January 21, 2025
Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC is proud to announce Ryan Tofani as the winner of the inaugural 2024 Replay Golf Supplies Community Engagement Program.
The Sandpiper Golf Club Head Professional topped the standings in the program’s first season with 43 points, demonstrating his incredible dedication to the Association, his club and his community. Tofani’s participation in Association initiatives, volunteerism, and positive representation of a golf professional through social and traditional media highlighted his community engagement in 2024.
The Replay Golf Supplies Community Engagement Program aims to recognize golf professionals across British Columbia who prioritize community involvement, public volunteerism, and other charitable efforts outside the golf industry. This initiative rewards active involvement in key community events like the Golfathon for ALS, Junior Golf Week and Women’s Golf Week, with points awarded for promoting, participating in, and fundraising for these and other community initiatives.
The program also values broader community involvement, such as volunteer work, engagement in other sports, and various fundraising activities, recognizing the diverse contributions of golf professionals beyond the course. Crucially, the program places a strong emphasis on the use of social media as a powerful tool for professionals to positively promote the PGA of BC, including education events and tournaments.
Tofani’s dedication to fostering a positive impact both within the golf industry and beyond has set a high standard for the program’s future. Reflecting on his achievement and the importance of community engagement, Tofani shared his perspective:
“Winning the inaugural Community Engagement Program signifies a profound validation of the work and time I’ve dedicated to the program and its initiatives. I encourage other professionals to get involved in any way that they can. Personally, it's always great to be the first to win something. I think what the CEP Program stands for is fantastic and I hope it continues to allow the PGA of BC to get more involved with our local communities.”
Tofani, who was also victorious in the Association's 2024 Professional Development Program, highlighted the critical role that golf professionals play in shaping not just the sport, but also the communities they serve.
“Golf professionals hold a unique position of influence, both as professionals of the sport and as figures who can embody the values of what our game brings. Ultimately, by investing in the social fabric of their communities, golf professionals can ensure the sport remains relevant, accessible, and impactful for generations to come.”
Demonstrating a desire and drive to get involved with his local community, Chilliwack Golf Club’s Dylan Nickel earned second place in the program with 37 point this year. Nickel’s standing was made even more impressive as a first-year professional.
Derek Orr (Iron & Wood Golf Simulators) finished in third place with 33 points, Cindy Soukoroff (St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino) was fourth with 31 points, and Jeff Palmer (Highland Pacific Golf) was fifth with 25 points.
The PGA of BC was thrilled to collaborate with Replay Golf Supplies for the 2024 Community Engagement Program. The Association extends its gratitude to Replay Golf Supplies and owner Lee Burgham and encourages members to reach out to Burgham at ogb@axion.net for their recycled golf ball needs.
Thanks to the patronage of Replay Golf Supplies, the top-ten finishers and ties in the Community Engagement Program standings will be awarded from a purse of $5,000.
Please click here to view the full final standings for the 2024 Replay Golf Supplies Community Engagement Program.
For more information and for any media inquiries, please contact Marketing & Communications Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.
