RICHMOND, BC (October 16, 2014) - In a special ceremony at Richmond's River Rock Casino Resort, the PGA of BC honoured the best within the association for the 2014 season. Sixteen awards were disbursed to PGA of BC members and partners, recognizing excellence and leadership in the golf industry.
Prior to the awards presentations, representatives from the ALS Society of British Columbia were on hand to commemorate the ninth annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS. The 2014 fundraising total marked a major milestone - over $1 million raised over the duration of the program. ALS Society Executive Director Wendy Toyer presented PGA of BC Executive Director Donald Miyazaki with a commemorative display in recognition of the association's support.
Following the commemorative ceremony, the PGA of BC Awards ceremony commenced. The 2014 PGA of BC Awards were presented in the following categories:
- Golf Professional of the Year presented by Pin High Golf - Tom Monaghan, Head Professional at Fraserview Golf Course
- Jim Gibson Patron of the Year - Acushnet Canada
- PGA of BC Media Personnel of the Year - Jay Janower, Global TV
- Distinguished Service Award presented by DGL Sports - Mike Smedstad, Executive Professional at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club
- Player of the Year presented by Richport Ford - Gordy Scutt, Candidate for Membership at Olympic View Golf Club
- Coach of the Year presented by LessonTrax - Scott Rodgers, Head Professional at Meadow Gardens Golf Club
- Golf Facility of the Year presented by FYidoctors - Seymour Golf & Country Club
- Apprentice of the Year presented by Cleveland Golf Srixon Canada - Brodie Carle, Candidate for Membership at Predator Ridge Golf Resort
- Sales Representative of the Year presented by Trainwest Management & Consulting - Mark Lindsay, Nielsen Agencies
- Golf Shop of the Year presented by Forestar Golf Sales Ltd - The Harvest Golf Club
- Teacher of the Year presented by Maui Jim - Clay Stothers, Class A Professional at Okanagan Golf Club
- Professional Development Award presented by Steve Nash Fitness World & Sports Club- Ashley Zibrik, Class A Professional at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club
- 2013 Professional Development Program Order of Merit Winner - Dave Zibrik, Class A Professional at Capilano Golf & Country Club
- Junior Golf Leader of the Year presented by Rampion Enterprises Ltd. - Peter Hopley, Executive Professional at Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club
Recipients of the PGA of BC scholarship and bursary program were also announced during the ceremony. Each was accompanied by $1,000 to assist the recipients in their efforts to grow and promote the game of golf within their communities.
- Jim Gibson Scholarship - Casey Johnson, Teaching Professional at Copper Point Golf Club
- Forestar Golf Community Leadership Bursary - Jeff Palmer, Teaching Professional at Olympic View Golf Club
For more on the PGA of BC Awards - including past award winners - click here.