2024 PGA of Canada National Award Recipients
The PGA of Canada is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2024 National Awards.
Each year, a National Selection Committee evaluates nominations from professionals across Canada. The winners will be celebrated during Canada Night at the PGA Show in Orlando on January 22, 2025. A recording of the ceremony will be available following the event.
Registration for the event can be found here.
For a list of all of the nominees for each award, click here.
Without further ado, here are the winners. Please click any of the images to be directed to the award website page and to learn more information about the finalists.
Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year
Winner: Dennis Firth, The Royal Montreal Golf Club (Québec Zone)
At the heart of Dennis Firth’s leadership philosophy is the belief that success comes from the development of a strong team. For Firth, the strength of an operation lies in the people behind it; fostering an environment where team members feel respected and challenged to grow.
Empowering his staff of 60 at Royal Montreal Golf Club, including eight PGA of Canada professionals, Firth’s 2024 season was highlighted by successfully hosting the President’s Cup, one year after the club’s 150th anniversary.
With a strong belief in member engagement, Firth and his team have created programs designed for all Royal Montreal members, regardless of age or skill level. Over 450 members participate in the club’s men’s and ladies’ leagues on a weekly basis.
Congratulations Dennis Firth; thank you for your commitment to the mentorship of PGA of Canada professionals and the growth of the game of golf at Royal Montreal Golf Club and beyond.
Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year
Winner: Ted Stonehouse, Cabot Cape Breton (Atlantic Canada Zone)
Ted Stonehouse’s tenure as Director of Golf at Cabot Cape Breton over the past nine years has been one of distinction and continuous impact.
Since joining the world-renowned resort, Stonehouse has been instrumental in fostering growth and excellence across the board, particularly through his dedication to developing future PGA leaders. Under his leadership,the resort has thrived both in operations and in the mentorship of aspiring golf professionals, turf experts, and retail managers.
Stonehouse has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic insight, contributing to the ongoing evolution and expansion of the Cabot Global properties. His leadership at Cabot Cape Breton is defined by his commitment to developing talent, fostering innovation, and achieving excellence in every aspect of the resort's operations. His dedication to both people and the business has not only driven the success of Cabot Cape Breton, but has also made him an asset to the entire Cabot organization.
Congratulations, Ted Stonehouse.
George Knudson Teacher of the Year
Winner: Gord Burns, Gord Burns Golf School (Ontario Zone)
Gord Burns’ teaching career began in 2004 at Golden Ridge driving range, where he honed his skills by teaching over 150 beginner and junior clinics, 50 weeks of junior camps, and approximately 6000 hours of private lessons for all ages and skill levels from 2004-2012.
To this day, Burns uses the same systems he developed teaching all those clinics to train his staff who teach beginner and junior clinics at Bushwood Golf Club under the Gord Burns Golf School umbrella, which he launched in 2008.
Burns’ junior development program has helped send over 40 students to NCAA golf programs and Canadian university teams. In total, his students have won over 200 events at the local, provincial and national level over the past 20 years.
Innovating and adapting, Burns transformed his two-car garage into a state-of-the-art Trackman studio in 2020, where he now offers 12-month a year programming.
Over the years, Burns’ time spent teaching has increased drastically – he estimates that thanks to the new full-time academy, his career-teaching-hour tally sits at around 35,000.
In addition to his teaching acumen, Burns is a talented player, being named the 2019 and 2024 PGA of Ontario Player of the Year.
Congratulations, Gord Burns!
Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year
Winner: Matt Seifert, GolfFuture (Alberta Zone)
Four years ago, Matt Seifer rented an RV, filled it with teaching tools and golf gear, and hit the road with the goal of visiting 200 small-town clubs that don’t employ a PGA of Canada professional, offering free junior golf lessons and clinics.
He called it the ‘Grow the Game Tour’.
Just this past year, the Tour led to Seifert teaching 400 kids, bringing his total up to 1200 junior golfers over the past four years.
The clubs that Seifert visits, as well as the parents of the kids that he volunteers his time with, have shown an incredible appreciation for Matt and his enthusiasm, especially since each stop lasts between 2-4 days.
Following Seifert’s visit, he supplies the club’s manager or junior coordinator with resources to help them continue growing the game.
Congratulations Matt Seifert!
Ben Kern Coach of the Year
Winner: Jean-François Richard, Louis Melanson Golf Academy (Atlantic Canada Zone)
Since 2017, Jean-François has assisted the Louis Melanson Golf Academy (LMGA) in the development and delivery of all its programs (junior, men, women and adapted golf) while offering teaching and coaching services to an ever-growing adult clientele.
Jean-François has taught and coached extensively (juniors and adults) during the past 7 years which has led to multiple provincial, collegiate and amateur titles from both junior and adult aged players. Moreover, his involvement in junior golf, from coaching and developmental points of view, has been nothing short of significant.
To this effect, Golf NB named Jean-François as its U19 Boys Coach in 2022. On a broader scope, Jean-François was also hired as a learning facilitator and a coach evaluator for various courses as part of the PGA of Canada Training Academy presented by Titleist and Footjoy.
In addition, Jean-François has contributed to multiple research-based and professional publications over the past several years.
Congratulations, Jean-François Richard!
Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
Winner: Andrew Szewczuk, Banff Springs Golf Club (Alberta Zone)
With a focus on the guest experience and a well-trained and passionate staff, Banff Springs Golf Club managed to beat retail sales expectations by over 20% in 2024.
Through Szewczuk’s leadership, the entire shop committed to showing a genuine care for the guests that walked through the front doors and fostering genuine human connections.
Szewczuk also empowered the Banff Springs staff to make decisions on their own regarding merchandise displays, as well as social media content used to generate sales.
Congratulations to Andrew Szewczuk and the professional staff at Banff Springs Golf Club.
Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year
Winner: Ethan Hunt, Whistle Bear Golf Club (Ontario Zone)
Leadership is about more than just being the loudest voice in the room—it's about leading by example and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Given the opportunity to lead Whistle Bear’s extensive junior camp program, Ethan Hunt proved that he is an exceptional leader and wise beyond his years.
Others at the club vouched for Hunt’s leadership and drive, commending his professionalism, the organization of the camps, and how every single young golfer left their session loving the game more than when they began.
Through Hunt’s leadership, some programs became so popular that more classes had to be added.
Hunt’s commitment to life-long learning, his passion for the game, his work-ethic and his kindness, as well as his desire to help mentor the next generation of PGA of Canada apprentice professionals along his journey are just a few of the attributes that make him a fitting recipient for the Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year Award.
Congratulations, Ethan Hunt!
Stan Leonard Class 'A' Assistant Professional of the Year
Winner: Anne Balser, Oakfield Golf & Country Club (Atlantic Canada Zone)
Upon arrival at Oakfield Golf & Country Club, Anne Balser’s impact could be felt immediately. Members quickly noticed her professionalism and work ethic, and her enthusiasm and positive energy were infectious at the club.
Anne played a key role in facilitating over 10 corporate events and 20 member events in 2024, contributing to the vibrant club atmosphere.
This past season she successfully introduced and facilitated the National Golf League as part of the men's and women's league play—a net Stableford competition designed to engage participants of all skill levels. The initiative not only added a new competitive layer to league play - for over 50 registered participants - but also helped raise over $2,000 in support of First Tee Atlantic, promoting junior golf development in the region.
Her leadership style has played a key role in developing a more supportive and dynamic environment for the club's female members. She alone oversaw the organization and facilitation of all division events and women's programs at the club, which attracted over 500 registrations this season—an all-time high for the division.
In addition to her work at the club, Anne sits on the PGA of Canada Atlantic tournament committee where she seeks to create a fair and competitive playing atmosphere for competitors throughout the Zone.
Through her leadership and commitment to growing the game, Anne is a deserving recipient of the Stan Leonard Class ‘A’ Assistant Professional of the Year award.
Congratulations, Anne Balser!
Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year
Winner: Amaya Athill, Golf Canada (Ontario Zone)
Amaya founded a group in 2023 called “Black Women Golfers” that aims to create a space for Black women to connect through, learn, and play golf.
Through this group Amaya hosts intro to golf clinics and range meetups in and around the GTA. Amaya shares other opportunities for Black women to learn and play golf outside of the Black Women Golfers events via email to the over 100 women who have joined the mailing list. Since 2023, over 100 women have participated in both the Intro to Golf clinics and the range meetups.
In addition, Amaya manages the First Tee – Ontario program for Golf Canada and is a contributor to SCOREGolf Magazine, focusing her stories on diversity within golf. Since January 2023, nine of Amaya's articles have been published in SCOREGolf Magazine which include stories about women, golfers with disabilities, and BIPOC golfers. Her focus on diverse perspectives, stories, and histories in golf are promoting the visibility of the contributions of golfers whose stories have been predominantly untold.
Amaya's work has had a profound and far-reaching impact on her community, particularly by increasing access to golf for historically underrepresented groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Her unwavering commitment to creating lasting, meaningful change in the golf community, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized groups, makes her a deserving recipient of the Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year award.
Congratulations, Amaya Athill!
Tex Noble Professional Development Award
Sean Murray, St. Charles Country Club (Manitoba Zone)
Sean has been a PGA Board Member in both Manitoba, and Alberta, as well as a committee member with the PGA of Quebec. Whenever there is a chance to volunteer within the zone he resides, he takes the opportunity to do so.
Sean continues to seek education by attending seminars, conferences, and has travelled across Canada and the US, shadowing 15+ of the top instructors in the entire world.
Sean continues to push himself with multiple different job titles. He is the Director of Instruction and Junior Coordinator at St. Charles, the Junior Boys Head Coach with Golf Manitoba, Technical Advisor for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games - Golf, and works with underprivileged indigenous youth twice a week outside of his role as a golf professional.
In addition, Sean is also a grader for the PGA of Canada’s Instruction of Beginner Golfers workshop.
Sean’s commitment to lifelong learning make him a deserving recipient of the Tex Noble Professional Development Award.
Congratulations, Sean Murray!
Brooke Henderson Female Player of the Year
Winner: Casey MacNeil, Timerberwolf Golf Academy (Ontario Zone)
-
Low PGA of Canada professional, 2024 PGA of Canada Women’s Championship
Mike Weir Male Player of the Year
Winner: Wes Heffernan, Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Center (Alberta Zone)
-
Champion, 2024 PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada
-
2nd, 2024 PGA of Alberta Zone Championship
-
2nd, 2024 PGA of Alberta Assistants’ Championship
-
3rd, 2024 PGA Championship of Canada