Tee 2 Green with Barry Sharpe - - September 11/09

In July, the Canadian PGA Board of Directors approved changes to the definition of Head Teaching Professional and also included "CPGA Approved Driving Range" in the definition of "CPGA Approved Teaching Centre". These changes are now in effect.

To summarize, a Class "A" Canadian PGA Member who applies to change his/her membership category to Head Teaching Professional must provide documentation that demonstrates he/she is managing a CPGA Approved Teaching Centre. All category changes are subject to zone board approval.

The definition for "Head Teaching Professional" is as follows:
"Head Teaching Professional" means a member retained as such under agreement to direct the golf activities at a "CPGA Approved Teaching Centre" (which now includes "CPGA Approved Driving Range"). Golf activities include golf instruction, sale of golf equipment and merchandise, club fitting and the servicing of members and clients.

For more information please contact Darcy Kral, Manager of Membership Services with the Canadian PGA at darcy@cpga.com or 1-800-782-5764 ext. 224
OR in British Columbia contact Stacy Reykdal, PGA of BC Communications and Member Services Coordinator at stacy@pgabc.org or 604-303-6766

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The 2009 Club Professional Championship is slated to tee-off at the Bear Mountain Golf & CC new Valley Course on September 28th & 29th in Victoria.

This event is open to all Class "A" Head, Executive, and Head Teaching Professionals. The field is limited to 48 players and entry forms are available online in the Tournament & Events section of www.pgabc.org.

The entry deadline for the event is Friday, September 18th at 12:00 PM.

Questions regarding this eventshould be directed to Brent Barr, PGA of BC Tournament Coordinator, at brent@pgabc.org.

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The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to congratulate Team Canada members Lindsay Renolds of Christina Lake, B.C. and Mathieu Rivard of Granby, Que. as well as David Markle of Shelburne, Ont. on their decisions to pursue a career in professional golf.

Renolds' jump to the professional ranks follows a season as a member of Canada's National Men's Amateur Team during which he was a member of the winning Canadian team at the 2009 Four Nations Cup. Renolds holds an impressive amateur record including runner-up finishes at the 2008 British Amateur Championship and 2009 Mexican Amateur Championship.

Rivard joins the world of professional golf after four seasons on Team Canada (2006 - 2009) where he has spent three seasons as a National Development Team Member (2006, 2007, 2009) and one season as a National Amateur Team Member (2008).

Markle enjoyed success on the NCAA college golf circuit during his time at Kent State University (KSU), including a 9th place finish at the 2008 NCAA Championship, 8 top-10 finishes out of 13 starts in his senior year, GCAA PING Honorable Mention All-American, GCAA PING All-Region and first team All-MAC.

Markle also represented the country alongside Renolds at the 2009 Four Nations Cup.

"The National Team Program is aimed at developing our nation's top athletes through the highest levels of competition and we believe that competitors like Mathieu and Lindsay have the skills and commitment to meet the demands for success at the professional level.," said Doug Roxburgh, RCGA Director of High Performance. "Mathieu is a veteran of Team Canada and I have watched him grow into a talented and focused player. Lindsay's experience playing on the international level will no doubt help him reach professional success and David's stellar college golf career has certainly prepared him for the next level. I'm confident that these talented players will find success on the professional circuit."

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Dick Zokol's Sagbebrush Golf & Sporting Club, near Merit, recently named Canada's Best New Course of 2009 will, on Thursday, October 1st, stage a 36-hole two-person event for PGA of BC club professionals ONLY (Apprentice, Associate, The day will start with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun (Best Ball format) followed by 1:30 p.m. shotgun (Scramble format).

A purse of $13,500 (based on a full field of 30 teams) will be up for grabs. The entry fee is $500 per two-person team and will include snacks in the morning and lunch in the afternoon at Sagebrush's famous Hideout.

Those interested in participating should contact Dave Bekkering at davidbekks@hotmail.com.

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Tobiano near Kamloops, has extended an invitation to all PGA of BC members and Trade Show attendees to take part in a casual two-man scramble and skins game as the members and attendees head to the annual PGA of BC Trade Show in Penticton.

On Sunday, October 11th a "Run and Gun" style scramble format will be the order of the day with no minimum drives---just take the best shot and go! The event starts at 12 noon followed by a casual dinner and awarding of cash prizes. The entry fee is $150 per team with a maximum of 30 teams.

On Monday, October 12th a Gross Skins Game for professionals with the outright low score on the hole receiving cash. The day starts with a continental breakfast between 7:45- 8:45 am with earlier tee times to allow competitors ample time to make their way to Penticton after the round. The entry fee is $40 per person.

Host hotel for these events will be the Hampton Inn Kamloops with rooms at $99 per night based on double occupancy. Reservations may be made by calling the toll free line at 1.866.571.7897 and quoting "PGABC/Tobiano Weekend."

For further information contact Tobiano or the PGA of BC.

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Some recent member changes:

Geoff Wishlaw leaves McCleery Golf Course and moves to Olympic View Golf Club as an Apprentice Professional

Justin Manderson is no longer an Apprentice Professional at Olympic View Golf Club

Cove Links Golf Course in Delta has gained approval as a CPGA facility with Daryl Stubbs as the Head Professional

Ashlee Claydon is no longer at Westwood Plateau Golf Academy and is now an Apprentice Professional at Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club

Kevin Geistlinger is no longer an Associate Professional at Canoe Creek Golf Course and moves into the Unattached category

Eric Frederickson is no longer an Apprentice Professional at Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club

New career opportunities available include:

Director of Golf
- - The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria

Director of Golf
- - Predator Ridge Resort

Instructor Trainee
- - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

Head Professional
- - Sechelt Golf & Country Club

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The PGA of BC recently paid tribute to former Association Executive Director and Honorary Director, Ian Fraser, a former Executive Director of the PGA of BC and an Honorary Director who passed away suddenly in his 90th year at Lions Gate Hospital. Ian is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Adele, daughter Jill, sons Stephen and Geoffrey (Lora) and beloved grandchildren Matthew and Cassie. Ian was predeceased by his eldest son Christopher in December 2007.

A proud native Vancouverite, Ian attended Prince of Wales School and after graduation joined the Canadian Bank of Commerce. In October 1939 he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery, serving in Canada and England before serving with the Essex Scottish Regiment in N.W. Europe and becoming wounded in Holland. After the war Ian served in the Reserve Army and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. Very active in business in Vancouver, Ian was responsible for launching Central Heat Ltd., now serving much of downtown with steam heat.

Always interested in sports, he played football and rugby - but his lifelong passion was golf. He got his start as a caddy at Quilchena Golf Club and Point Grey Golf Club, where he later became a member. He was a founding Governor of Swaneset Bay Resort and spent 10 years as Executive Director of the BC PGA, retiring as an Honorary Director. In 1965 he became involved in founding the Variety Club of BC, Tent 47, and served as Chief Barker in 1983. In the last few weeks before his death Ian indulged in his favourite passions, watching the BC Lions and swinging his golf club.

A celebration of his life was held at the University Golf Club on Wednesday, September 9th.