PGA of British Columbia Names Recipients Of Six 2022 Awards
For Immediate Release
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) -- The PGA of BC is proud to name four recipients of the Association's 2022 Awards, as well as this year's PGA of BC Community Leadership Bursary and Jim Gibson Scholarship beneficiaries. These awards are designed to recognize leaders in the golf community exhibiting qualities such as volunteerism, selflessness, passion, and dedication to the game.
These honourees, along with the recipients of 11 other Association awards, will be recognized during the 2022 PGA of BC Awards Celebration presented by Replay Golf Supplies & Tribal, which will take place October 12th at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC.
DUNC SUTHERLAND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Presented by Accent Inns
2022 Recipient: Patrick Lago; Head Teaching Professional, Lago Golf Academy
The Dunc Sutherland Distinguished Service Award presented by Dexim Golfwear acknowledges a PGA of BC member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the Association by supporting and promoting the Association's brand, events and initiatives. This year, the PGA of BC is pleased to present this award to Patrick Lago.
Since opening the Lago Golf Academy at Coquitlam's Westwood Plateau in 2019, Patrick has quickly become a notable member of the PGA of BC amongst his peers. He has since seen an expansion of the academy, now overseeing a facility that employs eight PGA of Canada Professionals on staff. Through his work, his drive to always put the PGA of BC brand first has been prominent in all aspects of the operation including being a cornerstone facility for the successful return of the Canucks Junior Golf Week program in which all camps at the facility were sold out within minutes.
JIM GIBSON PATRON OF THE YEAR AWARD
2022 Recipient: Axis Insurance
The Jim Gibson Patron of the Year Award is presented each year to a person, group of people or organization that demonstrates an exceptional contribution to the Association's initiatives. This year, the PGA of BC is proud to recognize Axis Insurance with this award.
Not only is Axis Insurance a PGA of BC Gold-level partner, they are amongst the longest-standing supporters of the Association with a partnership spanning over 10-years. Their unwavering support stems far beyond a financial commitment - Axis Insurance believes in the PGA professionals and brand by continually supporting the PGA of BC's flagship Championship, annually contested in August.
STAN LEONARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Kal Tire
2022 Recipient: Zach Olson; Apprentice Professional, Chilliwack Golf Club
The Stan Leonard Player of the Year Award presented by Kal Tire recognizes exceptional play in tournament competition and is influenced heavily by the season-long PGA of BC Order of Merit, as well as participation in other tournaments and competitions abroad. The PGA of BC is pleased to present the 2022 honour to Zach Olson.
Since joining the Association in 2020, Olson has been amongst the most consistent competitors within the PGA of BC ranks, a trend that continued through this past season. Olson topped the Order of Merit this year by winning two regional tour events on the Lower Mainland’s G&G Tour, including the Tour Championship this past week. He was also crowned the 2022 PGA of BC Assistants' Champion when he claimed the title at Sandpiper Golf Course in June, in addition to winning the Pro-Assistant Championship at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community less than one month later alongside partner, Ryan Tofani.
ARV OLSON MEDIA PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
2022 Recipient: ALS Society of BC
The Arv Olson Media Personnel of the Year Award recognizes a media member or organization that has made a significant contribution to the PGA of BC over the past year. This year, we are proud to present this award to the ALS Society of BC.
Although not a traditional form of media, the ALS Society of BC has heavily promoted the PGA of BC's Golfathon for ALS to hundreds of media outlets over the course of the 17-year history of the program. During the 2022 campaign, over 20 articles were published in addition to various radio interviews, and hundreds of TV and radio spots through the Corus network such as GlobalTV, BC1, Our BC, and CKNW. A summary of this year's Golfathon for ALS including all published articles can be found in the 2022 Media Binder by clicking here.
PGA of BC COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP BURSARY
2022 Recipient: Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club
The PGA of BC Community Leadership Bursary recognizes an individual or member facility within the Association that demonstrates an extraordinary desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of others, setting an example of "giving back" with which all PGA of BC members are proud to be associated. This year, we are pleased to award the $1,000 bursary to the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club.
In a small community, the Sunshine Coast G&CC has been operating a successful junior golf program through an initiative called Learn to Play. As a result of their continued success, the program has grown its junior memberships from 47 in 2021 to 91 in 2022. Learn to Play has been a proven way for kids to learn golf skills, life skills, rules, and etiquette, and is led primarily by PGA of Canada members Jim Pringle, Bill McDonough, and Rhona Law in addition to Club member Jesse Janzen.
The program makes golf an affordable, accessible activity for local kids and families. The cost to participate is only $200 and includes unlimited golf, entrance into a clinic series and properly-sized equipment on loan for the season. The program has also drawn many parents of kids enrolled to pick up the game for the first time. For more information on this program, please click here.
JIM GIBSON SCHOLARSHIP
2022 Recipient: Alec Hubert, Executive Professional, Kamloops Golf & Country Club
The Jim Gibson Scholarship is named in honour of the late Jim Gibson, a longtime supporter and Ambassador of the Association who was extremely dedicated to and well-versed in the game. The recipient of this scholarship exemplifies volunteerism and demonstrates a passion for furthering their education for their community's benefit. The PGA of BC is proud to award the 2022 scholarship to Alec Hubert.
Having been appointed Executive Professional and General Manager of Kamloops G&CC in 2019, Alec had dedicated himself this year to earning the designation of Certified Club Manager (CCM) status with the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC). In January of this year, he attended and completed the 2022 CMAC BMI: GM/COO course through Ryerson University which featured 5 days of courses at 7 hours each day, plus applicable case study work. The $1,000 from this scholarship will help achieve his goal of attaining CCM designation over his 3-4 year journey.
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We congratulate each of the above on their achievements, and look forward to recognizing them, along with other award recipients during next week’s PGA of BC Awards Celebration presented by Replay Golf Supplies & Tribal. Click here to view a list of nominees in the remaining award categories. Tickets to this event are still available. Please click here for more information on this event.