About British Columbia Golf
British Columbia Golf is a member-based organization governed by the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA) and is the Provincial Sport Organization recognized by the Government of BC for the sport of golf.
The governing body of amateur golf in British Columbia, representing more than 80,000 members at over 300 clubs across the province, British Columbia Golf provides programs and services which benefit golfers and golf facilities in the province and is also involved in national golf affairs through its affiliation with Golf Canada and the other provincial golf associations.
“British Columbia Golf acknowledges and respects the many diverse Indigenous Nations in whose traditional territories golf and its operations take place”
Internationally, British Columbia Golf is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, the Pacific Coast Golf Association and Junior America’s Cup, as well as being an active member of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA).
British Columbia Golf actively conducts annual championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in British Columbia.
The development of athletes and coaches, First Tee British Columbia and the Public Player’s Club are only some of the initiatives British Columbia Golf leads for golf in the province.
British Columbia Golf also administers the Rules of Golf, Handicapping and Course Rating.
British Columbia Golf appreciates and thanks the Government of British Columbia for supporting the sport. British Columbia Golf appreciates and thanks all of our sponsors for their continued support.
History
The history of British Columbia Golf can be traced back to the first men’s championship conducted in 1893. The Bostock Trophy was awarded to the Men’s Amateur Champion starting in 1894 and the Flumerfelt Trophy was first awarded to the Women’s Amateur Champion in 1905. Both of these trophies are still awarded today.
British Columbia Golf, as it exists today, was formally established on October 1, 2004, following the amalgamation of the British Columbia Ladies Golf Association and the British Columbia Golf Association.
A voluntary Board of Directors and a newly established Zone Council make up the organization from a leadership perspective, delegating the day-to-day operations and the general administration duties of British Columbia Golf to its staff members.
British Columbia, Canada’s Golf Capital
British Columbia has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in North America. With unparalleled variety ranging from lush coastal rainforests to semi-arid desert, and spectacular natural scenery offering everything from breathtaking mountain views to ocean vistas, British Columbia’s golf courses offer something for everyone.
The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) named BC as the Best Golf Destination in North America in 2007. In recent years, 10 new British Columbia golf courses have made it to the lists of “Best New Canadian Golf Courses” as awarded by ScoreGolf Magazine, including a sweep of the top three in 2010: The Ridge Course at Predator Ridge in Vernon, Shadow Mountain in Cranbrook and Redstone Resort in Rossland.
The province’s popularity is due in large part to world-class courses designed by leading-edge golf architects. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, along with well-known Canadian architects such as Les Furber and Thomas McBroom, are among the many who have worked their magic in British Columbia.
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Bios for 2023 Directors-at-Large Candidates Recommended by BC Golf Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee recommended, and the Board of British Columbia Golf approved, proposing the three following individuals as Directors-at-Large. Each nominee will serve a three-year term.
Michael Cook, Director
Michael spent many years involved with law enforcement as a corrections officer at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre and also held security roles at various venues. He's put together a strong volunteer record including time as a youth basketball coach, Cub and Scout leader and supporter of the Firefighter's Burn Fund of Victoria. During this stretch he has been a constant contributor to the game of golf in British Columbia with BC Golf Zones 5 and 6 junior programs and has been a BC Golf Rules official since 2009.
Sam Oliphant, Director
Sam is a Senior VP and Partner at Kirk & Co., a Vancouver-based consulting firm specializing in strategic communications, consultation, and engagement. Between 2013 and 2016, Sam served as Press Secretary in the Office of the Premier of British Columbia. Sam's career golf highlight was playing on the team that won the Pro-Am Championship at the 2016 Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship.
Hugh attended the University of British Columbia where he obtained his teaching certification (BEd). As President, Volleyball Canada (2007-13), Hugh’s focus on strategic leadership was pivotal in turning Volleyball Canada into a financially sustainable organization. SportBC honoured Hugh with the Darryl Thompson award in 2016. In 2005, he became a full member at the Kelowna G&CC and golf is now the dominant leisure activity in Hugh's life.
Joe Higgins, Director
With over 25 years of experience, Joe is an accomplished, internationally recognized coach for both men's and women's teams representing Canada in wheelchair basketball at the World Championship and Paralympic levels. His work with Paralympic athletes has resulted in gold medals for Canadian wheelchair athletes since the early 1990's. Joe has also been honoured with awards at the Provincial, National and International level with his skills seeing him oversee training for high performance athletes not only in Canada but for programs in countries around the globe.