RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC is proud to announce the recipients of three of its 2016 awards, as well as the 2016 Forestar Golf Community Leadership Bursary, and the Jim Gibson Scholarship. This recognition program is designed to honour individuals in the golf community that exhibit qualities such as volunteerism, selflessness, passion, and dedication to the game. The recipients, along with the winners of ten other PGA of BC Awards, will be recognized at the PGA of BC Awards Ceremony, held on October 12 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
The Forestar Golf Community Leadership Bursary recognizes an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary desire and passion to to use their abilities to make a difference in the lives of others, setting an example of "giving back" with which all PGA of BC members are proud to be associated. This year, we are pleased to award this bursary to Clay Stothers, Class "A" Professional at Okanagan Golf Club. In his position at Okanagan GC thus far, Stothers has built the junior golf program from just a couple die-hard golfers, to nearly 50 Juniors, in addition to coordinating three high school participation programs in his region. Stothers plans to use the bursary to assist in funding the Grow through Golf Program, an initiative that introduces the game to younger students, while maximising older students' ability and potential to play competitively.
The Jim Gibson Scholarship is named in honour of the late Jim Gibson, a long-time supporter of the PGA of BC who valued education in his role as a golf professional, and was extremely well versed in the game. The recipient of this scholarship exemplifies volunteerism and demonstrates a passion for furthering their education for their community's benefit. The PGA of BC is proud to award the 2016 scholarship to Greg Pool, Class "A" Professional at Capilano Golf & Country Club. Pool is an active volunteer in the PGA of BC community, serving as both the Vice Captain and Assistants' Representative on the Association's Board of Directors, in addition to leading the Srixon PGA of BC Tour as the Commissioner. Pool is currently completing a certificate through Cornell University focused on leadership, the scholarship funds will assist Pool with the completion of all seven courses.
Introduced in 2014, the Media Personnel of the Year Award recognizes a media member or organization that has made a significant contribution to the PGA of BC over the past year. This year, we are happy to present this award to Inside Golf. A long-time supporter of the Association, Inside Golf continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Association by showcasing our members projects and achievements both in print and online. The organization also offers a wide range of printing and marketing solutions to the golf industry - making it an incredible resource for our members across the province.
The Jim Gibson Patron of the Year Award is presented each year to a person or group of people outside of the PGA of BC membership that demonstrates an exceptional contribution to the Association's initiatives. This year, the PGA of BC is proud to present this award to Canucks Sports & Entertainment. Canucks Sports & Entertainment has been instrumental to the success of Canucks Junior Golf Week, a PGA of BC initiative that has introduced over 1,600 children to the game of golf over the past three years. Providing both branding and marketing assistance for the program, including promoting the camps to thousands of their season tickets holders, the Vancouver Canucks have been imperative to the growth of the Association's junior golf initiatives.
The PGA of BC Distinguished Service Award presented by DGL Sports is awarded to a PGA of BC member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the Association by supporting and promoting the Association's brand and initiatives. This year, the PGA of BC is pleased to present this award to Brian Schaal, Executive Professional at Copper Point Golf Club. Despite residing quite a distance away from most of the Association's events, Schaal makes a great effort to attend himself, while also encouraging his three Professionals to do the same. Moreover, Schaal is a strong advocate for the PGA of BC Professional on the NGCOA Board of Directors to which he continually presses for the importance of owners to have a golf professional at their facilities.
We congratulate the above on their achievements, and look forward to recognizing them, along with other awards recipients (click here for a complete list), at the PGA of BC Awards Celebration next week. The event will take place October 12 at the River Rock Casino Resort. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please click here.
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PGA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: GOLF - OUR BUSINESS, OUR PASSION
The PGA of BC is an association of highly skilled and dedicated golf professionals who promote, play, develop and advance the game and business of golf for the benefit of its members and the people of British Columbia. Our members teach and administer golf while providing strong leadership in the community through charity events and volunteering. Dynamic and savvy, PGA of BC professionals are available at more than 200 golf facilities - a vital resource to the future of the game in Canada's golf capital. For more information, please visit http://www.pgabc.org/.
For more information, please contact:
Katrina Owens
Communications and Marketing Manager
PGA of British Columbia
604.303.6766
katrina@pgabc.org