• Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Taylor has Match Play and Masters on his mind; UBC’s Mackenzie Bickell starts tourney with a bang; Ledgeview to play host to Canadian Open regional qualifier

    Abbotsford, BC's Nick Taylor - Image Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Nick Taylor has always been happy to give back to his home town, so when organizers of this past weekend’s Western Golf Expo at Abbotsford’s Tradex facility asked for a favour, Taylor was happy to oblige.

    Taylor lent his support to the show by appearing opening day via Zoom from his Scottsdale home for an interview with Vancouver Golf Tour commissioner Fraser Mulholland and Sportsnet 650’s Randip Janda.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Rutledge reflects on Hall of Fame call; Svensson top-10s at Genesis Invitational; Golf Expo goes big in Abbotsford; Victoria Liu impresses at Princeton

    Victoria, BC's Jim Rutledge - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    A half-century golfing odyssey has culminated with what Victoria’s Jim Rutledge calls the highlight of his incredible career.

    Rutledge was named last week as one of two new inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. “The list of honoured members is in itself almost overwhelming and to join that distinguished group is the highlight of my golfing career,” Rutledge told a media conference call.

  • The Western GOLFEXPO Is Back!

    The Western GOLFEXPO returns IN PERSON to the Abbotsford, Tradex this February.

    This is YOUR CHANCE to experience again the sights, sounds, and features of a live expo with large a Demo Range, Seminar Stage, multi-vendor Retail area, Fashion Show, Putting and Long Drive contests, Family Friendly activities and much more.

    New for 2023 will be a golf industry careers section. If you have ever thought about working in the golf industry, this is your chance to learn more!

    The Western GOLFEXPO is a must attend event to kick off your 2023 golf season.

  • BC's Jim Rutledge and Ontarian, Robert S. Weir To Be Inducted Into Canadian Golf Hall Of Fame

    Long-time professional golf standout as well as legendary golf writer to become the 84th and 85th inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

    Inductees to receive the highest honour in Canadian golf as part of RBC Hall of Fame Day in June during the 2023 RBC Canadian Open

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    Dan Pino/ Golf Canada

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    February 13, 2023 - The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame today announced that long-time professional and PGA of Canada member Jim Rutledge as well as celebrated writer Robert Stanley Weir have been selected for 2023 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Taylor second in Phoenix to earn biggest payday of his career; Vancouver Golf Club to play host to U.S. Women’s Open qualifier; Ames captures third PGA Champions title: Arora top-10s in collegiate debut

    Abbotsford, BC's Nick Taylor - Image Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Nick Taylor went head to head with two of the best players in the world and never blinked. And while the Abbotsford native had to settle for second place, he earned one heck of a nice consolation prize at the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open.

    Taylor took home $2.18 million as he finished the star-stacked $20-million event at TPC Scottsdale at 17-under par, two shots behind new world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler...

  • PGA Of Canada And Golf Canada Announce 2023 Women In Coaching Participants Including Five From B.C.

    Courtesy Golf Canada

    Eight talented PGA of Canada coaches to receive in-depth career development and bring a stronger gender balance to high-performance coaching in Canadian golf

    Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada are excited to announce the names of eight talented coaches who will receive critical education to advance their careers as top golf coaches in the country.

    The eight participant coaches from the Women in Coaching program will receive in-depth career development focusing on four main areas: individualized learning plans with monthly one-on-one check-ins, virtual and in-person coaching education and hands-on training experience.

  • Rules of Amateur Status Changes Will Help Introduce The Game To Underserved Demographics

    image courtesy Iron Lady Golf/Golf Canada

    By John Gordon/Golf Canada

    “The Rules of Amateur Status.” “Growing the game.”

    In the past, those phrases were seldom mentioned in the same breath.

    But let’s give credit where it’s due. The Rules of Amateur Status are essential for preserving the integrity of the game by clearly delineating the difference between an amateur golfer and a pro. For example, amateurs must not accept payment or other compensation for giving instruction. (Golf instruction involves teaching the mechanics of swinging a club and hitting the ball.)

    That mandate belongs to PGA of Canada members.

    But recent changes to those Rules offer an exception if the instruction is part of a program that has been approved in advance. To date, two programs—First Tee ​Canada​ and Iron Lady Golf—have been approved. Each application is reviewed jointly by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada.

    Click HERE to see complete story...

  • BC Golf Museum 2023 Tradition Classic Tees Off At Point Grey GC

    SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

    Registration Is Now Open For The 33rd Annual Golf Classic At Point Grey G&CC taking place Monday, May 15, 2023 with a 1:00pm shotgun start. 

    "A Unique Event In The World Of Charity Golf Tournaments"

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Another Victoria Golf Club caddie lands prestigious Evans Scholarship; Monterey magic continues for Taylor; Former McCleery, Mayfair Lakes pro Pat Dunn passes

    Evans Caddie Scholarship Recipient Aleksej Milojevic - Images Courtesy A. Milojevic/Victoria GC

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    When he began caddying for members at Victoria Golf Club two years ago, Aleksej Milojevic had no idea how profoundly it would change his life.

    He was 15 and as green as the grass he walked on to complete his first caddying loops on the scenic oceanside layout. Milojevic knew very little about golf or life...

  • The ModGolf Podcast: Perseverance, Pivoting And The Ability To Continuously Adapt

    In this edition of the ModGolf Podcast, show creator and host Colin Weston speaks with the founder and CEO of Golf+ Ryan Engle, regarding his, 'Perseverance, Pivoting And Ability To Continuously Adapt'

    Ryan Engle's love for golf started at age 11 after watching the movie Happy Gilmore. Fast forward almost two decades later and we find Ryan combining his love for computer science, writing code and golf to become the Founder and CEO of GOLF+, who are leaders in VR golf with a mission to grow the game by making it more accessible.

  • In Memoriam: Patrick Dunn

    Images courtesy of Patrick Dunn Jr.

    January 31, 2023

    RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - The PGA of BC regrets to share that Life Professional Patrick Dunn passed away earlier this month.

    Dunn, who won the 2000 and 2002 PGA of BC Pro-Executive Championships and served as long-time Head Professional at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club and McCleery Golf Course, died Saturday, January 21. He was 72.

    Please click here to see PGA of British Columbia tribute page...

  • British Columbians A Big Part Of Golf Canada’s New National Teams

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    British Columbia is once again well represented on Golf Canada’s revamped national teams that were recently announced for 2023. A total of 57 players were named to the new Golf Canada squads and 17 of them are British Columbians.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Surrey teen off to Augusta National; Motomochi cashes on NEXT Tour; du Toit third on Asher Tour; Hadwin surprises wife with made cut

    BC's Ha Young Chang Won A Regional Drive, Chip & Putt Competition At Pebble Beach - Image Courtesy Minku Chang

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Surrey teenager Ha Young Chang is counting the days until she visits Augusta National Golf Club for the finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship. She figures to be spending a lot of those days at the driving range and practice green.

    “I am really excited,” says Chang, a Grade 9 student at Elgin Park Secondary. “I have always watched it on TV. I know I’ll be a little nervous.”

  • PGA of BC Releases 2023 Championship Schedule

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    JANUARY 24, 2023 - RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – The PGA of BC is proud to announce its 2023 tournament schedule. After returning to a full schedule slate for the 2022 season, all eight of the Association’s traditional championship events will be held again this year.

    We are excited to return to the Kootenays for both the Pro-Assistant Championship, as well as the PGA of BC Championship. This will mark the first time since 2019 that the region has hosted an Association tournament event.

  • Bell Let's Talk Day - Let's Create Positive Change

    Bell Let’s Talk Day is Wednesday, January 25. We are joining in and committing to take meaningful action to create positive change.

    Since 2011, Canadians and people around the globe have joined in the world’s largest conversation around mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Together we have taken big steps to reduce the stigma around mental health issues, inspire one another to take action, and help create a Canada where everyone can access the mental health support they need. But it is clear more needs to be done.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Tower Ranch sold to Vernon-based company; Hadwin enjoys another successful visit to desert; Lauren Kim fifth at Annika Invitational; Osland hot on Cactus Tour

    Tower Ranch GC - Image Courtesy BCGMA

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Vernon businessman Gurjit Jhajj’s timing could not have been much better when he got into the golf business by purchasing Sunset Ranch in Kelowna about five years ago.

    The ensuing COVID-19 pandemic gave golf a boost and brought new players to the game. Sunset Ranch, like most other courses, has benefitted.

    That got Jhajj, owner of Durali Properties Ltd., thinking about adding a second course to his company’s portfolio. He did not have to look much farther than just down the road.

  • Happy Chinese New Year 2023!

    British Columbia Golf would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!

    This year, the Chinese new year, also known as Chinese Lunar new year falls on Sunday, 22 January 2023.

    According to the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese new year is always associated with the animals of the 12 zodiac signs. This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, 22 January 2023 and the animal is rabbit. That is why the Chinese Lunar Year 2023 is the 'Year of Rabbit.'

    Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs: 2023 is the year of the Rabbit; 2022 the year of the Tiger.

    On the 15th day of the first lunar month, two weeks after Chinese New Year, another important traditional Chinese festival, the Chinese Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie or Yuanxiao Festival (元宵节), is celebrated.

    It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) period. Chinese Lantern Festival 2023 will be celebrated on February 5th in 2023.

     

  • Six Month Countdown To NAIG 2023

    Don't miss the opportunity to be part of Team BC, including the golf squad, for the North American Indigenous Games 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

    Please note that each sport has a different registration deadline. All athletes must be registered for their selection process before their deadline.

    Read more below!

  • Golf Places 5 In Sport BC's 55th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards Finalists

    Media Advisory – January 16, 2023 – (Vancouver, BC)

    Sport BC has announced the finalists to be celebrated at the upcoming 55th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards taking place on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.

    The event, to be hosted by CBC’s Scott Russell, recognizes the province’s best in amateur sport including athletes, coaches, teams, and officials for outstanding performances in their sport in either the 2021 or 2022 season.

    Each finalist was nominated by their Provincial or Multi-Sport Organization, High School, College, or University. The sport of Golf is very pleased and proud to see no fewer than 5 finalists being recognized for their outstanding performances. 

    The Selection Committee, led by long-serving Chair Bernie Pascall, included a diverse group of highly experienced British Columbia sport leaders and media members.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Barker earns nice payday for his virtual round; Taylor T7 in Hawaii; Hadwin set for 2023 debut at American Express tourney; Sloan makes some changes

    Vernon, BC's Bryce Barker Cashed In Virtually For Real - Image Courtesy Bryce Barker

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Vernon’s Bryce Barker just earned his biggest payday as a tour pro and he didn’t even set foot on a golf course.

    Barker was one of 250 players who signed up to compete in the first round of the inaugural NEXT Golf Tour, a virtual professional tour open to players with access to TrackMan’s indoor golf simulators. And when that round was completed, Barker’s six-under 66 left him in a nine-way tie for third place. He earned about $4,700 US.