January 17, 2023

Vancouver, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – Golf professionals from around the province were treated to an outstanding and informative event at Marine Drive Golf Club to kick off the 2023 PGA of BC Education Series presented by Foresight Sports Canada, with presentations from experts with a diverse range of experience.

This marked the Association’s first in-person Lower Mainland education event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and set an Education Series attendance record with over 70 professionals coming together to further their knowledge and benefit their clubs and communities.

The program kicked off with Nathan Leonhardt, Head Teaching Professional at Par-Tee Golf, showcasing his ability to connect with and coach golfers from all over the world using digital platforms and social media outreach. Leonhardt explained how golf professionals can capitalize on an increasingly digital world to spread the game of golf and grow their business.

Kate Czerwenka, Precision Nutrition L1 Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and founder of Groundwork Athletics nutrition department, and Calum Butterworth, Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach (CSCS), Masters of Kinesiology student (MKin), and Head Personal Trainer at Groundwork Athletics, delivered a presentation on how to optimize your body’s performance with a focus on strength training and nutrition. Butterworth explained how strength training can add more distance to your club strikes and can improve your overall health. Czerwenka then spoke on the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet, and stressed that extreme diets are not optimal for golf performance or in general.

Following a delicious lunch, Dave Mowat, Former CEO of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union and ATB Financial, Chair of the Alberta Royalty Review Panel, and current Telus Board Member, shared his expertise as a corporate leader, including advice on how to maintain a healthy and productive organizational culture. Mowat’s personality and humour were on full display, capping off an entertaining event.

Norman Baufeld, Head Teaching Professional at GOLFTEC Vancouver, was an attendee. “It was a great event with my peers. As always, we learnt new, fresh information to build on subjects we’re familiar with.”

The PGA of BC would like to thank host Head Professional Padraic O’Rourke and the entire team at Marine Drive Golf Club for providing a fantastic setting for the Education Series event. The Association also extends its appreciation to presenting sponsor Foresight Sports for its generous support of our Education Series.

Members are reminded that more opportunities for professional development exist in the months ahead. These include the first PGA of BC Virtual Education Session of the year on January 30th, and the Spring Education Seminar, held February 6th and 7th at Tsawwassen Springs Golf. Please click here to find our event schedule and more information about upcoming speakers.