A Message from the PGA of BC Executive Director

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected our industry in an unprecedented manner which has led to difficult decisions made by both members and facilities. Like you, the PGA of BC hopes that all golf facilities will soon be in a position to return to business as usual, but we also acknowledge that each location is facing its own unique set of challenges.

Our Association’s foremost priority continues to be the safety of guests and staff. No matter how your facility and staff are responding to current circumstances, we encourage all member facilities to utilize the resources available on the PGA of Canada COVID-19 Member Resource Hub. Here, you will find latest news, best practices, educational webinars, government assistance and other informational resources that may be helpful during this period. Our team has also put together a listing of initiatives available for financial support through the Provincial Government, BC Hydro, FortisBC, ICBC, and other programs specific to British Columbia. Please click here to view these initiatives.

Recently, the PGA of BC alongside NGCOA Canada BC Chapter has sent jointly signed letters to various Regional Health Authorities to reassure them that operational courses are continually going above and beyond provincial health guidelines and using the best practices that have been identified. For golf courses that are asking for further clarification, it is our hope that working with the Regional Health Authorities will be able to provide credible clarity. We will be sharing additional information and resources as they become available. We highly encourage you to also reference NGCOA Canada’s resources page.

While these difficult matters may have separated us physically, in many ways it has brought us closer together. The strength of the PGA of BC network through members working together in various forms of communication and media has been enlightening. The engagement of education through both our own and outside resources has been exceptional as video rentals and Professional Development Program (PDP) point submissions continue to roll in. It gives me great pride to be involved with an incredibly caring and compassionate organization in an industry completely based around people.

Last week, the PGA of Canada held an election to designate our Zone’s National representative. Congratulations to Dean Kuntz for a great campaign and to Scott Kolb for being re-elected to his seat. We look forward to the chance of Scott pursuing an opportunity of becoming President of the PGA of Canada.

As we look forward to our upcoming events calendar, the PGA of BC continues to evaluate and monitor circumstances on a weekly basis. Should there be the need to make amendments to our events schedule, we will continue to work with host facilities, partners, and local experts to ensure the right decisions are made.

As many facilities get ready to open, we kindly ask that facilities consider providing us with an update through a short questionnaire as it pertains to their opening or temporary closure plans for 2020. The questionnaire should take no more than one minute and collected data will be shared amongst the membership. Please click here to fill out the facility questionnaire.

In closing, the PGA of Canada has recently launched a Member Outreach Program to connect with members to listen, find out how you are doing, and see how we can best support you during this difficult time. The PGA of BC Board of Directors has generously offered its time to connect with our Zone’s 670 members. Members can expect a phone call from a representative in the coming weeks.

On behalf of the PGA of BC Administration office and Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued efforts and patience while looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,

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Donald Miyazaki
Executive Director
PGA of British Columbia