Online Application
Online Application

Learn about the criteria for this award and nominate a member or apprentice. Any questions about awards, please contact Darcy at 1.800.782.5764 ext. 224

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Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award

The new national award, named after PGA of Canada Past President and current Life Member Warren Crosbie, will be presented annually to a member of the association who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and gone above and beyond to make a meaningful and lasting impact within their community. 

“If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of lifting one another up,” said Teejay Alderdice, the association's president. “PGA of Canada members have long been giving back to the people in their community and I am so pleased we now have a platform to formally recognize their efforts. Warren is revered for his selfless commitment to bettering those around him. It is a true honour to launch this award in his name.”

Crosbie, a nearly 50-year member of the PGA of Canada, worked as head professional at Bayview Golf & Country Club for 33 years. Though currently retired, he remains actively involved in several association affairs and is widely regarded as a benevolent and visionary leader. He was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (Builder category) in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game. 

“Anything I can do as an individual to make someone’s life or job situation better, I’m more than willing to do it,” said Crosbie. “This award speaks to the value of a PGA of Canada professional, and when I think about it, that is what is so special about having it in my name. I look forward to learning more about my fellow members and the great things they are doing to benefit their communities.”

finalist
Garrett Hadfield
Garrett Hadfield

Garrett co-founded The Goat Track Social Club (GTSC) in 2020 to make golf more inclusive, using the motto Golf is for Everyone and creating a global community with clothing sales spanning the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan. Locally, GTSC has raised over $20,000 through its "Little Goats Fund" to provide free rental equipment, junior lessons, and inclusive programs.

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Brady Stead
Brady Stead

During the Steady Golf Teachathon for Mental Health, Brady gave golf lessons from dusk until dawn with 100% of lesson revenue and donations benefiting the Canadian Mental Health Association. The first Teachathon was on September 23rd, 2023. Brady raised $4,650. The second Teachathon was on September September 21st, 2024. With the goal of raising $5,000, Brady raised $5,220, which has brought a total of $9,870 raised since the inception of the Teachathon for Mental Health.

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Naixin Li
Naixin Li

With Sophia's dedication and hard work, So Golf Academy has become one of the top golf academies in Ontario and #1 in the Chinese community. The community has a deeper understanding of golf because Sophia Li had set up (for free) or attended events to educate people who are interested in starting to play golf or have been playing golf for a while but wanted to know more tips to play better.

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Amaya Athill
Amaya Athill

Amaya founded a group called "Black Women Golfers" that aims to provide a space for black women to connect through, learn, and play golf. Through this group, she hosts Intro to Golf clinics and range meet-ups in and around the GTA. Over 100 women have participated in both the Intro to Golf clinics and the range meet-ups. She is also a contributor to SCOREGolf Magazine and focuses her stories on diversity within golf including stories about women, golfers with disabilities, and BIPOC golfers.

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James Steep
James Steep

While looking for an opportunity to give back, he found Agape Table, a charity in Winnipeg's inner city. He applied to be on the board and was granted a seat, where he immediately started making a positive impact on the organization. Agape (meaning "unconditional love") Table's mission is; "Enhance the lives of those in need by welcoming everyone to our table without judgement or bias". Agape Table will provide those in need with over 160,000 meals this year.

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Matt Seifert
Matt Seifert

Matt started the "Grow The Game Tour" bringing PGA Golf Instruction into rural and farm communities across Alberta and neighboring provinces and territories. Hosting Junior Golf Days at Golf Clubs that do not employ a PGA Member at their facility and running a range of Junior Golf Lessons, Women's Golf Lessons, Free Family Golf Clinic, and empowering the youth in the community through Golf.

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Jeff Palmer
Jeff Palmer

Jeff's vision and dedication have manifested in a comprehensive year-round approach to community engagement and mental health advocacy. While his signature achievement remains the "Moodswing Golf for Mental Health" tournament - which has grown remarkably to raise over $15,000 in its fourth year - his leadership extends far beyond a single event.

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