February 6, 2023

TSAWWASSEN, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - The first day of the 2023 Spring Education Seminar was a rousing success, with upwards of 180 Professionals from around the province enjoying a lineup of expert speakers.

The PGA of BC was welcomed to Tsawwassen Springs Golf where members gathered to socialize and enjoy breakfast. Following networking, the first speaker of the day took the stage.

Scott Cowx, a world-renowned expert in swing biomechanics, shared some advice for golf instructors to improve their teaching skills. His description of how golfers can utilize an unconventional club and wrist rotation to maximize distance and accuracy should prove invaluable to our members.

Cowx had some advice to share with the PGA of BC and all attendees.

“Be a critical thinker. The information we get at these seminars is fantastic. Use that to help coordinate good business decisions in your own career. If you’ve got a really great idea, run with it. Collaborate with people that share your vision and run with your ideas.”

Following Cowx, members were treated to another expert technical presentation from Ryan Holley and Matt Palsenbarg. Holley and Palsenbarg explained how the impact our bodies make with the ground as we swing have a massive effect on our golf game. They highlighted that everyone is unique, and there exists great diversity in ground interaction across golfers. For example, one golfer may be entirely lead-foot dominant, whereas another golfer might distribute their weight to their back foot. Holley and Palsenbarg stressed that there is no wrong distribution of weight, and that instead, swings should be tailored and optimized to how we interact with the ground.

“No force is the most important. Identifying how that player moves, how their dominant force works, just figure out how to lean on that, capitalize on that, it will help them play better golf and enjoy the sport more,” said Holley.

Member Professionals enjoyed a mid-day break, catching up with old friends and colleagues and dining on a full Italian feast courtesy of Tsawwassen Springs. Once bellies were full, attention was turned to Rory Sweeney, Head Golf Professional at Los Angeles Country Club. Los Angeles Country Club is set to host the 2023 US Open, and Sweeney dazzled the crowd with a presentation explaining how he operates a massively successful and prestigious course. He shared insight into the course’s preparation for this year’s major tournament, and offered sage advice on business practices.

“Be the best employee at your job. Because if you do that, the whole team around you will grow to that level and the operation will get better,” said Sweeney. “As a golf Professional, build relationships with your members and your guests. You’ll do that by playing golf, go out and play nine holes, learn who they are, and build a relationship from there.”

To close out the jam-packed day, Mental Performance Coach Alex Hodgins, whose resume includes working with the Gold Medal-winning Canadian Women’s Soccer Team, explained how mental performance correlates with athletic results. He spoke about his incredible experiences at the Olympics, and how the team incorporated mental training into their preparation. He even shared some strategies for relieving tension that have been used by players on the Vancouver Canucks.

“Your mind plays a big role in your performance and how you influence others. Be less reactionary and more engaged with how your mind can deliver the best version of yourself.”

Chris Ward, Professional at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, said the day was very informative and that everyone enjoyed the lineup.

“Any time we get into these networking events it’s a great time, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. Hearing from Olympians first thing tomorrow is going to be an awesome experience, so I can’t wait.”

Following the series of impressive presentations, Association Professionals gathered to mingle and socialize at Pat Quinn's Restaurant for the inaugaral G&G Brands Spring Social. The PGA of BC would like to extend our appreciation to G&G Brands for supporting this event.

The 2023 Spring Education Seminar returns to Tsawwassen Springs Golf tomorrow morning, we look forward to seeing you there.