July 24, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - Canucks Junior Golf Week wrapped up last week, with over 600 kids gaining valuable skills while enjoying fun-filled camps coached by PGA of BC professionals!
From July 7-17, junior golfers between the ages of 5 and 17 attended camps located at golf facilities across the province. Attendees were taught fundamental golf skills, as well as important lessons on etiquette and professionalism. For many attendees, this was their first introduction to the sport, paving the way for a new wave of young athletes. The skills developed through golf complement those of other sports, including hockey, while participating in golf also imparts important life skills such as honesty, sportsmanship, responsibility, integrity and respect. To date, over 5500 kids have participated in the program.
Rob Tadey, Head Professional at Fairview Mountain Golf Club, participated in the program and expressed his strong confidence in the initiative.
“This program is important to me, as I started golf in a very similar program,” said Tadey. “As PGA of Canada members, it is our obligation not to overlook programs like Canucks Junior Golf Week. To offer an inexpensive opportunity for kids to be introduced to the great game of golf is very satisfying.”
Ledgeview Golf Club’s Brady Stead also participated as a coach this year and echoed Tadey’s sentiments.
“It meant a lot for us at the Ledgeview Golf Club to participate in Canucks Junior Golf week. For many of these kids, it was their first experience at a golf course. Thank you to the PGA of BC and the Canucks organization for helping give these kids the opportunity to try the game of golf!” said Stead. “’Where Legends Are Born’ is our motto at the Ledgeview Golf Club. We're very proud of our junior programs here as we try to grow our next Ray Stewart, James Lepp, Adam Hadwin, or Nick Taylor, all of whom grew up playing golf at our facility. We also recognize the many benefits that playing golf can bring to one's life. If we can help introduce more people to the game for simply the enjoyment of golf, we're thrilled. This all starts at the grassroots level with programs like Canucks Junior Golf Week.”
Fin, the Canucks mascot, visited two camps at Clayton Hills Golf Course, where juniors got to experience a unique introduction to the sport through Discover Golf Canada products, which are a series of creative games designed to emphasize fun through play. The kids at the camps were ecstatic to meet Fin, and even got to see him hit a few shots. Each camp ended with a winner-take-all putting contest, with Fin hoisting the champions in the air to celebrate their victory!
Langley Golf Academy's Tyler Roope, who ran the camps at Clayton Hills with Cole Briggs, said he is pleased to see so many kids engaging with the sport and developing valuable life skills.
“Canucks Junior Golf Week is such a great opportunity for us BC professionals to introduce kids to the game. To have the chance to allow kids to experience golf in a compelling environment is an exciting privilege. It is a conduit that gives us the opportunity to create a great first impression of what golf is,” said Roope. “Golf gives us a platform to help enrich a child’s life and their physical, social and mental development. The more kids we are able to introduce to the game of golf, the more opportunities we have to make an impact. In these times children are deprived of organic and variable play. Golf allows a child to play the most variable game of them all and instill habits and traits that will make a lifelong impact.”
Rod Brathwaite, Manager of Minor Hockey and Alumni for the Canucks, said the organization is proud to help develop and foster local athletes.
"Hockey has our heart, but all of us at the Canucks feel it's important to encourage and support all youth sports in our province," said Brathwaite. "We want kids to become well rounded athletes as playing different sports not only improves your overall athletic ability, but more importantly it’s an opportunity to experience new challenges and gain valuable skills and attributes that come from the power of sport."
The Association is excited to continue to grow the program, according to Executive Director Mark Strong.
"The PGA of BC is proud of its Junior Golf Week program and is very appreciative of the Vancouver Canucks' support and participation; without sponsorship like theirs, we would not be able to put on these fun-filled and educational camps. Based on the positive feedback that we receive from parents and kids alike, we will be increasing the scope of this program going forward, and plan to make those exciting announcements this fall."
Attendees at each camp received a free Vancouver Canucks and PGA of BC-branded hat. The Association extends our gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks for their partnership in this program, and to G&G Brands for their support in providing the gifts. Finally, we are so grateful to every one of our incredible professionals who helped create lasting memories and impart a love for the game among BC juniors!
