British Columbia Honours Canadian PGA’s 100 Years
On Tuesday afternoon Tara and I, along with about 80 or so other Canadian PGA Members and supporters had a chance to participate in the centennial anniversary of the CPGA or PGA of Canada as it now known. It was a fantastic day for a round of golf, one that has been a rare site in Vancouver this year. We had the great privilege of playing with a couple of friends from the West Coast Golf Group and decided to meet in advance of the shotgun start for lunch on the patio at University Golf Club! It seemed like many others had the same idea, many old friends we don’t see often were already on the patio when we arrived and many others soon followed. Lunch was an up and down affair of hand shakes, hugs and high fives. It was a great start to a great day.

The Golf Event
Barrie McWha (BC Golf House Executive Director) and Michael Mather (University Golf Club General Manager) did an excellent job organizing and coordinating the B.C. day. Before we started, everyone jumped in carts and headed over to the BC Golf House (located on University Golf Club’s 17th tee) for a toast of bubbles and a group photo of all the participants. The golf was a fun day, no purse or prize money just friends out for a round celebrating our associations members. University Golf Club was in excellent shape!

Click here to view all our photos from the day!!

After Golf
Following the day’s play, we were treated to a hosted cocktail reception (thanks to Granville Island Brewery and Desert Hills Winery)! Following that we were treated to a fantastic dinner and some speeches following a great meal. After dinner there was a celebratory cake and some gifts for each player which included a soft framed photo from the start of the day and an etched wine carafe with the PGA of Canada logo and 100 years marking. All in all it was a great day!

Notably Missing
One area of disappointment in the celebrations was the lack of Associate and Apprentice Professionals and not one player from the PGA of Canada Top 100 player ranking attended the event. This was especially disappointing following what appeared a great event hosted the week before for our associations best players (with a sizable purse) and was noted by a number of members in attendance. Apathy continues to be the PGA of Canada’s biggest challenge. Let’s hope the next 100 years fix that.

Excerpt from the PGA of Canada Media Release
One-hundred years ago the Canadian PGA was formed by a small, dedicated and inspired group of the country’s leading golf professionals following the playing of the Canadian Open. On July 10 and 11, today’s golf professionals and industry leaders will convene at Royal Ottawa Golf Club, site of the organization’s formation, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world’s second-oldest professional golf association.

“From its humble origins at Royal Ottawa to the current day, where over 3,700 golf professionals work across the country, the Canadian PGA has played an integral role in developing and growing the game of golf in Canada,” said Canadian PGA Chief Executive Officer Gary Bernard. “This celebration will recognize our association’s contribution to golf not only over the past 100 years, but also highlight the important role the Canadian PGA will play over the next century.”

A highlight of the celebration will be a historical display featured at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Que. The display will feature information on the early history of the association and its’ founders, historical photo’s and equipment while also detailing the many milestones the association has achieved over the last 100 years.

Today’s Canadian PGA is made up of over 3,700 golf professionals, working at golf facilities across the country, in support of the game including some of the country’s best-known players, including Lorie Kane, Mike Weir and Graham Delaet. With involvement in programs from the CN Future Links Program and elite-level coaching, to partnering in the National Golf in Schools (NGIS) initiative, the Canadian PGA promotes all facets of golf in Canada.

“The PGA of America congratulates our friends in the Canadian PGA as they celebrate their Centennial with a tribute that honors their grand and illustrious history,” said Joe Steranka, Chief Executive Officer, The PGA of America. “We are delighted that the Canadian PGA has stood jointly with The PGA at the forefront of growing the game and business of golf, serving as international partners in teaching and promoting our great game to enthusiasts worldwide.”

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