FEBRUARY 15, 2018
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) -- If one needed an indication of how excited PGA of BC members are to learn from Michael Breed at next week’s Spring Education Seminar, just take a look at the number of Golf Professionals registered to attend.
More than 170 individuals are expected at Tsawwassen Springs on Monday and Tuesday – perhaps the largest total ever for a PGA of BC elective education gathering – when Breed will be the headline speaker of the Association’s signature professional development event.
But as much as members’ enthusiasm for the PGA of America’s 2012 National Teacher of the Year has been overwhelming, Breed is just as eager to arrive in the Vancouver area to address the group.
“Education for me is a necessity for us to be able to assist our students in performing well, no doubt about it,” said Breed. “I love having sharing sessions of education in what we can do. My level of excitement is as high as it can possibly be, and I’m grateful to be asked and looking forward to being part of it.”
Breed is one of seven knowledgeable presenters on the Spring Education Seminar schedule, with each set to share invaluable expertise on a wide range of topics relevant to all Golf Professionals, including instruction, career development, marketing, financial literacy and the game’s future.
A Golf Channel personality for nearly two decades, Breed gained renown for his 10-year run as host of The Golf Fix, with his know-how and enthusiasm helping to make it one of the broadcaster’s most popular programs. He’s recently moved into a new role as Golf Digest’s Chief Digital Instructor and hosts his two-hour SiriusXM Radio show, A New Breed of Golf, each weekday morning. Operating the Michael Breed Golf Academy at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, the 55-year-old ranked 13th on Golf Digest’s 2017-18 50 Best Teachers list, and No. 1 in the state of New York.
With his infectious energy, unparalleled knowledge and “Let’s Do This” mantra, Breed’s back-to-back speaking sessions on Day 1 of the seminar will be inspiring, can’t miss events as he shares some of the insight that has made him one of the world’s most revered teachers. It’s anticipated that a portion of his talk will focus on “The Putting Doctrine,” and attendees will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions to draw on his extensive experience.
Before Breed takes the stage Monday morning, the program will open with a talk from Colin Weston, who will be front-and-centre throughout the seminar as the event’s moderator. The Vancouver resident is a founding partner with the visionary sport-experience firm REVIVER Sport+Entertainment, which played a key role in the creation of the Topgolf Crush initiative that has brought the Topgolf experience to major sporting venues like Seattle’s Safeco Field.
Also the host of the ModGolf Podcast, Weston has a passion for innovations in golf and the game’s growth. That’s evidenced by both REVIVER’s pioneering golf experiences and the wide range of Weston’s podcast guests, who have included prominent figures like European Tour CEO Keith Pelley and some elite competitors, as well as executives from manufacturers, unique start-ups and individuals spearheading golf initiatives at the grassroots level.
“The creation of the ModGolf Podcast was really a response to all of the amazing people that I’ve met over the past five years,” said Weston. “Nobody’s telling these stories and somebody should be, so I figured, ’Why don’t I tell them?’”
Weston said a recurring theme of community-building has revealed itself through the podcast’s 29-episode run. Don’t be surprised to see that subject come up in his hour-long exploration of the successes he’s seen in innovative business ideas in the golf industry.
As moderator, Weston will be introducing each presenter and helping facilitate interactions and questions between attendees and speakers. Like most, he’s keen to hear from Breed – “I think he’ll have a chance to share a lot of stories and also incredible insights from his professional experience,” Weston said – but he’s intrigued by the entire cohort of speakers lined up for the seminar.
“The diversity of topics that you have is very broad and very deep,” he said.
“There is incredible talent that is going to be speaking over the two days that are locally-based.”
Among the BC-based presenters on tap next week is Down to Earth Golf’s Doug Hastie, also the Director of Instruction at Victoria’s Bear Mountain Golf Resort. The PGA of BC’s Teacher of the Year in 2007 and the Association’s 2017 Davie Black Professional Development Award recipient, Hastie is highly regarded by his peers as one of the province’s most knowledgeable instructors. His 90-minute talk on Tuesday morning will focus on where to begin with a new student and the factors that inform that starting point.
Monday’s program will conclude with Kirk O. Reese, Executive Vice-President with Denehy Club Thinking Partners, who brings extensive expertise as a club manager at distinguished facilities such as The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., Chevy Chase Club and Los Angeles Country Club. He’ll be drawing on that experience when detailing for members some of the things they should expect when interviewing for a position at a private club.
The event’s second day kicks off with Dr. Christopher Cain, who is Director of the PGA Golf Management Program at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His presentation will look at Golf Professionals’ current position within the industry while touching on the educational approach being taken with future Professionals coming up through programs like his in the United States.
The seminar will close with two presentations Tuesday from experts outside the golf industry whose insights will be no less valuable to PGA of BC members. Matthew Pritchard of Expense Reduction Analysts will provide guidance on finding financial efficiencies while maintaining the high standards your patrons have come to expect.
Lastly, Andrew Muller of local marketing firm One Yellow Tree will deliver a talk on brand recognition and consistency. Muller’s specialization in online marketing is a topic that Association members have highlighted as an area of interest to learn more for the benefit of their facilities.
See our event page for more detailed information about each speaker, a full seminar itinerary and more important event info.
Attendees are reminded that a Business Formal dress code will be in effect for the Spring Education Seminar. Click here for a description of acceptable attire.
Please note that the PGA of BC Annual General Meeting will also take place Monday following the conclusion of the day’s scheduled presentations.