2009 President's Report
This past year was one of success for the Canadian PGA. After a few years of cautious optimism where we concentrated on the financial stability of our association, 2009 marked a year where we made significant strides acting on many initiatives that will advance our standing as a leader in the Canadian golf industry, resulting in improved opportunities for our members. Putting it quite simply …“The Canadian PGA’s commitment is to support our members in “living a better life, and earning a better living”.
The future of golf in Canada is encouraging. Our relationship with the various complementary golf associations is very strong as we work together on initiatives that benefit the industry and continue to explore ways in which we can be supportive of each other’s specific initiatives.
In 2009, the Canadian PGA contributed to the completion of a National Economic Impact Study through the National Allied Golf Association. The information gathered will be used to improve the opportunities and operations within the golf industry thereby greatly contributing to the overall success and consequently the welfare of our members. The results are astonishing noting that golf accounts for an estimated $11.3 billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which includes 341,794 jobs, $7.6 billion in household income, $1.2 billion in property and other indirect taxes and $1.9 billion in income taxes. Each year there are at least 25,000 charitable events hosted at Canadian courses raising more than $439 million for charitable causes across Canada.
We are pleased that our relationship with the NGCOA has evolved into a committed partnership as we combine efforts to move significant golf development initiatives forward. “Get Golf Ready”, a program that focuses on introducing adults to the game, will be introduced this year supporting increased participation efforts. We will also increase our support of “Take a Kid to the Course Week”, a long term initiative of the NGCOA. The NGCOA is very supportive of education efforts of the Canadian PGA and recognize our members as expert employees and leaders in the golf industry ensuring the success of golf operations.
Our partnership with the RCGA is especially strong as we combine our efforts on Coaching, Teaching, Long Term Player Development, Future Links and National Golf in Schools. The exemption granted to our CPC Champion to compete in the Canadian Open is a testament of their support. Our relationship with the RCGA is one which is envied by many countries around the world.
We continue to work at revising and improving our Teaching and Coaching Certification Program particularly in the area of coaching. Golf was introduced to Canada Games this year and the coaches were trained through the Canadian PGA. With the inclusion of golf as a sport in the Olympics and the commitment of the RCGA, we will see viable opportunities for coaches in our sport.
The Canadian PGA is a respected association on the world stage where we enjoy strong relationships with the PGA of America, the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA of Australia to name a few. The Canadian PGA actively participates in international events recently becoming a member of the PGA’s of Europe and taking a major role in the World PGA.
What does that mean for you as a member?
These international relationships help us as we share our programs with others leading to feedback that allows us to continually improve and develop new programs. The profile of the Canadian PGA is being raised around the world and we are becoming known as a proactive and leading association with respect to competency based education, teaching, junior development and coaching. This speaks directly to the credibility and image of the Canadian PGA and you as members.
It is important to understand, as identified by the membership, that the three most important areas of concentration are education, image enhancement and employment. I would suggest that the ultimate goal is employment with the other two supporting that goal.
PACE addresses this, PACE is not just about education … we will be better trained and more competent therefore enhancing our image ultimately leading to increased and improved opportunities. The recognition of education and competency through the PACE Program and the ongoing commitment to be current will demonstrate to the industry that we are the employees of choice.
I thank the PACE Task Force members and all of those involved for their commitment in finalizing the revised PACE Program. This initiative has involved our membership like no other initiative in our recent history. Our members were actively involved and the comments and feedback were beneficial to the evolution of the program. The PACE Program will be very helpful in addressing the future well being of Canadian PGA Members.
Additional education efforts that are being formulated include the introduction of a National Conference in cooperation with the NGCOA and improved seminar offerings across the country to support the recertification criteria established within the PACE Program. The Canadian PGA is involved in cooperative research efforts that will keep us at the leading edge.
As noted earlier, the NGCOA are very supportive of our efforts to improve and recognize the standards of our members. We will continue to work with them to ensure that we are seen as a proactive association addressing the current and future needs of our industry.
Our colleagues at the RCGA are also very supportive of PACE and have provided us with opportunities to help educate their members and staff as to the qualities of a Canadian PGA member.
Communicating and marketing the PACE Program is critical to its success and ultimately to ensure the value to our members. Funds have been budgeted to communicate and market the PACE Program both internally and externally. The RCGA and NGCOA have committed space in their respective magazines (Golf Canada and Golf Business Canada) to communicate and market the PACE program to the industry including employers and the public.
A branding initiative has also been budgeted for this year where strategies will be developed to ensure that we are communicating a clear and concise message about who the Canadian PGA is and what we represent to the golf industry.
The Employment Committee has been very active in coordinating strategies and services that will support members in achieving satisfying positions within the industry. The employment strategy will market the educational and competency strengths developed through the PACE Program. There will be support mechanisms and tools in place to help you not only with your personal search if applicable but also with your HR responsibilities in your current position.
We experienced some turnover within our national staff this past year and the National Board accepted this as an opportunity to review current positions and develop an effective staffing plan moving forward. Future staff plans in the budget will address areas important to our members namely employment, education, communication and marketing.
The search for our Executive Director resulted in the recent appointment of Gary Bernard. Throughout Gary’s employment career with our association, he has demonstrated a passion for an improved quality of life for our membership through improved services and opportunities. He possesses a strong education background and will be ideally suited to ensure that we meet our expectations associated with the PACE Program, addressing the demands currently facing our members. Gary has always acted in the best interest of the Canadian PGA members and his intimate knowledge of our Association will ensure that current initiatives will continue in a seamless manner.
Further advancements in our Governance review lead to the signing of the National-Zones Protocol Agreement. Having received strong support from the Zone Boards and Zone Executive Directors, this will allow us to cooperatively focus on developing and delivering programs and services for the benefit of the members. Other efforts in the area of governance are ongoing to ensure that we are being efficient in our delivery services.
Our communication efforts are constantly being reviewed with the goal of keeping the members better informed as well as raising the profile of our association in the eyes of the public and the industry. Very successful initiatives that have been launched this year include Canadian PGA Radio and Canadian PGA Television while regular ongoing communication efforts include the E-Bulletin and The Leader Newsletter. We continue to investigate opportunities to improve our website ensuring that we are current and in keeping with the needs of our members and the industry. Involving Presidents and Executive Directors in regular meetings ensures that we work in unison at advancing our association.
Our Strategic Plan, introduced over a year ago, is continually being reviewed ensuring that we stay current addressing all issues facing our association. A Board planning session was initiated allowing us to focus on a long term plan and vision for our association. Initiatives developed as part of that session will be prioritized and incorporated in the Strategic and Operational Plan with associated strategies and timelines. This will lead to effectiveness within our staffing parameters allowing our dedicated national staff to complete and continue working on projects that will enhance the services and benefits provided to our members.
It was not that long ago that our association was financially challenged. Through diligent efforts to improve policies and procedures, we are now in a very stable position with resources set aside in the form of restricted funds allowing us to strategically move certain initiatives forward. We have established improved accountability within the budgeting process involving all committees.
The Canadian PGA is the second oldest PGA in the world with 2011 marking our 100th anniversary. The Centennial Committee has been working tirelessly developing and coordinating celebrations that will make us all proud to be members of our fine association. Important spin-offs will be the preservation and documentation of our long and storied history and the establishment of a Canadian PGA Hall of Fame.
Our member tournaments including the Club Professionals Championship, the Assistants Championship, the Seniors Championship and the Women's Championships continue to be well supported.
The Board of Directors is very committed to a successful tournament program. A specific example of this was the approval of financial support using current revenues in order to help the Seniors Championship through a period of transition this past year. I am pleased to announce that the Seniors Championship is well supported for the upcoming year with an announcement shortly.
In today’s uncertain economic climate securing sponsorship partners is a challenge and we continue to strive to create value for our partners ensuring the well being of our tournament program. We thank our partners notably Acushnet Canada (Titleist & Foot Joy), Nike Golf Canada, SkyCaddie, Simmlands Insurance and Resort Owners Group who have contributed to the improved success of our events.
The Canadian PGA Championship is the flagship of our championships and we are working diligently to re-introduce this event at the level that it deserves. The Tournament Committee entertained and debated various options this past year however it is our opinion that our championship deserves to be an event that makes us all proud. I can assure you that this is a priority and the future looks very positive with keen interest being demonstrated by potential sponsors and top Canadian players. Our goal is to have a 2010 Canadian PGA Champion.
The Titleist & Foot Joy Club Professional Championship continues to be the highlight of the year for our top players. The special relationship that we have with the PGA of America and PGA Village allows us to improve this event yearly. Although we are diligently investigating the opportunity to move the event west on an alternating east-west basis, we must be careful that we maintain the high standard that we currently have.
Hosting the Annual Awards in conjunction with the CPC has provided a great connection for all of our best professionals from players to teachers to managers. The future for our annual awards is exciting as we are nearing the introduction of a more all encompassing strategy that will recognize additional members in other areas of expertise.
Although we are an association comprised predominately of Club Professionals, the Canadian PGA is of the opinion that we have a responsibility to help develop and provide benefits and opportunities for our young aspiring tournament professionals. We look forward to working on this very important initiative in conjunction with the RCGA and Canadian Tour.
In addition to the partners noted previously, we thank Callaway Golf, Dell Computers, Dream Shot Golf, Hamilton’s Talk820 Radio, BMO Mosaik MasterCard, Coaching Association of Canada, Mint Green Group, CMC Golf and Blue Springs Golf Club who contribute significantly to member programs and efforts of the Canadian PGA.
On a personal note, I am very pleased Canadian PGA’s adoption of our official charity … Prostate Cancer Canada. We all need to get behind this worthy cause supporting the national foundation’s dedication to the elimination of the disease through research, education support and awareness.
In closing, I believe in you as members and what we are trying to do collectively as an association. I challenge you to become better informed and continue to channel your efforts in a constructive manner. Challenge, but also support, your leaders to ensure that they are doing what is right. Do not sit back and allow negativity to breed. People are willing to commit their time but we must focus on improvements and moving forward.
Become actively involved!
I assure you that I will continue to help and support the efforts of the future leaders of our great association in any way possible. I am confident that the current dedicated Board of Directors will lead us in a manner that we deserve.
I am proud to be a Canadian PGA member. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as your President and I hope that I have been able to leave our association better than when I started
Sincerely,
Lindon Garron
The future of golf in Canada is encouraging. Our relationship with the various complementary golf associations is very strong as we work together on initiatives that benefit the industry and continue to explore ways in which we can be supportive of each other’s specific initiatives.
In 2009, the Canadian PGA contributed to the completion of a National Economic Impact Study through the National Allied Golf Association. The information gathered will be used to improve the opportunities and operations within the golf industry thereby greatly contributing to the overall success and consequently the welfare of our members. The results are astonishing noting that golf accounts for an estimated $11.3 billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which includes 341,794 jobs, $7.6 billion in household income, $1.2 billion in property and other indirect taxes and $1.9 billion in income taxes. Each year there are at least 25,000 charitable events hosted at Canadian courses raising more than $439 million for charitable causes across Canada.
We are pleased that our relationship with the NGCOA has evolved into a committed partnership as we combine efforts to move significant golf development initiatives forward. “Get Golf Ready”, a program that focuses on introducing adults to the game, will be introduced this year supporting increased participation efforts. We will also increase our support of “Take a Kid to the Course Week”, a long term initiative of the NGCOA. The NGCOA is very supportive of education efforts of the Canadian PGA and recognize our members as expert employees and leaders in the golf industry ensuring the success of golf operations.
Our partnership with the RCGA is especially strong as we combine our efforts on Coaching, Teaching, Long Term Player Development, Future Links and National Golf in Schools. The exemption granted to our CPC Champion to compete in the Canadian Open is a testament of their support. Our relationship with the RCGA is one which is envied by many countries around the world.
We continue to work at revising and improving our Teaching and Coaching Certification Program particularly in the area of coaching. Golf was introduced to Canada Games this year and the coaches were trained through the Canadian PGA. With the inclusion of golf as a sport in the Olympics and the commitment of the RCGA, we will see viable opportunities for coaches in our sport.
The Canadian PGA is a respected association on the world stage where we enjoy strong relationships with the PGA of America, the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA of Australia to name a few. The Canadian PGA actively participates in international events recently becoming a member of the PGA’s of Europe and taking a major role in the World PGA.
What does that mean for you as a member?
These international relationships help us as we share our programs with others leading to feedback that allows us to continually improve and develop new programs. The profile of the Canadian PGA is being raised around the world and we are becoming known as a proactive and leading association with respect to competency based education, teaching, junior development and coaching. This speaks directly to the credibility and image of the Canadian PGA and you as members.
It is important to understand, as identified by the membership, that the three most important areas of concentration are education, image enhancement and employment. I would suggest that the ultimate goal is employment with the other two supporting that goal.
PACE addresses this, PACE is not just about education … we will be better trained and more competent therefore enhancing our image ultimately leading to increased and improved opportunities. The recognition of education and competency through the PACE Program and the ongoing commitment to be current will demonstrate to the industry that we are the employees of choice.
I thank the PACE Task Force members and all of those involved for their commitment in finalizing the revised PACE Program. This initiative has involved our membership like no other initiative in our recent history. Our members were actively involved and the comments and feedback were beneficial to the evolution of the program. The PACE Program will be very helpful in addressing the future well being of Canadian PGA Members.
Additional education efforts that are being formulated include the introduction of a National Conference in cooperation with the NGCOA and improved seminar offerings across the country to support the recertification criteria established within the PACE Program. The Canadian PGA is involved in cooperative research efforts that will keep us at the leading edge.
As noted earlier, the NGCOA are very supportive of our efforts to improve and recognize the standards of our members. We will continue to work with them to ensure that we are seen as a proactive association addressing the current and future needs of our industry.
Our colleagues at the RCGA are also very supportive of PACE and have provided us with opportunities to help educate their members and staff as to the qualities of a Canadian PGA member.
Communicating and marketing the PACE Program is critical to its success and ultimately to ensure the value to our members. Funds have been budgeted to communicate and market the PACE Program both internally and externally. The RCGA and NGCOA have committed space in their respective magazines (Golf Canada and Golf Business Canada) to communicate and market the PACE program to the industry including employers and the public.
A branding initiative has also been budgeted for this year where strategies will be developed to ensure that we are communicating a clear and concise message about who the Canadian PGA is and what we represent to the golf industry.
The Employment Committee has been very active in coordinating strategies and services that will support members in achieving satisfying positions within the industry. The employment strategy will market the educational and competency strengths developed through the PACE Program. There will be support mechanisms and tools in place to help you not only with your personal search if applicable but also with your HR responsibilities in your current position.
We experienced some turnover within our national staff this past year and the National Board accepted this as an opportunity to review current positions and develop an effective staffing plan moving forward. Future staff plans in the budget will address areas important to our members namely employment, education, communication and marketing.
The search for our Executive Director resulted in the recent appointment of Gary Bernard. Throughout Gary’s employment career with our association, he has demonstrated a passion for an improved quality of life for our membership through improved services and opportunities. He possesses a strong education background and will be ideally suited to ensure that we meet our expectations associated with the PACE Program, addressing the demands currently facing our members. Gary has always acted in the best interest of the Canadian PGA members and his intimate knowledge of our Association will ensure that current initiatives will continue in a seamless manner.
Further advancements in our Governance review lead to the signing of the National-Zones Protocol Agreement. Having received strong support from the Zone Boards and Zone Executive Directors, this will allow us to cooperatively focus on developing and delivering programs and services for the benefit of the members. Other efforts in the area of governance are ongoing to ensure that we are being efficient in our delivery services.
Our communication efforts are constantly being reviewed with the goal of keeping the members better informed as well as raising the profile of our association in the eyes of the public and the industry. Very successful initiatives that have been launched this year include Canadian PGA Radio and Canadian PGA Television while regular ongoing communication efforts include the E-Bulletin and The Leader Newsletter. We continue to investigate opportunities to improve our website ensuring that we are current and in keeping with the needs of our members and the industry. Involving Presidents and Executive Directors in regular meetings ensures that we work in unison at advancing our association.
Our Strategic Plan, introduced over a year ago, is continually being reviewed ensuring that we stay current addressing all issues facing our association. A Board planning session was initiated allowing us to focus on a long term plan and vision for our association. Initiatives developed as part of that session will be prioritized and incorporated in the Strategic and Operational Plan with associated strategies and timelines. This will lead to effectiveness within our staffing parameters allowing our dedicated national staff to complete and continue working on projects that will enhance the services and benefits provided to our members.
It was not that long ago that our association was financially challenged. Through diligent efforts to improve policies and procedures, we are now in a very stable position with resources set aside in the form of restricted funds allowing us to strategically move certain initiatives forward. We have established improved accountability within the budgeting process involving all committees.
The Canadian PGA is the second oldest PGA in the world with 2011 marking our 100th anniversary. The Centennial Committee has been working tirelessly developing and coordinating celebrations that will make us all proud to be members of our fine association. Important spin-offs will be the preservation and documentation of our long and storied history and the establishment of a Canadian PGA Hall of Fame.
Our member tournaments including the Club Professionals Championship, the Assistants Championship, the Seniors Championship and the Women's Championships continue to be well supported.
The Board of Directors is very committed to a successful tournament program. A specific example of this was the approval of financial support using current revenues in order to help the Seniors Championship through a period of transition this past year. I am pleased to announce that the Seniors Championship is well supported for the upcoming year with an announcement shortly.
In today’s uncertain economic climate securing sponsorship partners is a challenge and we continue to strive to create value for our partners ensuring the well being of our tournament program. We thank our partners notably Acushnet Canada (Titleist & Foot Joy), Nike Golf Canada, SkyCaddie, Simmlands Insurance and Resort Owners Group who have contributed to the improved success of our events.
The Canadian PGA Championship is the flagship of our championships and we are working diligently to re-introduce this event at the level that it deserves. The Tournament Committee entertained and debated various options this past year however it is our opinion that our championship deserves to be an event that makes us all proud. I can assure you that this is a priority and the future looks very positive with keen interest being demonstrated by potential sponsors and top Canadian players. Our goal is to have a 2010 Canadian PGA Champion.
The Titleist & Foot Joy Club Professional Championship continues to be the highlight of the year for our top players. The special relationship that we have with the PGA of America and PGA Village allows us to improve this event yearly. Although we are diligently investigating the opportunity to move the event west on an alternating east-west basis, we must be careful that we maintain the high standard that we currently have.
Hosting the Annual Awards in conjunction with the CPC has provided a great connection for all of our best professionals from players to teachers to managers. The future for our annual awards is exciting as we are nearing the introduction of a more all encompassing strategy that will recognize additional members in other areas of expertise.
Although we are an association comprised predominately of Club Professionals, the Canadian PGA is of the opinion that we have a responsibility to help develop and provide benefits and opportunities for our young aspiring tournament professionals. We look forward to working on this very important initiative in conjunction with the RCGA and Canadian Tour.
In addition to the partners noted previously, we thank Callaway Golf, Dell Computers, Dream Shot Golf, Hamilton’s Talk820 Radio, BMO Mosaik MasterCard, Coaching Association of Canada, Mint Green Group, CMC Golf and Blue Springs Golf Club who contribute significantly to member programs and efforts of the Canadian PGA.
On a personal note, I am very pleased Canadian PGA’s adoption of our official charity … Prostate Cancer Canada. We all need to get behind this worthy cause supporting the national foundation’s dedication to the elimination of the disease through research, education support and awareness.
In closing, I believe in you as members and what we are trying to do collectively as an association. I challenge you to become better informed and continue to channel your efforts in a constructive manner. Challenge, but also support, your leaders to ensure that they are doing what is right. Do not sit back and allow negativity to breed. People are willing to commit their time but we must focus on improvements and moving forward.
Become actively involved!
I assure you that I will continue to help and support the efforts of the future leaders of our great association in any way possible. I am confident that the current dedicated Board of Directors will lead us in a manner that we deserve.
I am proud to be a Canadian PGA member. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as your President and I hope that I have been able to leave our association better than when I started
Sincerely,
Lindon Garron