairway but my approach checked up just short of where I wanted to hit it."
“Overall, I’m more proud of myself this year compared to last year. I had the tournament last year and I her get away. This time I played well right until the end."
Taking the lead at No. 9 after a tap-in for birdie, John Ellis appeared to be the man to beat. However, a bogey at 11 seemed to take some wind out of his sails and he parred his way in until a bogey at the final hole.
VICTORIA, B.C., - Byron Smith fired a final round 64 to come from three strokes behind to win the Times Colonist Open by three shots over Jim Rutledge and amateur Brady Johnson.
Smith finished the tournament at 13 under par 267.
Click here to view the full field final round results.
In fourth spot at eight under 272 are Brock Mackenzie who shot 65, Ryan Yip (68), John Ellis (70), Ryan Carter (69) and third round leader Richard Scott with a 71.
Robert Gates finished solo ninth at 272 after a 70 while Chris Wall (67), Mike Grob (68), Richard Gilkey (69), Andy Matthews (69) and Wes Heffernan (70) finished tenth at 273.
Smith began his day by bogeying the first but bounced back with birdies at two and four before giving one back at seven.
A birdie at nine had him at one under on the day but then he showed why he won 2007 ROLEX Player of the Year honors.
He eagled 12 and came right back with birdies at three of his next four holes to pull away from the field.
“I was standing on the twelfth tee and told the spectators that were following us that this was where it starts,” said Smith, who takes home $32,000 for the victory, his third on the Canadian Tour.
“Luckily enough, I hit a great seven-iron there and made the putt for eagle.
“I got a little gift from the gods on 13 when I pulled my drive dead left, hit a tree and watched it ricochet back in the fairway.
“If it didn’t hit that tree, I was dead. That was the good break I needed to win the golf tournament.”
Smith continued his run with birdies at fourteen and sixteen to leave the field in his wake.
“Winning is a beautiful thing,” continued Smith. “I’m ecstatic.
“I did an interview yesterday saying it was good to be back but I really haven’t been away. I didn’t have a great year last year but I contended a few times.
“Winning never gets easier but there is no question you feel more comfortable and confident being in that situation if you have been there before. I’ll tell you, it’s nice to be back in the circle.”
Heading to the golf course this morning, Smith had one number in mind.
“I figured if I got to 12 under it would get the job done. If I got there that I would have to make somebody else beat me; I luckily got one more than that.
“That was a good little run I had going on the back side and I just missed that ten-footer at 15 that would have given me a nice cushion. I wanted that one very badly.
“The putter was ice cold until today when I awoke him out of his slumber.
“I kept myself in the tournament all week with my ballstriking and managed to make enough five and six-footers for par to keep my earlier rounds going.”
Brock Mackenzie grabbed a share of the lead earlier in the day with four birdies on his first seven holes followed by three more at eleven, thirteen and fifteen. A bogey at seventeen from the fringe followed by a three-putt at 18 ended his chances.
Third last year, Jim Rutledge moved up to a tie for second this time.
Birdies at six, seven and eight moved him into a share of the lead and had the galleries buzzing but with Smith’s game on fire and just one birdie the rest of the way, the local favorite fell short.
“I let a couple of chances get away from me on 12 and 13. I was on the right edge of the green at 12 and had a real sticky lie,” said Rutledge.
“I was more concerned with rolling the ball by the hole and off the green. I tried to get aggressive but I just didn’t do it.”
“I had another good chance on the next hole from the middle of the fairway but my approach checked up just short of where I wanted to hit it."
“Overall, I’m more proud of myself this year compared to last year. I had the tournament last year and I her get away. This time I played well right until the end."
Taking the lead at No. 9 after a tap-in for birdie, John Ellis appeared to be the man to beat. However, a bogey at 11 seemed to take some wind out of his sails and he parred his way in until a bogey at the final hole.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Canadian Tour's Times Colonist Open Starts Thursday
The Canadian Tour's Canadian Swing begins Thursday at Uplands Golf Course on Vancouver Island. The Times Colonist Open is the oldest event on the Canadian Tour having started in 1981 and being played every year since 1984.
The starting field of 157 competitors will be competing for a share of the $200,000 purse.
Players in the field to watch include defending champion Daniel Im, 2008 Rolex Player of Year John Ellis, Big Break contestant Derek Gillespie and Nationwide Tour player and local favourite Jim Rutledge.
Im defeated James Lepp, a Vancouver resident, in a playoff to capture his second win of the season at last years event. The victory spring boarded Im to the International Rookie of the Year for 2008 on the Canadian circuit.
You can follow the event on the Canadian Tour's website at cantour.com.
The starting field of 157 competitors will be competing for a share of the $200,000 purse.
Players in the field to watch include defending champion Daniel Im, 2008 Rolex Player of Year John Ellis, Big Break contestant Derek Gillespie and Nationwide Tour player and local favourite Jim Rutledge.
Im defeated James Lepp, a Vancouver resident, in a playoff to capture his second win of the season at last years event. The victory spring boarded Im to the International Rookie of the Year for 2008 on the Canadian circuit.
You can follow the event on the Canadian Tour's website at cantour.com.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Canadian Tour’s qualifying school returns to Vancouver Island
Canwest News Service
VICTORIA — Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville, B.C., is getting back on the Canadian Tour’s map.
From May 26 to 29, Morningstar will again be the site of the tour’s spring qualifying school.
For five years — from 1993 to 1997 — Morningstar was home for spring qualifying. The likes of former Masters winner Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., and American Notah Begay both earned their Canadian Tour cards at Morningstar.
“We knew that if we got this (Q-school), it would put pressure on us to be a better course,” said Mike Loftus, the general manager at Morningstar. “The logistics worked out for us and the Canadian Tour and we are excited to have it back.”
Since April of last year, Morningstar has new ownership with the Golden West Golf Group taking over, headed by Paul and Shane McCracken from Edmonton.
“An event like this will help market our place,” said Loftus. “Down the road, we are going to look at trying to add another Canadian Tour event on the Island at Morningstar. We feel that the Island is big enough to have two events.”
The current stop on the Canadian Tour is the $200,000 Times Colonist Open, which runs from June 4-7 at Victoria’s Uplands Golf Club, right after the Q-school.
Graduating college players from the United States as well as Australians and Canadians are expected to make up the majority of the 65- to 70-player field at Morningstar, which is a 7,018-yard, par-72 course. From that group, 12 per cent will receive Canadian Tour cards and about the same number will get conditional cards. To try for the Canadian Tour card, a player must have a two handicap or less.
VICTORIA — Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville, B.C., is getting back on the Canadian Tour’s map.
From May 26 to 29, Morningstar will again be the site of the tour’s spring qualifying school.
For five years — from 1993 to 1997 — Morningstar was home for spring qualifying. The likes of former Masters winner Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., and American Notah Begay both earned their Canadian Tour cards at Morningstar.
“We knew that if we got this (Q-school), it would put pressure on us to be a better course,” said Mike Loftus, the general manager at Morningstar. “The logistics worked out for us and the Canadian Tour and we are excited to have it back.”
Since April of last year, Morningstar has new ownership with the Golden West Golf Group taking over, headed by Paul and Shane McCracken from Edmonton.
“An event like this will help market our place,” said Loftus. “Down the road, we are going to look at trying to add another Canadian Tour event on the Island at Morningstar. We feel that the Island is big enough to have two events.”
The current stop on the Canadian Tour is the $200,000 Times Colonist Open, which runs from June 4-7 at Victoria’s Uplands Golf Club, right after the Q-school.
Graduating college players from the United States as well as Australians and Canadians are expected to make up the majority of the 65- to 70-player field at Morningstar, which is a 7,018-yard, par-72 course. From that group, 12 per cent will receive Canadian Tour cards and about the same number will get conditional cards. To try for the Canadian Tour card, a player must have a two handicap or less.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
CJGA to Kick Off 17th Season at Northview
Markham, Ont. (March 13, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) opens its 17th season on Monday, March 16 at Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia with an international qualifying tournament. The CJGA North America Cup Qualifier will feature a strong field of the region’s top junior golfers.
The event will run on March 16th and 17th on the challenging Northview layout. Up for grabs are spots on CJGA Team Canada for the seventh annual North America Cup – a prestigious Ryder Cup style competition between CJGA Team Canada and the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) Team USA.
A large field of 14 & Under juniors will tee it up at Northview hoping for strong start to the 2009 season. Former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West member Gunntas Sidhu, 14, of Port Coquitlam will be one to watch in this year’s season opener. Some other notable juniors include Logan Hallwas, 14, of South Surrey, Donald Qiu, 12, of Richmond, BC, and Callum Robinson, 14 of Langley, BC.
A strong Boys field in the 15-19 age Division will include a number of former CJGA tournament winners and CJGA Team Canada members. Bryan Lichimo, 17, of North Vancouver, Conrado Paderes, 18, of Vancouver, and Junho Lee, 17, of Pitt Meadows, should contend while former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West partners Adam Svenssson, 15, of Surrey, BC, and Nicholas Russell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in the mix.
A CJGA Team Canada member last season, Jennifer Yang, 15, of Coquitlam will look to get off to a hot start in a competitive Girls Division. Soobin Kim, 15, of Port Coquitlam and Porsche Campbell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in contention for the first event of the season.
The tournament will get under way at 9:00AM each day. Spectators are encouraged to attend.
About the North America Cup
The prestigious North America Cup provides elite junior golfers with an opportunity to test their skills against their U.S. counterparts in a match play, Ryder Cup format. The event will take place at Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. from July 5th to 8th. Prior to the tournament, CJGA Team Canada will attend an elite training camp conducted by CJGA Regional Coach Sean Casey. Juniors who wish to qualify for CJGA Team Canada must qualify through the various sites across Canada, outlined in the CJGA schedule. Team USA is represented by the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT).
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
The event will run on March 16th and 17th on the challenging Northview layout. Up for grabs are spots on CJGA Team Canada for the seventh annual North America Cup – a prestigious Ryder Cup style competition between CJGA Team Canada and the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) Team USA.
A large field of 14 & Under juniors will tee it up at Northview hoping for strong start to the 2009 season. Former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West member Gunntas Sidhu, 14, of Port Coquitlam will be one to watch in this year’s season opener. Some other notable juniors include Logan Hallwas, 14, of South Surrey, Donald Qiu, 12, of Richmond, BC, and Callum Robinson, 14 of Langley, BC.
A strong Boys field in the 15-19 age Division will include a number of former CJGA tournament winners and CJGA Team Canada members. Bryan Lichimo, 17, of North Vancouver, Conrado Paderes, 18, of Vancouver, and Junho Lee, 17, of Pitt Meadows, should contend while former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West partners Adam Svenssson, 15, of Surrey, BC, and Nicholas Russell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in the mix.
A CJGA Team Canada member last season, Jennifer Yang, 15, of Coquitlam will look to get off to a hot start in a competitive Girls Division. Soobin Kim, 15, of Port Coquitlam and Porsche Campbell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in contention for the first event of the season.
The tournament will get under way at 9:00AM each day. Spectators are encouraged to attend.
About the North America Cup
The prestigious North America Cup provides elite junior golfers with an opportunity to test their skills against their U.S. counterparts in a match play, Ryder Cup format. The event will take place at Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. from July 5th to 8th. Prior to the tournament, CJGA Team Canada will attend an elite training camp conducted by CJGA Regional Coach Sean Casey. Juniors who wish to qualify for CJGA Team Canada must qualify through the various sites across Canada, outlined in the CJGA schedule. Team USA is represented by the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT).
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
BC Golfers Receive Top Honours
Langley’s Sue Kim and Abbotsford's Nick Taylor received a big honour last Thursday.
Kim and Taylor, two of BC’s best on the golf course, were among 102 athletes in British Columbia to receive the prestigious 2009 Premier's Athletic Awards from premier Gordon Campbell in Vancouver.
The 102 athletes represented 56 different sports.
"Every one of these athletes is a strong example of what can be accomplished through dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence," said Campbell. "They are an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to have them represent our communities and our province."
Among her many accomplishments in 2008, Kim was the first amateur player to win not one but two back-to-back CN Women’s Tour events.
Taylor, the 2007 Canadian Amateur champion had a stellar year, playing to a top 3 finish in 6 events and claiming the number one position on the British Columbia Order of Merit and the Canadian National Order of Merit. Taylor also earned a spot in the U.S. Open.
The Premier's Athletic Awards honour the top male and female athletes in the province in each of the sports involved in the 2007/08 B.C. Athlete Assistance Program.
Nominees are nominated by their provincial organization or post-secondary institution.
Kim and Taylor, two of BC’s best on the golf course, were among 102 athletes in British Columbia to receive the prestigious 2009 Premier's Athletic Awards from premier Gordon Campbell in Vancouver.
The 102 athletes represented 56 different sports.
"Every one of these athletes is a strong example of what can be accomplished through dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence," said Campbell. "They are an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to have them represent our communities and our province."
Among her many accomplishments in 2008, Kim was the first amateur player to win not one but two back-to-back CN Women’s Tour events.
Taylor, the 2007 Canadian Amateur champion had a stellar year, playing to a top 3 finish in 6 events and claiming the number one position on the British Columbia Order of Merit and the Canadian National Order of Merit. Taylor also earned a spot in the U.S. Open.
The Premier's Athletic Awards honour the top male and female athletes in the province in each of the sports involved in the 2007/08 B.C. Athlete Assistance Program.
Nominees are nominated by their provincial organization or post-secondary institution.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Best of Sport in BC Recognized
The 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Award Finalists Announced
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 15, 2008
Richmond, BC: Sport BC is pleased to announce the finalists for the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS. The awards feature 16 categories and celebrate some of the best individuals involved in sport in the province. Award recipients will be announced at the annual Athlete of the Year awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, BC.
"We continue to see an outstanding caliber of nominees put forward for the awards and it has been a challenge for the committee to narrow each field," said Sport BC’s President and CEO, Paul Varian. "Each of the finalists demonstrates commitment and excellence to their sport and we are thrilled to celebrate their success."
The prestigious Athlete of the Year Awards has been a constant feature in the British Columbian sporting community for 43 years. The finalists come from communities across BC, participate in a variety of sports and represent some of the best that sport has to offer on the national and international stage. The yearly awards ceremony celebrates coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes that exhibit outstanding athletic achievement and dedication to sport.
This year's finalists feature individuals from 17 BC communities, representing over 18 sports. The finalists were selected by a committee of media and sport representatives from across the province.
BCGA Finalists:
Soo Bin Kim - Junior Female
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Team Championship
BRITISH COLUMBIA Juvenile Girls’ ChampionshipBC Summer Games Gold MedalistZone 3 Junior Girls’ ChampionshipZone 3/4 Combined Junior Girls’ Championship What records did the nominee set in 2008? First British Columbian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title First Canadian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #3 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Girls #8 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Girls #27 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #32 – Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit (professional event) Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 65 players top junior girls in Canada 1st – Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 115 players top junior girls in Canada1st – British Columbia Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 29 players top juvenile girls in British Columbia 1st – 2008 BC Summer Games – field of 25 players from 8 zones2nd – British Columbia Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 48 players top junior girls in British Columbia 12th – 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Tour, Richmond Country Club - field of 72 amateur and professional players Silver medalists – member of Team BC at Junior Girls Americas Cup – best finish ever for BC in 30 years – field of 72 players on 18 teams from Canada, U.S. and Mexico List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Represented Canada at the 2008 Duke of York Young Champions at Dundonald Links, Ayrshire - 56 competitors from 29 different countries worldwide Selected to attend the Team BC Canada Games Golf Training Camp in Charlottetown, P.E.I Played for Team BC to best BC finish ever at the 2008 Junior Girls’ Americas Cup Fired a two-round eleven-under par at the BC Summer Games Competed at the World Juniors in San Diego placing 25th overall Girls 15 - 17
Eugene Wong - Junior Male
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
INTERNATIONAL Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship Boys’ 15 - 17
BRITISH COLUMBIA British Columbia Amateur Championship British Columbia Junior Boys’ Championship British Columbia Fresh Egg Cup ‘AAA’ Secondary School Championship
What records did the nominee set in 2008? Canada’s first Junior World Golf champion Only the third player to ever win the BC Junior Boys and the BC Amateur in the same year. [Doug Roxburgh, (1969) and James Lepp, (2002)] First player to win the BC Secondary School Championship, BC Junior Boys’ and BC Amateur in the same year
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #1 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Boys #1 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Boys #2 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Amateur Men #2 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Men Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: Captured the Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship title in a field of 189 players from 73 different countries. Captured his first provincial amateur title in a field of 156 of the top golfers in British Columbia. Captured his second provincial junior boys’ title in a field of 156 players. Captured the BC Fresh Egg Cup in a field of 109 students from across British Columbia. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Runner-up at Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in a field of 156 of the top golfers in Canada Triple provincial title winner – ‘AAA’ BC Secondary School Championship, B.C. Junior Boys, B.C. Amateur
Jackie little - Master Athlete
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Championship RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Team Championship
UNITED STATES Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Championship Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Player of the Year
BRITISH COLUMBIA Senior Women’s Amateur ChampionshipMid-Amateur Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Senior Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Amateur Women’s ChampionshipWhat records did the nominee set in 2008? Captured the BC Senior Women’s title with the lowest ever aggregate 54-hole score. Only player ever to win the Senior Women’s title under par.
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #30 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #4 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Women
*There is no national or provincial Order of Merit for senior players
Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur – field of 72 players 1st – Canadian Senior Women’s in a field of 91 players 1st – British Columbia Senior Women’s – field of 51 players2nd – Canadian Mid- Amateur Women’s Championship – top mid-amateur players from ten provincesAdvanced to match play in a field of 131 at the 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and played through to round of 16 to finish as the top Canadian. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Medalist at the USGA Senior Women’s Qualifier at the Home Golf Course in Washington StateThrough to round of 16 at 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship (low Canadian)Provincial, Canadian and Pacific Northwest Senior Women’s champion in her first year of eligibility
About Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
The Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest-standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 16 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers based on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents, such as past recipients Nancy Green Raine (Senior Female Athlete of the Year Award 1967 and 1968, Alpine Skiing), Rick Hansen (Athlete with a Disability Award 1979 and 1980, Wheelchair Athletics) Scott Niedermeyer (Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award 1991, Ice Hockey) and James Lepp (Junior Male Athlete of the Year 2001/Senior Male Athlete of the Year 2003 and 2005, Golf). For further information on the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit http://www.sport.bc.ca/.
About Sport BC:
Sport BC is a not-for-profit organization built on the belief of creating and sustaining healthy communities. For more than 40 years Sport BC has been the federation for organized amateur sport in British Columbia; providing valuable shared services and value-added programs to its membership, and the sport sector. Sport BC represents more than 80 member organizations including 65 Provincial Sport Organizations. For more information http://www.sport.bc.ca/.
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 15, 2008
Richmond, BC: Sport BC is pleased to announce the finalists for the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS. The awards feature 16 categories and celebrate some of the best individuals involved in sport in the province. Award recipients will be announced at the annual Athlete of the Year awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, BC.
"We continue to see an outstanding caliber of nominees put forward for the awards and it has been a challenge for the committee to narrow each field," said Sport BC’s President and CEO, Paul Varian. "Each of the finalists demonstrates commitment and excellence to their sport and we are thrilled to celebrate their success."
The prestigious Athlete of the Year Awards has been a constant feature in the British Columbian sporting community for 43 years. The finalists come from communities across BC, participate in a variety of sports and represent some of the best that sport has to offer on the national and international stage. The yearly awards ceremony celebrates coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes that exhibit outstanding athletic achievement and dedication to sport.
This year's finalists feature individuals from 17 BC communities, representing over 18 sports. The finalists were selected by a committee of media and sport representatives from across the province.
BCGA Finalists:
Soo Bin Kim - Junior Female
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Team Championship
BRITISH COLUMBIA Juvenile Girls’ ChampionshipBC Summer Games Gold MedalistZone 3 Junior Girls’ ChampionshipZone 3/4 Combined Junior Girls’ Championship What records did the nominee set in 2008? First British Columbian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title First Canadian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #3 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Girls #8 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Girls #27 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #32 – Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit (professional event) Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 65 players top junior girls in Canada 1st – Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 115 players top junior girls in Canada1st – British Columbia Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 29 players top juvenile girls in British Columbia 1st – 2008 BC Summer Games – field of 25 players from 8 zones2nd – British Columbia Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 48 players top junior girls in British Columbia 12th – 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Tour, Richmond Country Club - field of 72 amateur and professional players Silver medalists – member of Team BC at Junior Girls Americas Cup – best finish ever for BC in 30 years – field of 72 players on 18 teams from Canada, U.S. and Mexico List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Represented Canada at the 2008 Duke of York Young Champions at Dundonald Links, Ayrshire - 56 competitors from 29 different countries worldwide Selected to attend the Team BC Canada Games Golf Training Camp in Charlottetown, P.E.I Played for Team BC to best BC finish ever at the 2008 Junior Girls’ Americas Cup Fired a two-round eleven-under par at the BC Summer Games Competed at the World Juniors in San Diego placing 25th overall Girls 15 - 17
Eugene Wong - Junior Male
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
INTERNATIONAL Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship Boys’ 15 - 17
BRITISH COLUMBIA British Columbia Amateur Championship British Columbia Junior Boys’ Championship British Columbia Fresh Egg Cup ‘AAA’ Secondary School Championship
What records did the nominee set in 2008? Canada’s first Junior World Golf champion Only the third player to ever win the BC Junior Boys and the BC Amateur in the same year. [Doug Roxburgh, (1969) and James Lepp, (2002)] First player to win the BC Secondary School Championship, BC Junior Boys’ and BC Amateur in the same year
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #1 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Boys #1 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Boys #2 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Amateur Men #2 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Men Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: Captured the Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship title in a field of 189 players from 73 different countries. Captured his first provincial amateur title in a field of 156 of the top golfers in British Columbia. Captured his second provincial junior boys’ title in a field of 156 players. Captured the BC Fresh Egg Cup in a field of 109 students from across British Columbia. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Runner-up at Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in a field of 156 of the top golfers in Canada Triple provincial title winner – ‘AAA’ BC Secondary School Championship, B.C. Junior Boys, B.C. Amateur
Jackie little - Master Athlete
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Championship RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Team Championship
UNITED STATES Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Championship Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Player of the Year
BRITISH COLUMBIA Senior Women’s Amateur ChampionshipMid-Amateur Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Senior Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Amateur Women’s ChampionshipWhat records did the nominee set in 2008? Captured the BC Senior Women’s title with the lowest ever aggregate 54-hole score. Only player ever to win the Senior Women’s title under par.
Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #30 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #4 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Women
*There is no national or provincial Order of Merit for senior players
Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur – field of 72 players 1st – Canadian Senior Women’s in a field of 91 players 1st – British Columbia Senior Women’s – field of 51 players2nd – Canadian Mid- Amateur Women’s Championship – top mid-amateur players from ten provincesAdvanced to match play in a field of 131 at the 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and played through to round of 16 to finish as the top Canadian. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Medalist at the USGA Senior Women’s Qualifier at the Home Golf Course in Washington StateThrough to round of 16 at 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship (low Canadian)Provincial, Canadian and Pacific Northwest Senior Women’s champion in her first year of eligibility
About Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
The Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest-standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 16 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers based on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents, such as past recipients Nancy Green Raine (Senior Female Athlete of the Year Award 1967 and 1968, Alpine Skiing), Rick Hansen (Athlete with a Disability Award 1979 and 1980, Wheelchair Athletics) Scott Niedermeyer (Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award 1991, Ice Hockey) and James Lepp (Junior Male Athlete of the Year 2001/Senior Male Athlete of the Year 2003 and 2005, Golf). For further information on the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit http://www.sport.bc.ca/.
About Sport BC:
Sport BC is a not-for-profit organization built on the belief of creating and sustaining healthy communities. For more than 40 years Sport BC has been the federation for organized amateur sport in British Columbia; providing valuable shared services and value-added programs to its membership, and the sport sector. Sport BC represents more than 80 member organizations including 65 Provincial Sport Organizations. For more information http://www.sport.bc.ca/.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
PGA of BC Award Winners 2008
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
PGA of BC Callaway Golf Club Professional Championship
On a cool, partly sunny and windy day at the Marine Drive Golf Club Dean Claggett of Two Eagles Golf Course in Kelowna defeated veteran Professional Cec Ferguson of the Vernon Golf and Country Club in a playoff to claim the PGA of BC Callaway Professional Championship.
Claggett carded a final round of 71 while Ferguson fired a 73 to finish tied at even Par 142. David Bolton fired a final round of 71 to finish third at 1 over par 143.
Click here for final results and earnings!
Claggett carded a final round of 71 while Ferguson fired a 73 to finish tied at even Par 142. David Bolton fired a final round of 71 to finish third at 1 over par 143.
Click here for final results and earnings!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Vancouver Golf Tour
With the conclusion of the 2008 Augusta Resource Corp VGT Tour Championship, it appears the dream of a developmental tour in the Lower Mainland has been realized in just three short years. From one Championship in 2006, in which winner Jay Balloch won an entry to PGA Tour qualifying school, Fraser Mulholland has seen his vision realized and grow.
"The Commish" as he is referred to saw the Vancouver Golf Tour directly and indirectly support 16 events in 2008. The Vancouver Golf Tour was created to provide a place to play with regular, high level competition for Vancouver's local Professionals and Low Handicap Amateurs. By all accounts it has been a huge success with a long list of supporting sponsors and growth of close to double in Membership from 2007.
On the Professional side, both 2007 Order of Merit winner Phil Jonas and 2008 winner Bryn Perry will be heading to PGA Tour qualifying school this fall, with paid enteries by the VGT, a testament to the success of the Tour and "The Commish".
"The Commish" as he is referred to saw the Vancouver Golf Tour directly and indirectly support 16 events in 2008. The Vancouver Golf Tour was created to provide a place to play with regular, high level competition for Vancouver's local Professionals and Low Handicap Amateurs. By all accounts it has been a huge success with a long list of supporting sponsors and growth of close to double in Membership from 2007.
On the Professional side, both 2007 Order of Merit winner Phil Jonas and 2008 winner Bryn Perry will be heading to PGA Tour qualifying school this fall, with paid enteries by the VGT, a testament to the success of the Tour and "The Commish".
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Golf Jobs Vancouver and British Columbia
For the latest in Golf Jobs in Vancouver and British Columbia, click here. CK Golf Solutions, Providing Business and Management Solutions to the Golf Industry offers employers a FREE job posting service.
If you have a postion to post email text and a pdf or Word attachment to info AT ckgolfsolutions.ca.
If you have a postion to post email text and a pdf or Word attachment to info AT ckgolfsolutions.ca.
Welcome to Golf Vancouver
Welcome to Golf Vancouver - the newest blog created for golf in Vancouver and British Columbia!
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