The Professional Golfers' Association of British Columbia is proud to announce Victoria Golf Club Head Professional Mike Parker as the latest recipient of the PGA of BC Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Award, nominated by a special committee and approved by the PGA of BC Board of Directors, honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the PGA of BC over an extended period of time through their actions on and off the golf course. This highest level of honour is not one that is awarded every year, and has only been awarded six previous times in the history of PGA of BC, most recently last year to long-time supporter and Tournament Advisor Jim Gibson. The other winners include Herb Paterson (2001), Gerry Chatelain (2006), Stan Leonard (2006), Jack McLaughlin (2007), and Dick Munn (2010).
Mr. Parker is one of the longest serving golf professionals in the country, working at the prestigious Victoria Golf Club for over 43 years. He started as an Assistant Professional under the tutelage of Paul Trapp in 1969 and assumed the position of Head Professional in October of 1984 when Mr. Trapp retired. A long time supporter of the PGA of BC, Mike served as President in 1984 and 1985 and was named Club Professional of the Year in 1986. He has also served on the Advisory Board of the Professional Golf Management Program at Camosun College since its inception in 1998.
Mr. Parker played briefly on the Johnny Walker Tour (now the Canadian Tour), and also represented the victorious British Columbia teams at the 1994 and 1995 Titleist Cup inter-zone matches versus Alberta. His most recent accomplishment included partnering with Victoria Golf Club Champion Craig Doell to win the PGA of BC Tournament of Champions in 2007.
One of Mr. Parker's proudest achievements is the Golf Shop at the Victoria Golf Club, often recognized as one of the finest facilities in British Columbia. With his team of Assistant Golf Professionals, they provide a full event schedule and work tirelessly to fulfil the golfing needs of the entire membership.
One of Mr. Parker's proudest achievements is the Golf Shop at the Victoria Golf Club, often recognized as one of the finest facilities in British Columbia. With his team of Assistant Golf Professionals, they provide a full event schedule and work tirelessly to fulfil the golfing needs of the entire membership.
As Head Professional, Mr. Parker invested significant time to the training and mentoring of some of the finest golf minds in the industry, including notable Golf Head Professionals and/or General Managers Jim Goddard, Chris Herkel, Dale Broughton, Jon Kadin, Ron Gill, Todd Mahovlich, Steve Haggard, Tara Roden (who became the first female Head Professional in B.C.), and Victoria Golf Club General Manager and Executive Professional, Scott Kolb.
(LEFT) 1994 Titleist Cup inter-zone teams held at Victoria Golf Club. Mike Parker (top left) was the host Professional and team British Columbia emerged victorious over team Alberta.
(RIGHT) Craig Doell and Mike Parker won the 2007 PGA of BC Tournament of Champions.
(RIGHT) Craig Doell and Mike Parker won the 2007 PGA of BC Tournament of Champions.
An awards ceremony to honour Mr. Parker's accomplishments will be held in conjunction with the opening round dinner at the 2012 Cleveland Golf / Srixon Canada PGA of BC Club Professional Championship presented by DSG Fleet Solutions. The event will be on October 1st, hosted at Parker's home club, the Victoria Golf Club.
All patrons are invited to join us for the evening for a celebration of Mr. Parker. To RSVP for the reception and dinner, please click here. To register for the Championship, click here.
The PGA of BC Board of Directors are most thankful for Mr. Parker's contributions to the game of golf, the Victoria community, his dedication to the Association, and feel his actions make him very deserving of this year's PGA of BC Lifetime Achievement Award.
For additional information, please contact Donald Miyazaki, PGA of BC Executive Director by email or call 604-303-6766.