The PGA of British Columbia is pleased to announce the recipients of four 2014 PGA of BC Awards: Player of the Year, Media Personnel of the Year, Patron of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award, as well as The Forestar Golf Community Leadership Bursary and The Jim Gibson Scholarship. The recipients, along with the winners of ten other PGA of BC Awards, will be recognized at the PGA of BC Awards Ceremony - October 15th at the River Rock Casino Resort.
The PGA of BC Player of the Year Award presented by Richport Ford recognizes exceptional play in tournament competition and is determined by the winner of the 2014 PGA of BC Order of Merit. Gordy Scutt, Candidate for Membership at Olympic View Golf Club, had a phenomenal season including a strong showing at the PGA of BC Assistants' Championship, multiple victories on the Vancouver Island Professional Tour, and a playoff win at the PGA of BC Championship in August. Scutt wrapped his season with a second place finish in the VIPT's final major to take the PGA of BC Order of Merit title, and with it the 2014 PGA of BC Player of the Year honours.
A new award for 2014, the PGA of BC Media Personnel of the Year Award honours a media member or organization that has made a significant contribution to the PGA of BC over the past year. Jay Janower of Global Television consistently provides insightful coverage of members and events, and consistently uses his medium to grow the game of golf throughout the province. Janower is one of BC's leading sports personalities, and has made a concerted effort to grow the game of golf on a local level thru his on-course television spots, showcasing PGA of BC professionals and their facilities in the process. The PGA of BC thanks Jay Janower for his outstanding contribution to the association, and to the game of golf in British Columbia.
The Jim Gibson Patron of the Year is awarded each year to a person or group of people outside the PGA of BC membership that demonstrates exceptional contribution to the Association's initiatives. Acushnet Canada Inc., represented by Bob Rawlings, John Beddis, Will Norton, Scott Wilson, Bob Jude, and past president Herb Paterson, has supported the PGA of BC Championship as title sponsor for more than ten years and remains one of only three PGA of BC Platinum level partners. Acushnet Canada is a great friend to the PGA of BC membership, and retains a tremendous respect for the role of the Golf Professional in today's industry.
Formerly known as the Member of the Year Award, the PGA of BC Distinguished Service Award presented by DGL Sports is presented to a PGA of BC member who demonstrates exceptional commitments to the Association by supporting and promoting the Association's brand and initiatives. Mike Smedstad, Executive Professional of Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, has demonstrated his commitment to the PGA of BC on many occasions - including hosting potential sponsors, consistently supporting the partners of our Association when making purchasing decisions for his facility, and hosting the PGA of BC Annual Sponsor-Media Invitational tournament at Mayfair Lakes.
The PGA of British Columbia also distributes The Forestar Community Leadership Bursary and The Jim Gibson Scholarship.
The Forestar Community Leadership Bursary recognizes an individual who is a leader in their community in growing the game of golf. During the past two seasons Jeff Palmer, Director of Instruction at Olympic View Golf Club, has partnered with the National Golf In Schools Program and BC Golf’s P2F Program to help provide equipment and volunteer instruction to over 1800 students across 15 schools in the Victoria area. Palmer will receive $1000 to support his efforts in the Victoria region.
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 who was extremely well versed in the game. Casey Johnson, Class A Professional at Copper Point Golf Club, has invested a tremendous amount when it comes to mentoring junior golfers and volunteering his time for charity. Johnson has volunteered countless hours to Junior Golf in the Invermere community through implementation of Golf Programs in the local schools, as well as starting his own private Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised over $15,000 in funds to support local families in need. Johnson will receive $1000 to assist with his efforts in the Columbia Valley.