Message from the President: Lindon Garron

As a very proud member of the Canadian PGA, I am truly honored to serve as your President. I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful people across our country and the skills and abilities demonstrated by fellow golf professionals speak to the professionalism of our Association.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to the continued improvement of our Association and it is very rewarding to see the positive direction that we are now heading. The next two years bring much excitement with many initiatives directed at affording us the opportunity to promote the abilities and competencies of our membership.

For my first entry in this newsletter, I thought it would be fitting to share with you a brief overview of the current state of our Association and benefits associated with being a Member of the Canadian PGA.

The Canadian PGA is the second oldest PGA in the world with 3500 golf professionals across the country. We owe a lot to the gentlemen who formed the Canadian PGA on July 11, 1911 and preparation has already begun on planning our Centennial Celebration in 2011.

We enjoy a tremendous relationship with fellow International PGAs. Executive Director Steve Carroll, Director of Education Gary Bernard, Director of Finance and Administration Glenda Costa and Manager of Business Development Jeff Dykeman just returned from the PGA World Conference in Australia where discussions included educational review and comparison, reciprocity between organizations, economic impact, global branding, golf development and global SWOT analysis all aimed at improving associations worldwide.

The Canadian PGA is seen as a leader in the golf industry and the work presently being accomplished in Teaching, Coaching and Long Term Player Development is second to none. The attention devoted to education and the improved qualifications of our Members is viewed as being very proactive acknowledging our commitment to be a leader.

A detailed Strategic Plan addressing all issues facing our Association within the industry is in the final stages of development and will be released later in the year.

Our Association is governed by the Board of Directors comprised of leaders representing each of the nine zones across Canada. The Board is committed to the advancement and continued improvement of our Association resulting in rewarding experiences for all Canadian PGA Members.

The Zones play a very important role in your success as a Member with Zone Boards and staff contributing significantly to the development, improvement and delivery of all necessary programs. To my friends in the Atlantic Zone, thank you very much for your help and support throughout my career.

Currently, we are reviewing a governance plan that will result in recommended revisions ensuring that we are efficient at program development and delivery.

The Canadian PGA Education Program is constantly being reviewed to ensure that it addresses the needs of our members and the industry. As a Member you have access to Sport Canada and other leading sport stakeholders around the world. You are offered lifelong learning experiences and have the ability to be trained at all stages of your career with exciting new learning initiatives becoming available as the golf industry evolves.

As a Canadian PGA Member, there are many personal benefits with the powerful brand recognition throughout the world of being a Member of a Global PGA. Other benefits include a group insurance plan and a retirement program. Our Business Development Department offers many partnerships available for your participation, growth and benefit including the Callaway Free Lesson Program, the Resort Owners Group and SkyCaddie to name a few. For your benefit, please become familiar with all opportunities available to you.

It is important to develop good partnerships with other governing bodies. We have cooperative initiatives with both the RCGA and the NGCOA with many efforts aimed at improving our industry.

The Canadian PGA is an active partner in Play Golf, a national initiative to increase golf participation and enjoyment. Through CN Future Links, our National Junior Golf Program, you have exceptional junior programming resources available. The Canadian PGA is taking the lead in upgrading the programs and materials associated with CN Future Links.

In developing future education initiatives and employment strategies, we will be working closely with the NGCOA and other significant employers.

Through Employment Services, you have access to career advancement and planning tools, with job postings through CPGA.com and Member communications.

Communications, designed to keep you informed and current, are provided through various sources including our monthly newsletter, weekly E-bulletins, the Canadian PGA website and other notices and mailings. You also have a voice at Zone meetings and the National AGM to communicate your own personal thoughts.

National and Zone tournaments are organized for your participation and enjoyment. The opportunity exists to qualify for the Canadian Open as the winner of the National Club Professional Championship. As a Member, the opportunity exists to attend high profile tournaments and Championships throughout the world.

As is true with all Associations, the more you give, the more you will likely receive. Through active participation and involvement in association functions, there is an opportunity to reap many rewards both personally and professionally. Networking within the Canadian PGA is a key ingredient in all of our successes and is a Member benefit often overlooked.

With many exciting opportunities in the future, it is important to stay proactive to achieve your goals. The Canadian PGA is an Association where many Members give back thereby enriching their lives. As you enter this golf season, consider becoming involved in helping new apprentices, developing improvements in the education programs or serving on any of the various committees.

I wish you the best of success for the upcoming season.

Sincerely,

Lindon Garron