Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights”—a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12. Though technically religious, it’s also become a cultural event in North America that’s celebrated with sweets and special foods.

What Is Diwali?

Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.

In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali. In other places where Diwali occurs, usually only the main day is celebrated.

Who Celebrates Diwali?

Diwali is primarily celebrated by followers of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday, meaning that people outside these religions may participate in Diwali celebrations, too. Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and elsewhere around the globe also regularly celebrate Diwali.

When Is Diwali?

Diwali occurs annually in autumn (or spring, in the southern hemisphere), during the Hindu month of Kartik. (To put it in Western terms, Kartik begins around mid-October and ends in mid-November.) Specifically, Diwali occurs on the darkest day of the lunar month, which is the day of the new Moon.

Four of Eight PNGA POY Awards Go To Players From BC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2023

Tacoma, Wash. – The Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) has announced the region’s Players of the Year for 2023. Those honored include Men's Player of the Year, Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C.; Women’s, Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C.; Men's Mid-Amateur, Zach Foushee of Portland, Ore.; Women's Mid-Amateur, Gretchen Johnson of Portland, Ore.; Senior Men's, Tom Brandes of Bellevue, Wash.; Senior Women's, Lara Tennant of Portland, Ore.; Junior Boys', James Lee of Whistler, B.C.; and Junior Girls', Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C.

The PNGA Player of the Year candidates are nominated by the state and provincial golf associations that comprise the PNGA (British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington), and are selected by a vote of the PNGA Championship Committee.

______________________________________________

The R&A

______________________________________________

(St Andrews, Scotland and Liberty Corner, NJ, USA) – The R&A and the USGA announced the first update to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions will go into effect from the 1st of January 2024.

Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.

Significant updates to the WHS include:

Click HERE to see complete article.

View From The 1st Tee At Vancouver's Langara Golf Club - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Even on these soggy November days, there is plenty of roll on the fairways at Langara Golf Course. And now, thanks to a unanimous vote last week by the Vancouver Park Board, there is also plenty of optimism about the course’s future.

For not the first time, there have been calls recently from academics and assorted others to have at least part of Langara used for affordable housing. The park board’s answer was an emphatic no and commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky indicated his ABC party colleagues on Vancouver city council feel the same way.

Recently British Columbia Golf Held A TEAM BC Selection Camp At Richmond's Mayfair Lakes Golf Course For Some Of The Best Aspiring Young Golfers In The Province - BC Golf Photo

As part of the ongoing BC Golf Performance Program mandate, which states; 'British Columbia Golf is committed to developing a well-rounded performance program as supported by the Long Term Player Development framework for golf in Canada' -  performance camps are held regularly and run by some of the top coaches, instructors and facilitators in the province.

As stated in the 2022-2025 strategic plan of the Association, the goal of the Player Performance program is to Increase the number of competitive golfers and enhance their performance in BC, in order to develop Canada’s best players.

Most recently a selection camp was held from October 13-15 at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond.

BC Provincial Sport Organizations, British Columbia Golf and Curl BC are jointly looking to hire an Events Manager to perform an important role on behalf of both organizations in a contract position split equally over a 12-month period between the two. 

Please see full details and how to apply below. 

BC's A.J. Ewart Is On To The Next Round Of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School - Image Courtesy Brad Ziemer

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

A.J. Ewart played well again in Florida, which should not come as a surprise. The 24-year-old Coquitlam native, who enjoyed considerable success as a collegiate player at Barry University in south Florida, sailed through the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour qualifying school last week at a site in Lake Worth, Fla.

Ewart fired rounds of 69, 66, 65 and 69 to finish tied for fifth at 16-under par. The top 20 and ties advanced to the second stage of Q-school. Ewart’s third-round 65 included a hole-in-one on the 177-yard par 3 third hole at The Falls Club.

Merritt, BC's Roger Sloan Has Punched His Ticket Back To The PGA TOUR -Image Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Eight feet was all that stood between Roger Sloan and a return to the PGA TOUR. Make that putt on the 72nd hole of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship and the Merritt product was back in the big leagues. Miss it and, well, Sloan didn’t want to think about that.

It was gut-wrenching to watch on TV, so one can only imagine how Sloan felt as he was standing over the putt. He had missed some putts late in his round, so he wasn’t exactly oozing with confidence as he stood over the ball. Somehow, he managed to put all that aside and calmly stroked the ball into the middle of the cup.

SFU Freshman Denby Carswell Made His University Debut In Style - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Simon Fraser University golf coach Matt Steinbach suggested before the fall season began that members of his men’s team would be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulders. They might want to leave it right there.

The SFU men are off to a fabulous start to the new year, having won their first two events for the first time since joining the NCAA. The Red Leafs opened the fall season with a win at the Bishop Invitational at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash., and then last week followed that up with a win at the Western Washington Invitational at Bellingham Golf & Country Club.

Courtesy VIASPORT BRITISH COLUMBIA - As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 approaches on September 30th, a significant opportunity emerges to reflect on how sport can play a pivotal role in bringing people together, regardless of differences in background, ethnicity, and beliefs.

This day, set aside to acknowledge the truths about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada, prompts us to explore how the world of sport can contribute to reconciliation, education, and social progress.

Recognizing that many of you will already be acknowledging this day of reflection in your own ways, we wanted to share the campaign viaSPORT has created with their networks and for you to share with yours.

Daniel Edward Sabourin - October 6, 1948 - September 26, 2023

(September 29, 2023) PITT MEADOWS, BC - It is with heavy hearts that British Columbia Golf and indeed, the entire golf community, says goodbye to longtime volunteer and highly regarded rules official Dan Sabourin. 

Dan passed away the evening of September 26^th in hospital. Dan would have celebrated his 75^th birthday on October 6. Dan leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 53 years, Pat. (Please look here to see Dan's obituary in the Vancouver Sun)

Dan had a passion for golf which started while growing up in Coquitlam, where he became a junior member at The Vancouver Golf Club. He became a competitive golfer, and through competition, found a passion for the rules of golf.

He spent several years working with the Canadian Tour as a rules official. He brought his passion for the game through volunteer commitments at the zone, provincial and national level. He was a positive mentor to many in their rules journey and has been significant in developing many experienced referees.

He was on several committees with both British Columbia Golf and Golf Canada, receiving the Distinguished Service Award from British Columbia Golf in March of this year. “I have known Dan as a colleague and friend for over 30 years. His passing will leave a big hole in the volunteerism world and he will be missed,” said British Columbia Golf CEO Kris Jonasson.

Dan was also an active member of Pitt Meadows Golf Club, serving on the board for many years, including positions on the executive and as club president.

The many people he influenced over the years will miss Dan and his easy going humour. He was a great team player and happy to help wherever he could.

There will be a celebration of Dan's life at Pitt Meadows Golf Club on October 25th, 2023 from 1-3pm.

(Thank you to past BC Golf Tournament Director and longtime colleague of Dan's, Susan White, for her contributions to this tribute)

BC's Kylie Jack - Image Credit Brad Ziemer/BC Golf

By viaSPORT British Columbia

Kylie Jack, a gifted and highly accomplished golfer, competed at the British Columbia Indigenous Golf Championship in May 2023. This was BC’s first Indigenous tournament, hosted by BC Golf, and an opportunity for Kylie to help raise awareness about reconciliation through sport.

Kylie’s journey showcases her exceptional athleticism, her deep connection with the community, and staying true to her cultural roots in a sport that has been traditionally very elitist and lacking in diversity.

Click HERE to see complete article on viaSPORT...

ed. note: Kylie also took part in the just completed BC vs Ontario Indigenous Challenge Match at Victoria's Bear Mountain Resort. Read Brad Ziemer's story on that historic event HERE

BC's Harry Ferguson Was Steeped In Emotion After The Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Match - All Images Credit Jeff Sutherland/Courtesy British Columbia Golf

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

VICTORIA — Team British Columbia beat Ontario to win the inaugural Indigenous Challenge Match and Harry Ferguson, like the rest of his teammates, was happy about that.

But Ferguson, a past B.C. Senior Men’s Champion, would be the first to tell you that this two-day event played on the Mountain and Valley courses at the Bear Mountain resort, really wasn’t about who won and who lost.

Moments after winning his singles match 4&3, the 66-year-old Invermere resident got emotional when he was asked to describe what the event meant to him.

BC's Jared du Toit Felt He Was Denied A Fair Shot At DP World Tour Q-School - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

All Jared du Toit wanted was a fair fight and the Kimberley native didn’t feel like he got it at a DP World Tour first-stage qualifying school site in northern Italy.

Du Toit, along with fellow British Columbians Kaleb Gorbahn of Smithers and Stephen Thomas of Vancouver, were on the outside looking in when the 72-hole event was abruptly shortened to 36 holes due to heavy rain.

“I am probably the most angry I have been after a tournament,” du Toit said over the phone from Italy. “At least if you get to play a full event you know you have given it your all and you kind of had a fair shake at it.

Victoria's Bear Mountain Will Host The Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Cup  

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Christina Spence Proteau has lots of great memories from this past spring’s inaugural B.C. Indigenous Championship played at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver.

She’ll never forget winning the event, one that she also chaired and helped organize, but what really stood out for Spence Proteau was the tournament’s spirit.

The Port Alberni native had never seen so many smiles at a golf tournament. Participants seemed proud to be there and recognized they were helping plant the seeds for an event that will continue to blossom in the years ahead.

Lucas O'Dell Led The UFV Cascades To A Win In Their Season Opener At Okanagan GC’s Bear Course

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

One of the first things Connor O’Dell did when he was appointed the new golf coach at the University of the Fraser Valley was convince his cousin, Lucas O’Dell, to return home and play for the Cascades.

That decision paid early dividends when Lucas won the individual title and helped the Cascades capture the team event at the season-opening Battle of the Bear tourney in Kelowna.

Lucas, a Maple Ridge native, transferred to UFV after spending his freshman year at The Master’s University, a NAIA school in Santa Clara, Calif. He fired rounds of 67 and 68 at Okanagan Golf Club’s Bear course to win the individual competition by six shots over teammates Jackson Jacob and Eli Greene.

The Cascades won the men’s team title by 28 shots over the University of Victoria.

Image Credit British Columbia Golf/JKamPhotos

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS CAMP IS NOW SOLD OUT. 

The 2023 TEAM British Columbia Performance Camp is coming soon to Mayfair Lakes G&CC in Richmond.

This annual program event is open to all juniors for possible selection. Please see below for details and links to registration and contacts. 

Kamloops Golf & Country Club - Image Courtesy Golf Canada 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kamloops, B.C. – The 2023 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO is set for September 14-15 with a field of 44 amateur golfers competing at The Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.

The third playing of the national championship will be contested as a 36-hole competition and will feature players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments.

There are four different divisions in the Canadian All Abilities Championship that players will compete in, regardless of disability classification: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

2023 Golf Hall of Fame Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for the 2023 Golf Hall of Fame of BC Induction/Dinner are now on sale.

Join us for an evening celebrating 4 great golfers and their numerous achievements in golf.

Delta, BC Resident Yi Cao - Image Credit PGA Tour Canada

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Delta resident Yi Cao earned his Korn Ferry Tour status the hard way. All Cao did was finish first and second in the final two events of the PGA Tour Canada season to grab the fifth and final graduating spot on the Fortinet Cup points list.

Cao closed the season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship at Country Hills Golf Club in Calgary with a five-under 66 that moved him into solo second place at 17-under par. He holed a chip for eagle on the par 5 17th hole to move into second place.

Cao had entered the tournament ninth on the points list and his big finish in Calgary, which came on his 32nd birthday, was enough to move him into fifth on the points list. The top five players all earned some status on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour and all get a pass through to the final stage of this fall’s PGA TOUR qualifying school, where the top five finishers will earn their PGA TOUR cards.