April 18, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - The PGA of BC is proud to introduce changes to our Professional Development Program presented by Sunice & Bobby Jones. The top 10 point-earners by November 30, 2023 will be rewarded cash bursaries from a purse of $4,000. In addition to the overall race, which determines the Top 100 Professionals in the PGA of BC each year, we will track an Assistants’ Standings race. The top 10 Assistants, not otherwise recognized in the top 10 of the general standings, will also be rewarded cash bursaries from a purse of $2,500. Those eligible for the Assistants' Standings are professionals not otherwise eligible for the PGA of BC's Club Professional Championship. Furthermore, this season includes the introduction of the Rookie of the Year race, with the top point-earner recognized at the Annual General Meeting and a cash bursary of $250. A 'rookie' is defined as any professional who has joined the PGA of Canada from January 1 of the previous year through the present day.
The program additions will benefit members through bolstered participation in the program and by acknowledging more of our dynamic professionals, said Jared Siminoff, Interim Executive Director of the Association.
“The Professional Development Program has been a core pillar in the foundation of engagement with our members, and we are very excited to announce an expansion of the program, including an Assistant’s Standings race and highlighting the top Rookies each year,” said Siminoff.
Sunice & Bobby Jones, presenting sponsor of the Professional Development Program, is looking forward to the opportunity to honour our Top 100 Professionals, leading Assistants and Rookie of the Year.
“We’re proud to support the Professional Development Program, as the PGA of BC strives to continually improve the education and professionalism of its members. Bobby Jones, who won the first of his 13 majors 100 years ago at the U.S. Open, was the embodiment of class and sportsmanship. Sunice & Bobby Jones is thrilled to sponsor an initiative that reflects Jones’ legacy by helping professionals provide the best possible service to consumers,” said Stephen Graham, BC Sales Representative for the brand.
Having staked out an early lead, Chris Ward (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) is currently in the driver’s seat of this season’s Top 100 Professionals race. With 54 points, Ward has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to his club and community. Hot on his heels, Steve Liddicoat (University Golf Club) sits as runner-up with 46 points, while Vaughn Marshall (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) rounds out the top-three with 40 points. Bradley Gagnon (Capilano Golf & Country Club) leads all rookies in a competitive race, with a razor-thin one-point lead over Carson Spooner (Westwood Plateau Golf & Counry Club) and Jacob Vanderpas (Point Grey Golf & Country Club). Points thus far have been earned through attendance at in-person and virtual Education Series events and the Spring Education Seminar, as well as through self-submissions.
Ward said that his commitment to professional development has served to help him make a successful transition from the Alberta Zone to the PGA of BC.
"It's a great honour. With a lot of season left, I definitely took the slower season as an opportunity to work on my development and set myself up for a great year. I think the PDP is a fantastic framework to find ways to develop in this industry. I made a great effort last season to meet as many industry professionals and reps as I could, and I believe this has helped in the move."
Introduced in 2013, the PGA of British Columbia Professional Development Program is an annual Order of Merit designed to recognize members of the Association who showed a tremendous contribution to the Association, the industry, and mostly importantly themselves. Through involvement in Education, Tournaments, Trade Show, Awards, and various forms of Volunteerism, the PDP provides equal opportunity to showcase the strength of our members.
For more information, please contact Siminoff at jared@pgabc.org.