Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Dean Spriddle has stepped down as Head Coach of the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team.
Spriddle, a native of Scotland who currently resides in Lethbridge, Alta., will be parting ways with the RCGA’s National Team Program to focus on family commitments and pursue personal business and coaching ventures.
Spriddle steps down following 10 years of service with both the RCGA and former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) High Performance programs. During his tenure, Spriddle helped guide Team Canada to both second and fourth place finishes at the Women’s World Amateur Team Championships.
“I want to thank all the players over the years as well as the entire coaching and support staff that have helped make this the best job in the world,” said Spriddle. “Players such as Laura Matthews, Mary Ann Lapointe, Marilyn O Connor, Diane Williams, Kira Meixner, Stephanie Sherlock and more recently Jennifer Kirby, Sue Kim and Nicole Vandermade have made coaching a pleasure and a great challenge. I also can’t say enough about my fellow coaches Robert Radcliffe, Henry Brunton and Derek Ingram as well as Dr. Greg Wells, Dana Sinclair and Greg Redman who I consider to be among the best coaches and sport scientists in the country if not the world. While it’s time for me to move in a new direction in my own coaching journey, I know that Team Canada will continue to get better and I wish them all the best. I am now looking forward to working with young golfers as well spending more time with my own kids teaching and playing the game that I love.”
“On behalf of the RCGA and everyone involved with the National Team Program, I want to thank Dean Spriddle for his tireless efforts and commitment to our high performance initiatives,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Development Officer with the RCGA. “Dean has been a valued member of our coaching staff and major contributor to the growing success of Team Canada over the years and we wish him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of his career.”
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.
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 www.rcga.org.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
LPGA Names Michael Whan as its Commissioner
Sports, Golf executive assumes helm following extensive three-month search
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., October 28, 2009 - Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Board of Directors Chairman Dawn Hudson announced today that the LPGA Board has named Michael Whan the LPGA's new Commissioner. Whan, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Mission-Itech Hockey, has a personal and professional background in golf, including serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager (North American Region) for Taylormade-adidas Golf.
The appointment follows an extensive three-month international search led by an LPGA Search Committee comprised of LPGA Board player members Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson along with fellow LPGA Board members Bill Morton and Leslie Greis, who chaired the Committee.
"We established very strict criteria for the position of Commissioner and Mike impressed us not only with his background and intellect but also his passion for golf," Hudson said. "I commend the Search Committee for their exhaustive work and commitment, and we look forward to the months and years ahead with Mike as our Commissioner. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. Her success over the past three months during a potentially difficult transition period not only allowed the Search Committee time to conduct a thorough search but also has provided our new Commissioner with positive momentum and a revitalized platform upon which to grow the LPGA in the sports and business marketplace."
Evans will work with Whan during a transition period before he officially assumes the Commissioner helm in January 2010. Both Whan and Evans will attend the LPGA Tour Championship Presented by Rolex the week of November 16 in Houston, where a player meeting will be held and the 2010 LPGA season schedule will be released.
"The LPGA is a resurging, resilient association, and Mike will be a leader around which the wonderful LPGA staff and all of our stakeholders-players, fans, sponsors, TV partners, tournament owners and others-will rally," Evans said. "Mike will enjoy working within the reenergized climate of collaboration that we've all worked so hard to create this season. I'm looking forward to working closely with him during the transition period as we celebrate the close of a tremendous season and look forward to the LPGA's 60th year in 2010."
"It is rare to work for an organization that combines all the passions in your life, but with the LPGA, I feel I've been presented with the unique opportunity to do just that," Whan said. "First, this is an association surrounded by passionate, value-driven people. Second, I'm energized by brand building and the work involved in marketing and growing a sport. Third, I simply love the game of golf-both the life lessons it teaches and the friendships it helps create."
Whan, 44, started his business career at the Procter & Gamble Company in 1987, rising within the ranks as a brand assistant, Brand Manager and eventually Director of Marketing, Oral Care, before branching out to follow his passion for sports. In 1994-95, he served as a Vice President and General Manager at the Wilson Sporting Goods Company responsible for all aspects of the golf ball and glove business. He also managed the marketing department, two manufacturing facilities and the Research & Development division.
At the TaylorMade Golf Company, Whan started as Vice President Marketing and over the course of his four-year tenure was promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing and eventually EVP/General Manager-North America for Taylormade-adidas Golf. In his role as General Manager, Whan's business unit represented more than 70 percent of the company's worldwide sales and profit.
"Mike possesses substantial leadership experience in golf and sports, the ability to build consensus in complex organizations and a proven track record of building brands," Greis said. "Equally important, his passion for golf is palpable, having grown up playing golf with his father and friends. Mike was the kid hanging around the golf courses, cutting the greens and caddying to earn extra money. He's a great fit for the LPGA on both a professional and personal level."
Whan served as President/Chief Marketing Officer for Britesmile, Inc., from 1999-2002, before returning to sports at Mission Hockey, a hockey equipment company. During his seven-year tenure in the hockey business, he restructured and redefined the company, then acquired Itech Sports to create Mission-Itech Hockey. When Whan finalized the sale of Mission-Itech Hockey late last year, it commanded market share leadership in nine product categories, sales in more than 30 countries and had more than 50 percent of the National Hockey League (NHL) players using the brands.
"We interviewed a number of great candidates, but Mike really stood out as someone with integrity, honesty and a life-long passion for the sport," Alfredsson said. "He will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the LPGA at a critical time for our association." Added Inkster: "Mike clearly demonstrated a desire to make sure that the LPGA remains the best women's sports organization in the world. He has the whole package of what we were looking for, and he'll do what's needed to make sure that we're successful."
Whan will serve as the LPGA's eighth Commissioner. He and his wife, Meg, and his three children, Austin (15), Wesley (13) and Connor (12), currently live in California and will relocate to Florida, home of the LPGA Headquarters, next year.
The LPGA Board of Directors consists of player members Alfredsson, Inkster, Michelle Ellis, Sherri Steinhauer, Pat Hurst, Christina Kim and Stacy Prammanasudh; Patti Benson, national president of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals; and independent directors Hudson, Greis, Morton, Bill Susetka and Nancy Wiese.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to http://www.lpga.com/.
Media Contact:
David Higdon, LPGA Chief Communications Officer, david.higdon@lpga.com, +1 386/843-007
Kim Berard, LPGA PR Manager, kim.berard@lpga.com, +1 386/843-0077
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., October 28, 2009 - Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Board of Directors Chairman Dawn Hudson announced today that the LPGA Board has named Michael Whan the LPGA's new Commissioner. Whan, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Mission-Itech Hockey, has a personal and professional background in golf, including serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager (North American Region) for Taylormade-adidas Golf.
The appointment follows an extensive three-month international search led by an LPGA Search Committee comprised of LPGA Board player members Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson along with fellow LPGA Board members Bill Morton and Leslie Greis, who chaired the Committee.
"We established very strict criteria for the position of Commissioner and Mike impressed us not only with his background and intellect but also his passion for golf," Hudson said. "I commend the Search Committee for their exhaustive work and commitment, and we look forward to the months and years ahead with Mike as our Commissioner. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. Her success over the past three months during a potentially difficult transition period not only allowed the Search Committee time to conduct a thorough search but also has provided our new Commissioner with positive momentum and a revitalized platform upon which to grow the LPGA in the sports and business marketplace."
Evans will work with Whan during a transition period before he officially assumes the Commissioner helm in January 2010. Both Whan and Evans will attend the LPGA Tour Championship Presented by Rolex the week of November 16 in Houston, where a player meeting will be held and the 2010 LPGA season schedule will be released.
"The LPGA is a resurging, resilient association, and Mike will be a leader around which the wonderful LPGA staff and all of our stakeholders-players, fans, sponsors, TV partners, tournament owners and others-will rally," Evans said. "Mike will enjoy working within the reenergized climate of collaboration that we've all worked so hard to create this season. I'm looking forward to working closely with him during the transition period as we celebrate the close of a tremendous season and look forward to the LPGA's 60th year in 2010."
"It is rare to work for an organization that combines all the passions in your life, but with the LPGA, I feel I've been presented with the unique opportunity to do just that," Whan said. "First, this is an association surrounded by passionate, value-driven people. Second, I'm energized by brand building and the work involved in marketing and growing a sport. Third, I simply love the game of golf-both the life lessons it teaches and the friendships it helps create."
Whan, 44, started his business career at the Procter & Gamble Company in 1987, rising within the ranks as a brand assistant, Brand Manager and eventually Director of Marketing, Oral Care, before branching out to follow his passion for sports. In 1994-95, he served as a Vice President and General Manager at the Wilson Sporting Goods Company responsible for all aspects of the golf ball and glove business. He also managed the marketing department, two manufacturing facilities and the Research & Development division.
At the TaylorMade Golf Company, Whan started as Vice President Marketing and over the course of his four-year tenure was promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing and eventually EVP/General Manager-North America for Taylormade-adidas Golf. In his role as General Manager, Whan's business unit represented more than 70 percent of the company's worldwide sales and profit.
"Mike possesses substantial leadership experience in golf and sports, the ability to build consensus in complex organizations and a proven track record of building brands," Greis said. "Equally important, his passion for golf is palpable, having grown up playing golf with his father and friends. Mike was the kid hanging around the golf courses, cutting the greens and caddying to earn extra money. He's a great fit for the LPGA on both a professional and personal level."
Whan served as President/Chief Marketing Officer for Britesmile, Inc., from 1999-2002, before returning to sports at Mission Hockey, a hockey equipment company. During his seven-year tenure in the hockey business, he restructured and redefined the company, then acquired Itech Sports to create Mission-Itech Hockey. When Whan finalized the sale of Mission-Itech Hockey late last year, it commanded market share leadership in nine product categories, sales in more than 30 countries and had more than 50 percent of the National Hockey League (NHL) players using the brands.
"We interviewed a number of great candidates, but Mike really stood out as someone with integrity, honesty and a life-long passion for the sport," Alfredsson said. "He will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the LPGA at a critical time for our association." Added Inkster: "Mike clearly demonstrated a desire to make sure that the LPGA remains the best women's sports organization in the world. He has the whole package of what we were looking for, and he'll do what's needed to make sure that we're successful."
Whan will serve as the LPGA's eighth Commissioner. He and his wife, Meg, and his three children, Austin (15), Wesley (13) and Connor (12), currently live in California and will relocate to Florida, home of the LPGA Headquarters, next year.
The LPGA Board of Directors consists of player members Alfredsson, Inkster, Michelle Ellis, Sherri Steinhauer, Pat Hurst, Christina Kim and Stacy Prammanasudh; Patti Benson, national president of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals; and independent directors Hudson, Greis, Morton, Bill Susetka and Nancy Wiese.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to http://www.lpga.com/.
Media Contact:
David Higdon, LPGA Chief Communications Officer, david.higdon@lpga.com, +1 386/843-007
Kim Berard, LPGA PR Manager, kim.berard@lpga.com, +1 386/843-0077
Monday, October 26, 2009
Canadian Earns PGA Tour Card
PGA Tour to Welcome Chris Baryla in 2010
Vernon, B.C. Boy Earns Way to the Big League
Congratulations to Vernon, B.C.’s Chris Baryla on securing his 2010 PGA Tour be finishing in the top 25 on the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Baryla, 27, finished the season strong with a victory in the third last event of the season. The win was worth $90,000 and Baryla finished up the year with a tie for seventh in the final event earning him another $29,100. The top 25 players received their 2010 PGA Tour playing privileges following Sunday’s Nationwide Tour Championship. Baryla finished in 19th place on the year end money list with $217,680.
Injury Hampered Progress in 08’
Baryla is coming off an injury plagued 2008 season in which on only started in seven events and made just one cut. “To be able to come back after having my back injury and Monday qualifying into the events and make it into the top 25 is awesome,” said Baryla. This year Baryla, who was born in Calgary, AB and resides in Vernon, B.C., played in 14 events and made 13 cuts with one victory and five top 10 finishes. He also finished the season with a commendable 69.87 scoring average on the Nationwide Tour. He played in three PGA Tour events in 2009, making one cut and earning $132,038 for a top 10 finish.
Good luck to Chris and we’ll be watching your progress on the PGA Tour.
Vernon, B.C. Boy Earns Way to the Big League
Congratulations to Vernon, B.C.’s Chris Baryla on securing his 2010 PGA Tour be finishing in the top 25 on the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Baryla, 27, finished the season strong with a victory in the third last event of the season. The win was worth $90,000 and Baryla finished up the year with a tie for seventh in the final event earning him another $29,100. The top 25 players received their 2010 PGA Tour playing privileges following Sunday’s Nationwide Tour Championship. Baryla finished in 19th place on the year end money list with $217,680.
Injury Hampered Progress in 08’
Baryla is coming off an injury plagued 2008 season in which on only started in seven events and made just one cut. “To be able to come back after having my back injury and Monday qualifying into the events and make it into the top 25 is awesome,” said Baryla. This year Baryla, who was born in Calgary, AB and resides in Vernon, B.C., played in 14 events and made 13 cuts with one victory and five top 10 finishes. He also finished the season with a commendable 69.87 scoring average on the Nationwide Tour. He played in three PGA Tour events in 2009, making one cut and earning $132,038 for a top 10 finish.
Good luck to Chris and we’ll be watching your progress on the PGA Tour.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
PGA of BC Trade Show Wrap-up
New product showcased
Final wrap-up for the PGA of BC Trade Show in Penticton. Read the full post on CK Golf Solutions blog HERE!
Final wrap-up for the PGA of BC Trade Show in Penticton. Read the full post on CK Golf Solutions blog HERE!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Golf Course Review - Black Mountain Golf Course
You Tube Video, Flickr Photos and Blog by CK Golf Solutions
A few days ago we had the chance to play Black Mountain Golf Course in beautiful Kelowna, B.C. Black Mountain is a great layout and offers a lot of unique options for a Resort / Daily Fee golf course.
View CK Golf Solutions Blog - Golf Course Revew - Black Mountain.
A few days ago we had the chance to play Black Mountain Golf Course in beautiful Kelowna, B.C. Black Mountain is a great layout and offers a lot of unique options for a Resort / Daily Fee golf course.
View CK Golf Solutions Blog - Golf Course Revew - Black Mountain.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Golf Course Review - Tobiano Golf Club
Golf Course Review
Jeff & Tara Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, review Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops, B.C. Tobiano was the 2008 ScoreGolf Best New Course and Golf Digest Best New Canadian Course. View the complete review.
Jeff & Tara Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, review Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops, B.C. Tobiano was the 2008 ScoreGolf Best New Course and Golf Digest Best New Canadian Course. View the complete review.
Friday, October 9, 2009
CPGA Member Cathy Burton Inducted Into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame
The Canadian PGA would like to congratulate Cathy Burton on her induction into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on October 5th, 2009.
Burton started her golf career as a junior player at Binscarth and Russell in 1977-79. She played out of Selkirk in 1981-82, then Harbour View in 1982-87 before turning to professional ranks. She won the Manitoba Women’s Amateur Championship in 1984 and 1986 and was also a finalist in Manitoba Golfer of the Year voting in the same years. She won the Saskatchewan Women’s Amateur Championship in 1986. Also in 1986, Burton reached the semi-finals in the United States Public Links Championship, a competition which attracted 1,085 entries.
Burton played on provincial amateur teams at the National Championship for six straight years from 1982 to 1987. She was a Team Canada member in 1986 and 1987 and was a member of Canada’s Commonwealth team, which won the Championship in 1987 in New Zealand. No Canadian team has won the Commonwealth Championship since. She joined the professional Futures Tour in 1988-90, was an LPGA Teaching Division member 1992-96 and has been a CPGA Class A professional since 1996. She was an associate pro at St. Charles Country Club 1991-94, an assistant pro at Southwood Golf and Country Club 1995-96, pro and manager at the Short Game Golf Training Centre in 1997 and associate pro at St. Char! les 1998-2001.
Burton was a leading force behind the establishment in 1994 of the LPGA Girls Club in Manitoba, the first move into Canada for that program after a successful launch in the United States. It provided opportunities for young girls to get into golf. It was the fore-runner of the successful Future Links Girls’ Club program still in operation across Canada for young girls. She also served as national junior women’s coach for the CLGA 1998-2004. Moving to Calgary, Burton was a teaching pro at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club 2001-2003, head pro at Harvest Hills in 2004 and is currently head pro at River Spirit Golf Club.
Cathy was inducted in the Player/Builder category of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. Congratulations Cathy!
Burton started her golf career as a junior player at Binscarth and Russell in 1977-79. She played out of Selkirk in 1981-82, then Harbour View in 1982-87 before turning to professional ranks. She won the Manitoba Women’s Amateur Championship in 1984 and 1986 and was also a finalist in Manitoba Golfer of the Year voting in the same years. She won the Saskatchewan Women’s Amateur Championship in 1986. Also in 1986, Burton reached the semi-finals in the United States Public Links Championship, a competition which attracted 1,085 entries.
Burton played on provincial amateur teams at the National Championship for six straight years from 1982 to 1987. She was a Team Canada member in 1986 and 1987 and was a member of Canada’s Commonwealth team, which won the Championship in 1987 in New Zealand. No Canadian team has won the Commonwealth Championship since. She joined the professional Futures Tour in 1988-90, was an LPGA Teaching Division member 1992-96 and has been a CPGA Class A professional since 1996. She was an associate pro at St. Charles Country Club 1991-94, an assistant pro at Southwood Golf and Country Club 1995-96, pro and manager at the Short Game Golf Training Centre in 1997 and associate pro at St. Char! les 1998-2001.
Burton was a leading force behind the establishment in 1994 of the LPGA Girls Club in Manitoba, the first move into Canada for that program after a successful launch in the United States. It provided opportunities for young girls to get into golf. It was the fore-runner of the successful Future Links Girls’ Club program still in operation across Canada for young girls. She also served as national junior women’s coach for the CLGA 1998-2004. Moving to Calgary, Burton was a teaching pro at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club 2001-2003, head pro at Harvest Hills in 2004 and is currently head pro at River Spirit Golf Club.
Cathy was inducted in the Player/Builder category of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. Congratulations Cathy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)