JANUARY 7, 2021
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) –- The PGA of BC is proud to acknowledge its Top 100 Golf Professionals of 2020, as determined by the Association’s Professional Development Program presented by Sunice & Bobby Jones.
The Professional Development Program (PDP) is an annual Order of Merit designed to recognize PGA of BC members who make outstanding contributions to the Association, their communities, the province’s golf industry and, most importantly, themselves. Through participation in continuing education, competitions, the PGA of BC Awards Program, annual Buying Show and various forms of volunteerism, the PDP provides an equal avenue to showcase strengths of the diverse membership.
“Sunice and Bobby Jones are proud supporters of the PGA of BC’s Professional Development Program, which serves to recognize the efforts of individuals elevating the overall profile of PGA of BC Professionals, and reward those who demonstrate a dedication to the Association and golf community across the province,” said Stephen Graham, British Columbia sales representative for Sunice and Bobby Jones.
“The Top 100 Golf Professionals of 2020 are an impressive group of men and women exuding the qualities of leadership, professionalism and commitment to their craft.”
Additionally, the PGA of BC is pleased to name Nathan Grieve, Head Professional at Talking Rock Golf Course, as the winner of the 2020 PDP Order of Merit.
Grieve finished the year with 99 points to lead the standings by a single point. The 26-year-old's previous best finish in the PDP Order of Merit came during the 2019 season, when he placed 41st with 55 points.
Grieve accumulated his total through a combination of educational pursuits, volunteerism, plus participation in PGA of BC championships, regional-tour play and other Association initiatives.
In addition to earning the maximum number of points available through extracurricular education, Grieve was one of just four members to achieve 26 points via the tournament-play category, which was the most recorded by any Professional in 2020. That included credit for his participation in the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada, for which Grieve's team was crowned national champions this year.
“It is a great honour to lead the Professional Development Program for 2020," said Grieve. "There is no better investment than the investment in yourself, and the PDP initiative is a great way to remain committed to that philosophy.
"I am very lucky to work at a facility in Talking Rock that truly emphasizes professional development. Our Association is filled with so many successful individuals, and to be able to learn from them is an opportunity we can all enjoy”.
Finishing one point behind Grieve in the runner-up position was another member from Talking Rock Golf Course, as Executive Professional Adam Blair ended the year on 98 points. Blair has now finished among the top 10 in the Order of Merit for six consecutive years, including his first-place finish in 2016.
Lee J.H. Lee (GolfTEC Richmond) secured third place in the standings with 76 points. Fourth position belonged to Matthew Steinbach (Simon Fraser University), who amassed 75 points over the course of the season. Cindy Soukoroff (St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino) rounded out the top five, having notched 72 points.
CLICK HERE to view the final standings for 2020 and more information about the Professional Development Program.
Thanks in large part to the support of Sunice and Bobby Jones, a total bursary purse of nearly $5,000 will be divided among those finishing among the top 10, providing financial opportunity to pursue further professional development and education. We thank them for their generous support of the program.
Please note that the potential exists for the 2020 PDP Order of Merit to be adjusted further due to the PGA of Canada National Award recipients not being named until Jan. 28 and several PGA of BC members being among the nominees. Those currently occupying a spot among the first 100 places in the standings will receive the Top 100 designation regardless of any future adjustments. Those ranked within the top 10 will receive their share of the bursary purse based upon their current position.
Should the National Awards selections result in a member moving into the Top 100, they will be credited with the designation accordingly. Should the award selections result in a member moving to a higher position within the top 10, they will be awarded the difference between their bursary share announced today and the amount awarded to their final ranking.
Congratulations to the PGA of BC’s Top 100 Professionals of 2020, listed with their primary facility or employer affiliation for the past year:
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ABOUT SUNICE & BOBBY JONES
Driven by passion and enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology and design, Sunice continues to advance the latest in performance outerwear, layering systems and sportswear for wherever your favorite sport or activity takes you. And like its customers, Sunince is always looking forward to next season. Sunice is recognized as the No. 1 Canadian Golf outerwear brand, and was also named the No. 1 outerwear brand on the PGA TOUR in a Darrell Survey.
Like its namesake, Bobby Jones products are the definition of class, using only premium-quality materials to create classic, timeless designs that exude confidence on and off the course. The Bobby Jones brand has been a mainstay in the golf industry since the 1990s and is sold in the finest private clubs, resorts and golf courses worldwide.
Visit Sunice and Bobby Jones online to learn more.
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For more information & media inquiries, please contact:
Eric MacKenzie
Communications & Marketing Manager, PGA of BC
(604) 303-6766
eric@pgabc.org