March 21, 2023

RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - PGA of BC members gathered at gorgeous Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club today for the Interior Education Series, where they gained valuable knowledge from a wealth of speakers. More than 40 people enjoyed a phenomenal day of professional development and growth which will be applied at their clubs and in their communities.

Starting the morning, TD Bank Group’s Warren Kakoschke, Dan Francis and Ken Baker joined attendees to help them with their business operations. Kakoschke brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, with expertise in estate and trust planning, business successions and tax planning. The speakers shared their insight on how golf professionals and clubs can adjust to and weather the changing economic climate, not just provincially and nationally, but also specific to the Okanagan. Francis noted the projected influx of 6000 new residents to the Okanagan annually in the coming years.

To follow, members were able to improve on their understanding of mental performance and the intersection of the body and mind. Dr. Shaunna Taylor, past Chair of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and current Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, brought her expertise from working with athletes across nearly 70 different sports, including her current work with the Canadian men’s alpine team as they prepare for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Dr. Taylor’s presentation gives our golf professionals some strategies to optimize their students’ mental performance, which can translate to better golf scores and a greater enjoyment of the game.

After a delicious lunch, we were joined for a final presentation from Jeff Overholt, Director of Instruction at The Harvest Golf Club, PGA of Canada Class “A” Member and 2022 PGA of BC Teacher of the Year Award recipient for the BC Interior Region. With Overholt’s experience coaching juniors, NCAA, mini-tour and masters-level athletes, his insight on teaching techniques is invaluable. Overholt used a workshop-style presentation to share his strategies for improving a player’s game without changing their swing.

The Association would like to thank Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club Head Professional Lee Alarie and his team for their phenomenal hospitality at this event. We also extend our gratitude to Foresight Sports Canada for their generous support of the PGA of BC Education Series.

For more information on the Education Series and other opportunities for Professional Development, please contact Interim Executive Director Jared Siminoff at jared@pgabc.org.