RICHMOND, B.C. (January 8, 2015) - In a battle that went right down to the wire, Jeff Palmer of Victoria’s Olympic View Golf Club was crowned the PGA of BC Professional Development Program (PDP) Champion for 2014. Palmer finished the year with an impressive 120 points, representative of his widespread involvement in education, tournament play and various forms of volunteerism.
"I am thrilled to have finished as the points leader for 2014 and want to thank the PGA of BC for the opportunity to enhance my skills as a business leader and golf professional," Palmer said. "One of my goals for 2014 was to learn as much as I could from the great resources made available by the PGA of BC. This is truly a win-win. Education is a privilege, as is the chance to develop personally and professionally. It's something I encourage our young professionals to take advantage of.”
Amongst his long list of 2014 accomplishments, Palmer spearheaded an in-school golf program at Happy Valley Elementary School, helped fundraising efforts for the TLC Funds for Kids (which benefits underprivileged youth in the Victoria area), and played an instrumental role in the continued development of the PGA of BC’s Education Series, where he delivered a vivid presentation entitled Leadership and Customer Service in Foreign Club Cultures.
Palmer narrowly edged out Ashley Zibrik of Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, who herself enjoyed a stellar season of volunteerism and professional accomplishment, and who was recently honoured with the PGA of Canada's 2014 Tex Noble Award for Professional Development. Her countless hours of volunteering with various PGA of BC programs, as well as her continued dedication to her professional development, earned her a very well-deserved spot among the Province’s best.
Rounding out the top five were Myles Johnson (Class "A" Professional, Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club), Bill Kelly (Head Professional, Glacier Greens Golf Club), and 2013 PDP Champion Dave Zibrik (Class "A" Professional, Capilano Golf & Country Club). The $6,400 total prize money, divided amongst the top-ten finishers, provides winners with opportunities to continue pursuing their professional education and development. For final standings of the 2014 PGA of BC Professional Development Program, please click here.
The 2015 PGA of BC Professional Development Program kicks off January 26th at The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, BC, with the first leg of the PGA of BC's Education Series.