February 6, 2025
Tsawwassen, BC (PGA of BC) - Golf professionals from across BC convened at Tsawwassen Springs Golf earlier this week for the 2025 Education Seminar presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for industry leaders to share expertise, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional connections.
The PGA of BC extends sincere appreciation to the exceptional lineup of speakers who shared their insights: Alan Oishi, business strategist; Cammi Granato, Canucks Assistant GM and Olympic Gold Medalist; Ray Ferraro, broadcaster and former NHL star; Dan Murphy, broadcaster, author, and podcast host; Dr. Katie Lebel, Sports Business Professor at the University of Guelph; Dr. Tyler Standifird, Biomechanics Professor at Utah Valley University; Angus Reid, former BC Lions offensive lineman and motivational speaker; Rick Fehr, two-time PGA TOUR winner and PGA of America professional; and Aileen McManamon, founder of 5T Sports Group and Green Sports Alliance Chair.
The seminar opened with Alan Oishi, who walked attendees through the key phases of a thriving business venture, highlighting strategies to maintain momentum and foster long-term growth.
A fireside chat featuring Cammi Granato and Ray Ferraro, moderated by Dan Murphy, brought engaging discussion and firsthand accounts of their storied careers—Granato’s transition from the ice to an NHL front office and Ferraro’s evolution into broadcasting.
Dr. Katie Lebel closed out day one with a compelling presentation on the financial impact of women in sports. Her research detailed the intersection of women’s athletics and corporate investment, underscoring the business case for greater inclusion and strategies to attract more women to golf in BC and beyond.
Tuesday’s sessions began with Dr. Tyler Standifird, who shared his expertise on ground reaction forces and their application in improving performance for golfers at all levels.
Angus Reid, Grey Cup Champion and former BC Lions offensive lineman, delivered an energetic and inspiring talk, breaking down the habits and mental frameworks that fueled his success as both a professional athlete and youth coach.
Rick Fehr, a two-time PGA TOUR Champion, reflected on his playing career, candidly discussing how overcoaching and swing changes hindered his performance. Now a coach himself, he applies those lessons to help his students avoid similar pitfalls.
The seminar wrapped up with Aileen McManamon in conversation with PGA of BC Executive Director Mark Strong, exploring the business opportunities in sports sustainability. Their discussion examined how golf courses can drive revenue while reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ledgeview Golf Club’s Bryan Peters, attending his first Education Seminar since joining the Association last year, shared his enthusiasm for the experience:
“It was incredible to be in a room with all your peers and everyone we work with. The lineup was very impressive, I enjoyed it from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next one and I walked away very motivated,” said Peters.
Point Grey Golf & Country Club’s Stephanie Vanderpas stressed not only the value of the speakers’ insights and expertise, but also the knowledge and wisdom shared amongst fellow professionals.
“It’s very rare to get so many golf professionals in the same room. Not only are you all going in with a growth mindset to learn and become a better professional, but you also get to connect with everybody across the province. Getting to see everybody from all walks of life is such a unique experience,” said Vanderpas.
A special thank you to TaylorMade Golf Canada and Sales Manager Lance Antonenko for their support of this marquee education event. Their commitment to professional development aligns with the PGA of BC’s mission to foster growth in the industry. We encourage members to send a note of appreciation to Antonenko at Lance.Antonenko@taylormadegolf.com.
“We see a lot of benefit from the professionals,” said Antonenko. “We’re heavily involved in education and the growth of golf professionals, which aligns with what we at TaylorMade are trying to do: get better every day. Thank you to everybody for attending, participating and engaging in all the different topics and conversations.”
The PGA of BC also extends gratitude to Head Professional Matt Sutherland and the entire Tsawwassen Springs team for their outstanding hospitality throughout the event.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.