PGA of BC

E-NEWS

APRIL 24, 2024

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The PGA of BC invites members to attend our next presentation scheduled as part of the Virtual Education Series. NHL veteran, performance coach, author and keynote speaker Aaron Volpatti will host a presentation on "The Power of Visualization; in Golf, and in Life" on Thursday, May 9 online via Zoom.

Volpatti is a former NHL player and a pioneer in visualization and performance mindset. He holds a B.Sc degree in Human Biology from Brown University. His hockey career, post-secondary studies, and personal experiences led Volpatti to develop his unique practice. He is dedicated to teaching others how to find their true grit through visualization. He has a truly inspiring story of overcoming a tremendous amount of adversity. 

After a horrific campfire accident in 2005, Volpatti was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. He suffered second and third degree burns to 40% of his body and was told his hockey career was over. With no scholarship offer heading into his last year of Junior hockey and a recovery that would last years, he faced insurmountable odds to obtain a scholarship to Brown University, let alone a career in the NHL. After several surgeries and a gruesome recovery, he returned to the ice just 4 months after his injury and signed with Vancouver Canucks 5 years later in 2010. 

In his 5th professional season with the Washington Capitals, Volpatti was hit from behind into the boards and underwent a spinal fusion surgery that forced him to retire. The events that soon followed this unplanned retirement thrust him on a very dark path; chronic pain, loss of identity, divorce, and family trauma. 

Today, Volpatti is focused on inspiring people around the world through his coaching and speaking engagements. His journeys and successes wouldn’t have been possible without the extremely powerful visualization practice he developed.

Members can register for the individual presentation here, or sign up for the Virtual Education Bundle for access to all upcoming 2024 virtual presentations as well as an archive of webinars from earlier this year.

To learn more about Volpatti, please visit his website.

We extend our thanks to Foresight Sports Canada for their support of the Interactive Education Series.

The PGA of BC invites members to our upcoming Interactive Education Series event hosted by Patrick Lago, taking place Monday, May 13 from 10am to 2:30pm at Lago Golf Academy in Coquitlam.

Join Lago, Swing Catalyst Brand Ambassador and Director of Instruction at Lago Golf Academy, for a 4 hour education session. We will cover how the best golfers in the world use ground reaction forces and the common mistakes that the average golfer makes and how to fix them. This session will also include a live demonstration where some of the participants will be able to use the Swing Catalyst dual motion plates. We will go over the data/findings and demonstrate quick and easy fixes to their swing technique. The interactive experience includes lunch for all participants.

Lago learned the great game of golf at the young age of 10 under the encouragement of his father. After a successful junior career in Southern Ontario, he went on to receive a diploma in Professional Golf Management at Humber College in Toronto. He then became a CPGA professional in 2007 and is now a Class “A” Teaching Professional.

Lago has honed his teaching skills under the tutelage of many great instructors, including Bob Beauchemin, who is ranked in the top 50 golf instructors in Canada, and Andy Hilts who has been named top 40 instructors under 40 in the United States.

With over 25,000 lessons taught with award winning golf technology, Lago is committed to improving golfers of all skill levels and helping his students achieve their goals.

To learn more and to register today, please click here.

We extend our thanks to Foresight Sports Canada for their support of the Interactive Education Series.

Via Brendan Stasiewich, PGA of Canada

On Thursday April 18, 2024, the PGA of Canada warmly welcomed its 50th President of the association at the Annual General Meeting.

Scott Kolb’s commitment to the betterment of golf in Canada, and for professionals across the country, has been evident since he began his career in the industry in the Victoria Golf Club golf shop in 1992.

Even before that, Kolb says, as a teenager, he dreamed of being a PGA of Canada professional.

“I never thought of being anything else,” says Kolb, who has served on the PGA of Canada Board of Directors since 2018. “All of my closest friends are PGA of Canada members, and it has been a career that has supported my family for decades.”

Growing up in Victoria, BC, following his time in the shop at Victoria Golf Club and then Gallagher’s Canyon, serving as GM at Arbutus Ridge, and making a mark on The Golf Club at Lora Bay as Head Professional, Kolb had the opportunity to head home, accepting the role of General Manager back at Victoria Golf Club, the course he spent countless hours at as a junior player.

In addition to his work with Victoria Golf Club, Kolb had the opportunity to work closely with many PGA of Canada professionals after founding Fresh Golf Solutions, which has aided clubs in finding the right fit amongst PGA of Canada professionals for various leadership positions, in addition to the creation of the Vegas Baby Pro-Am, the largest Pro-Am in the world.

Working closely with Kolb over the next two years will be Vice President Tiffany Gordon. A leader amongst PGA of Alberta professionals, she is the first woman to serve as VP and will be the first woman to serve as President when Kolb’s tenure ends in 2026.

Kolb is taking the reins from the 49th President of the Association, Gordon Percy, who’s time as President saw him oversee many association innovations, including many EDI and Safe Sport implementations.

For Kolb, the next few years will give him the chance to lead the association with the same goals he has had throughout his career, bettering the lives of all PGA of Canada professionals.

To read the full story, please click here.

Photo courtesy of Ledgeview Golf Club

With Abbotsford's Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin teaming up in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this week, the PGA TOUR website published a feature article by Adam Stanley about BC's own Ledgeview Golf Club and the impact Taylor and Hadwin's success has had on its junior programs and junior golf culture.

Ledgeview's Brady Stead was featured in the article, discussing the ways in which the duo's achievements have inspired a new generation of junior golfers in Abbotsford.

"Stead – the director of instruction who has been at the course for almost a half-decade – said since 2021 the total number of junior-golf rounds has risen by 23 percent, with junior membership numbers having increased by 28 percent. The junior development program at the club has increased from six kids to 30 this year," wrote Stanley.

To read the full article via PGATOUR.com, please click here.

Dear PGA Coaches,

UBC varsity golf is searching for a coach to join our team at the Golf Canada University Championships in Sudbury, Ontario May 31 to June 6.

We are looking for a passionate PGA member and professional coach for our UBC Thunderbird women who will play for the National Championship.

The primary responsibility will be to assist in leading our UBC women’s team in a 4 count 3 team format.

The PGA member who joins the team will receive a team uniform, flights, accommodations, a stipend and meals.

Criteria:

• 25 years of age or over
• Ability to work in Canada
• Be a PGA Professional
• Have a valid driver's license
• Be interested in working with high performance players
• Have the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check

Thank you,

Chris MacDonald, PGA, MKIN

Interested members can email: chris.macdonald@ubc.ca

Did you know the PGA of Canada has a Code of Professional Conduct and Safe Sport Policy?

Safe Sport refers to the process and measures implemented to protect and effectively care for the health, well-being, and human rights of all participants in the PGA of Canada community, especially children and youth. Individuals participating in all disciplines of golf in Canada, including athletes, coaches, officials, sport administrators, volunteers and others should be able to engage in a sport environment free from abuse, discrimination and potential harm. 

All PGA of Canada Professionals and anybody involved with golf in Canada in any form are encouraged to read the PGA Code of Professional Conduct and Safe Sport Policy to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all golfers and athletes.

The Lower Mainland's G&G Tour held a tournament at Riverway Golf Course on April 22. Steven Lecuyer (Seymour Creek Golf Centre) earned the victory, shooting a 4-under 68 to best the field. Josh Legge (University Golf Club) was one shot back at 3-under par to finish as runner-up. Eight competitors tied for third, shooting 2-under par.

The Vancouver Island Club Pro Tour event was played at Highland Pacific Golf on April 16. Ben Griffin (Uplands Golf Club) and Brad Liptrot shared the victory at 3-under par, while Jamie Moran (Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community) finished one shot back of the lead to round out the top-three.

The Westland Insurance Interior PGA Tour traveled to Two Eagles Golf Course for an individual match play competition on April 22. The tournament has reached its quarterfinals, with eight golfers vying for the match play title.

The Kootenay Pro Tour's 2024 schedule got underway April 22 at Creston Golf Club. Nicklaus Kennedy (Granite Pointe Golf Club) took home the win with a 1-under par 71. Harold Simkins (Bootleg Gap Golf) made a late round charge, going 4-under par on the back nine and earning second place. Chase Bodoano (The Springs at Radium) earned third place, shooting 75.

Make sure to read the Regional Tour Roundup every week to stay up-to-date with the achievements of our members and to never miss any information!

The UBC Thunderbirds Men's Golf team, coached by PGA of BC professionals Chris MacDonald, Tim Wilson, Patrick Lago and Tyler McNeil, emerged victorious at the Warrior Invitational in Idaho last week. The Thunderbirds parlayed a dominant final round into a comeback victory over the hosts, Lewis-Clark State College. All five golfers finished inside the individual top-10, with Hudson Lafayette shooting even-par to tie for fifth and first-year Forrest Van Alstine finishing a shot behind in solo seventh. The team competes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship at Loomis Trail in Blaine, Washington from April 29-May 1.

The UBC Thunderbirds Women's team, coached by McDonald, Wilson, McNeil and Keri Moffat, were champions of the Warrior Invitational for another victory to continue their dominant season. Like their counterparts on the men's team, all five golfers finished inside the top-10 in an incredible display of depth and talent. Elizabeth Labbe earned medalist honours, while Grace Bell finished one stroke back to tie as runner-up. The Thunderbirds will travel to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship next week. To read the full recap via UBC of both women's and men's victories this week, please click here.

SFU Red Leafs Men's Golf, coached by PGA of BC pros Matt Steinbach, Krysta Schaus and Matt Cella, competed in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho on April 22-23. The Red Leafs earned a runner-up finish, with the team combining for 6-under par across the event. Michael Crisologo took home medalist honours, shooting 13-under par across three rounds for a five-stroke margin of victory. The team participates in the NCAA Division 2 Regional Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico beginning May 9.

The SFU Red Leafs Women's Golf team, coached by Steinbach, Schaus and Cella, travelled to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Women's Golf Championships on April 22-23. SFU won the event with a commanding 14-stroke victory. Dana Smith earned medalist honours, shooting 2-under par for the tournament. Sueah Park and Meera Minhas joined Smith in the top-five on the individual leaderboard. The Red Leafs will compete in the NCAA Division 2 Regional Championships in Stockton, California starting May 9.

The UVic Vikes Men's Golf team, coached by PGA of BC pros Justin Clews and David Rands, competed in the Seattle U Redhawk Invitational, where they earned an 18th-place finish. Owen Croft was the low individual for the Vikes, with a T35 finish on the individual leaderboard. The team heads to Paragould, Arkansas on April 29-30 for the Continental Athletic Conference Championships.

The UVic Women's team, also coached by Clews and Rands, won their second straight tournament at the TMU Women's Spring Invitational in Santa Clarita on April 8-9. Cindy Koira posted the Vikes' top finish, earning second place among all individuals. Teammate Mya Rowan also excelled, finishing in third place. The Vikes will compete in the NAIA Women's National Championship in Silvis, Illinois on May 14-17. To read the full recap via UVic, please click here.

The UBCO Heat Men's Golf team, coached by PGA of BC pro Clay Stothers, wrapped up their Spring season at the Vikes Spring Shootout in Victoria. The Heat earned a fifth-place finish, with Max Regier pacing the team and finishing in 11th-place on the individual leaderboard. Ryan Gillis also finished inside the top-20. To read the full recap via UBCO, please click here.

The UBCO Women's team, also coached by Stothers, closed out their Spring schedule by taking home the victory at the Vikes Spring Shootout, with an incredible 18-shot win to earn the gold. Emily Cornwall led the way for the Heat as she captured the individual title at the tournament by firing a two-round total of 7-over par to hold off teammate and runner-up Julia Alexander-Carew by one shot. To read the full recap via UBCO, please click here.

The UFV Cascades Men's Golf team, coached by PGA of BC pros Sean Douglas and Connor O'Dell, competed in the Seattle U Redhawk Invitational, where they finished in 15th place. Eli Greene shot +2 to pace the Cascades and earn a T23 place on the leaderboard, while Ben Whiton finished one stroke back of Greene. To read the full recap via UFV, please click here.

The UFV Women's team competed in the Vikes Spring Shootout, finishing in third place overall. The Cascades were guided by the strong play of Morgan Best, who captured a third-place finish among all golfers. Lucy Park joined Best in the top ten. To read the full recap of the Vikes Spring Shootout via UFV, please click here.

For more information on BC's collegiate golf programs, including their 2023-24 results and schedules, please visit the links below:

UBC Men's | UBC Women's

SFU Men's | SFU Women's

UVic Men's | UVic Women's

UBCO Men's | UBCO Women's

UFV Men's | UFV Women's

Foresight GC Quad

$16,000 (OBO)

The GC Quad is the world’s most accurate, versatile and complete launch monitor on the market. As the only launch monitor in the industry to utilize Quadrascopic imaging, the GC Quad delivers the most accurate detailed picture of ball and club head data. 

Includes the following:

• GC Quad Unit (2021 Model)
• Foresight Sports Backpack
• Power Cord
• Ethernet Cable
• Alignment Stick
• 1100 Club Marker Stickers (11 sheets of 100)
• User Manual

For interest and inquiries, please contact:

Ashley Zibrik

Director of Golf

Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club

azibrik@shaughnessy.org

(604) 266-6248

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Classifieds section, please contact Marketing & Communications Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org to place a listing.

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Chris Marcil has reinstated with the PGA of Canada and joins The Springs at Radium as a Class "A" Professional 

Carson Spooner has left Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club and joins Golden Eagle Golf Club as an Apprentice Professional 

For all Members on the Move information, please click HERE.

Golf Operations Manager - Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club

For any job postings that have been approved and published on the PGA of BC website, the Association will share relevant social media posts to assist your facility in the search for a candidate. We will share one post/story per job posting. Please ensure that you tag the PGA of BC's social media account in any post or story relevant to the posting. To ensure that we share the post/story in a timely matter, please also reach out to Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org to notify us of the post.

For all job opportunities listed on the PGA of BC website, please click HERE (Log-in required).

For all job opportunities listed on the PGA of Canada website, please click HERE.

May 9

Virtual Education Series presented by Foresight Sports Canada

Aaron Volpatti: "The Power of Visualization; in Golf, and in Life"

May 13

Interactive Education Series presented by Foresight Sports Canada

Patrick Lago: "Ground Force Reaction & Common Mistakes Golfers Make"

Lago Golf Academy, Coquitlam, BC REGISTER HERE

May 21

Tournament of Champions presented by PING Canada & Motocaddy

Highland Pacific Golf, Victoria, BC

REGISTER HERE*

*Cancellation deadlines for PGA of BC tournaments are 30 days prior to the event. Please ensure that you communicate your withdrawal to the PGA of BC Office Team before this date.

CONTACT THE PGA OF BC OFFICE TEAM