Hinds & Holborn Win Nearly New Golf Assistants' Team Championship Presented by Easy Picker

(Markham, Ont. April 28, 2008)- Propelled by hot wedges which included an eagle chip in, Andy Holborn and Jerry Hinds shot a solid -9 under 63 to claim this year's Ontario PGA Assistants' Team Championship. This marked the third year that the Hinds and Holborn duo have partnered up and their experience together paid off.

"It was a good day other then the weather but it was the same for everybody," said Holborn. "We left one out there for sure, but we also managed to steal three," joked Hinds

The weather conditions in Markham were not favourable today with the mercury dipping below zero with the windchill earlier in the morning. A field of 128 Canadian PGA Professionals and Apprentices braved the elements to make this yet another great tournament at Angus Glen Golf Club.

Other notable scores from the two man scramble included a -7 under 65 for the team of Greg Colekessian and Nate Clingersmith. Greg Gates with last minute replacement Dave Wettlaufer managed a -6 under 66 along with three other teams.

Notes: The Bamboomer long drive qualifier today was Nate Clingersmith of the National Golf Club of Canada. Nate is the first qualifier for the year ending Bamboomer Ontario PGA Long Drive Championship, which will be held at Angus Glen on October 28, 2008. Ryan Starr of Lakeridge Links had an eagle from the fairway on the par four number 5.

For full field scores click here

Golf Trends Continues Support of Ontario PGA Awards Banquet

(Pickering, Ont. April 22, 2008) - The Ontario PGA is pleased to announce that Golf Trends will continue its support as the presenting sponsor of the Ontario PGA Awards Banquet for 2008. This year's awards banquet will once again take place during the Ontario PGA Merchandise show on Wednesday October 29, 2008.

"Canadian PGA Professionals' in Ontario are truly thankful for the support that Golf Trends has shown over the last number of years," said Chris Miranda, President of the Ontario PGA.

For over 21 years Golf Trends has been a leading golf equipment distributor in Canada. Their diverse line of product lines include Bag Boy, AMF golf clubs, Golf Pride, Winn and Lamkin golf grips, Champ and Softspikes, K-Bell sockettes, TownTalk headwear, Proline of Australia footwear as well as our own quality labels - Striker and Striker PS.

"We are very thankful for our great relationship with the CPGA Professionals of Ontario.

Our success at Golf Trends over the last two decades has been directly attributable to the unwavering support of the CPGA of Ontario" said Peter Goslin, President of Golf Trends.

"Golf Trend's goal is to continue to provide superior products, service and value to the industry."

The Ontario PGA Awards Banquet honours Canadian PGA Professionals in Ontario who have been nominated by their peers for excelling in their discipline for that year. The awards include Club Professional of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year for Juniors, Merchandiser of the Year and finally Assistant Professional of the Year.

Ontario PGA Teams Up with Rescue 7 Distributor of SAM PAD Defibrillator

(Pickering, Ont., April 15, 2008) - The Ontario PGA is pleased to welcome Rescue 7 as its newest partner. Rescue 7 is the exclusive distributor of the SAM PAD which is lightest and most affordable defibrillator on the market. The SAM PAD will become the preferred defibrillator of the Ontario PGA and Ontario PGA members can also rest assured that the SAM PAD defibrillator will be on hand at each Ontario PGA Tournament incases of emergency.

 "Defibrillator's are becoming more and more important for golf facilities to have," said Ontario PGA President Chris Miranda. "As an owner myself we have a SAM PAD defibrillator on our property and although we haven't had to use it the peace of mind is definitely there."

The Samaritan® PAD defibrillator is compact, portable, economical and simple to use in an emergency situation.  It comes complete with a soft carrying case, 1 adult pad-pak (battery and pads as one unit), CD toolkit, instructional booklet and 7 year warranty.

"With response times for 911 well over 8 minutes on average and the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest without defibrillation drops 10% every minute, the SAM PAD defibrillator is practical, affordable and hopefully never used but always available.  Every golf course should have them accessible in the club house and on the course," said John Collie, President of Rescue 7 Inc. "Unfortunately; cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime.  Many courses have already taken a proactive approach and implemented the SAM PAD and training."

Ontario PGA members and CPGA Approved facilities in Ontario will have the opportunity to purchase the SAM PAD at a special discounted price. Rescue 7 will also be offering a number of courses in First Aid, CPR, Automated External Defibrillation and Health and Safety to Ontario PGA members. CPGA Approved facilities such as Brampton Golf Club, Kaneff Golf and Angus Glen Golf Club have all taken advantage of Rescue 7's training programs.  For more information about the SAM PAD please contact Scott Pritchard at the Ontario PGA office.

For more information about the SAMPAD please visit www.rescue7.net

TaylorMade adidas Golf to Continue as Title Sponsor of
Ontario PGA Tournament of Champions

(Pickering, Ont. April 8, 2008) TaylorMade adidas Golf agreed today to continue their support of the TaylorMade Ontario PGA Tournament of Champions. The Tournament of Champions which takes place at RattleSnake Golf Club combines female and male club champions with their Head Professional to form a three person team.

"The Tournament of Champions is a great event that is very well attended each year," said Chris Miranda, Ontario PGA President. "We are very honoured to have TaylorMade's continued support and we are equally excited about the charitable focus of this event."

Since the event's inception a charitable donation has been made to a number of different organizations. Last year a donation was made to Sunshine Dreams for Kids while this year a donation will be made to a national TaylorMade adidas Golf supported charity.

"We are thrilled to be, once again, supporting the Ontario PGA as well as the individual club champions and golf professionals. The event is undoubtedly one of the best events all year in terms of competitiveness and attendance and we look forward to a great day at Rattlesnake" said Dave Bradley, Vice President and General Manager of TaylorMade adidas Golf, Canada

The TaylorMade Tournament of Champions is an 18-hole, (one gross, one net best ball) championship which commences at 11AM on May 5, 2008. Last year Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club won the east division while Galt Country Club lead by CPGA Professional Rob Moore, amateur star Victor Ciesielski and Allyson Godfroid
claimed the west division.  

Ontario PGA Elects Chris Miranda as President its 38^th President

(Pickering, Ont. April 4, 2008) - The Ontario PGA is pleased to introduce Mr. Chris Miranda, Executive Professional of the Cambridge Golf Club as its new president. Miranda takes over for outgoing president Kevin Purcell who held the presidency since March of 2006.

"I would like to thank my fellow Canadian PGA Professionals' in Ontario for allowing me to serve them over the last six years," said out going president, Kevin Purcell. "It has truly been a rewarding experience for me to the see the association head in a positive direction. I would encourage all members to take an active role in their PGA."

Miranda should be no stranger to Canadian PGA Professionals' in Ontario having served on the Ontario PGA Board of Directors for 6 years in a number of capacities. One of Miranda's accomplishments in that position was as chair of membership and education committee overseeing and introducing the Ontario PGA Education Summit.

"I am honoured to be serving as the Ontario PGA's 38^th President," said Chris Miranda. "I have some big shoes to fill considering the leadership of the past but I am confident we will continue to head in a positive direction."

Born and raised in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Miranda grew up playing golf at Glendale Golf and Country Club under the guidance of his parents Gord and Karen and CPGA Head Professional Ian Clarke.  After graduating high school Miranda then went on to Mohawk College to study business and play on the school golf team. 

Following Mohawk Miranda entered the golf business full time spending his first 2 years as Assistant Professional in Niagara Falls, then 4 years back at Glendale where he grew up. At the young age of 25 Miranda then ventured half way around the world and was the first Head Professional at Royal Valley Golf Club in Egypt.  Miranda's time in Egypt proved to be a turning point in his career and upon his return to Canada he was able to spend 2 years with ClubLink Corporation before moving to Cambridge to become the Head Professional at Savannah Golf Links.

Today, along with his wife Carla, superintendent Blaine Miller and a small group of investors they own and operate Cambridge Golf Club. Miranda serves as the Director of Golf at Cambridge Golf while Carla Munch Miranda takes care of corporate clients and oversees the teaching facility.

With the movement of Miranda to President Kevin Corriveau, Professor of the Professional Golf Management at St. Clair College will move into the Vice President roll as well as assuming the duties of National Board Representative. New board members for 2008 include Randy Taylor, Head Professional at Twenty Valley Golf Club, Hendrick Van Der Geld, Membership Director at Beacon Hall Golf Club and Evans Mahoney, Head Professional at Owen Sound Golf & Country Club.

Nearly New Golf Becomes Title Sponsor of

Easy Picker Line to be Presenting Sponsor for

(Pickering, Ont. April 3, 2008) - The Ontario PGA announced today that Nearly New Golf will become the title sponsor of the Ontario PGA Assistants' Team Championship. In addition, Easy Picker which is distributed in Canada by Nearly New Golf will become the presenting sponsor for both the Assistants' Team Championship and the Fall Scramble.

The Assistants' Team Championship is the first event on the Ontario PGA Schedule and will be played at Angus Glen Golf Club on April 28, 2008. The inaugural Fall Scramble Championship will also be played at Angus Glen and will be played on October 28, 2008. The Assistants' Team Championship is open to all Elite Apprentices, Associate and Teaching Professionals while the new Fall Scramble is open to all Canadian PGA Members in Ontario.

"We are looking forward to a strong partnership with Nearly New Golf," said Chris Miranda, Ontario PGA President. "Their commitment to Canadian PGA Professionals in Ontario is very strong both on and off the course."

Nearly New Golf has undergone somewhat of rejuvenation of late with Canadian PGA Professional Jeff Boismier taking over the day-to-day operations and overseeing all marketing and sales initiatives. In addition to Boismier, Greg Lecky, another CPGA Member has joined the Nearly New Golf Team and will take on the responsibility of Operations Manager/Sales Representative.

"Nearly New Golf was started by a CPGA Professional and we believe the opportunity to be involved with both the Spring and Fall events is a great one for us," said Boismier. "The Assistants are invaluable to their Head Professionals and the future of our business. Both are team events and in the spirit of friendly competition reflect our corporate philosophy. We are looking forward to building on our relationships with Canadian PGA Professionals in Ontario," added Boismier.

The Assistants' Team Championship is a 2-man scramble format with a maximum of 64 teams competing at Angus Glen Golf Club. The Fall Scramble will be open to 72 three man teams competing on both the North and South courses at Angus Glen.  Check out Nearly New Golf @ http://www.nearlynewgolfballs.com

(Pickering, Ont. March 27, 2008) - The Ontario PGA announced today that Srixon Sports has agreed to become the title sponsor of the Ontario PGA Assistants' Summer Championship. The Srixon Ontario PGA Assistants' Summer Championship will be played at Paris Grand Golf Club on July 14, 2008.

"We are pleased once again to be partnered with Srixon," said Chris Miranda, President of the Ontario PGA. "Canadian PGA Assistant Professionals are the future of not only the PGA but the game itself and we are pleased that Srixon values that partnership."

Srixon has been a loyal supporter of the Ontario PGA since 2006 and continues to be a valuable partner to Canadian PGA Professionals across Canada. In addition to supporting Canadian PGA initiatives and Canadian PGA Professionals, Srixon also boasts a stable of more than 70 professional golfers worldwide, including Jim Furyk, Tim Clark, Robert Allenby, Steve Flesch, John Rollins, Fuzzy Zoeller and Karrie Webb.

"Srixon Golf Canada is very proud to support Canadian PGA Professoinals and Apprentices across Canada," said Jamie MacKenzie, Director of Sales for Srixon Canada.
"Events like these afford Srixon the opportunity to increase brand awareness in the marketplace by supporting the CPGA Professional," added MacKenzie

The Srixon Ontario PGA Assistants' Summer Championship was played at Bradford Highlands in 2007 and eventual winner Reg Millage claimed that title after the first playoff hole. Millage went on to win the Ontario PGA Assistants' Championship and the Assistants' Order of Merit for 2007. Millage will be looking to replicate his 2007 success beginning May 28^th when the Assistants' tour kicks off at the Mandarin Golf Club. For the complete Ontario PGA tournament schedule please visit www.ontariopga.com.

Cleveland Golf Becomes Title Sponsor of
Ontario PGA Assistants' Championship

(Pickering, Ont., March 20, 2008) - The Ontario PGA announced today that Cleveland Golf Canada will be come the title sponsor of the Ontario PGA Assistants' Championship. The Cleveland Golf Ontario PGA Assistants' Championship will once again be played at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club on August 5^th and 6^th.

"We are excited to be partnered with Cleveland Golf, which is synonymous with quality, innovation and performance," said Kevin Purcell, President of the Ontario PGA.

Originally founded in 1979 by namesake Roger Cleveland, Cleveland Golf started off as a company known for producing exquisite replicas of classic golf clubs from the 1940's and 1950's. Today, the company is regarded as one of the forerunners in product innovation and is home to the #1 Wedge in Golf. In December of 2007 Cleveland Golf was sold to SRI Sports.SRI Sports owns and operates several brands including Srixon around the world which combine to make them the number one club brand and number two ball brand in Japan, as well as having a major presence in Europe and North America.

"Cleveland Golf Canada is very excited about the new partnership with the Ontario PGA and the Assistants championship," Said Dan Dodman, President of Cleveland Golf Canada. "We are looking forward to building the game of golf and the Cleveland Golf brands in the province of Ontario with the support of the Ontario PGA."

Since 1954 the Ontario PGA Assistants' Championship has been contested across the province and has a long list of esteemed winners. That list includes Canadian Golf Hall of Famers, Moe Norman, George Knudson and Bob Panasik. In addition two Ontario Golf Hall of Famers, Jerry Anderson and Irv Lightstone have their names etched on the Earl Morris Trophy.

Ontario PGA Announces Partnership with Bamboomer Golf Tees and Introduces First Ever Bamboomer Ontario PGA Long Drive Championship

(Pickering, Ont., March 11, 2008) - The Ontario PGA and Bamboomer ECO Friendly Golf Tees have agreed to a multi year partnership that will see Bamboomer become the title sponsor of the Ontario PGA Long Drive Championship. The Ontario PGA Long Drive Championship will take place in conjunction with the Fall Scramble to be played at Angus Glen Golf Club on October 28., 2008.

"The Ontario PGA is committed to finding environmentally friendly alternatives when it comes to golf," said Kevin Purcell, President of the Ontario PGA. "The Bamboomer Golf Tee is a great environmentally friendly alternative for golfers and we are proud to be partnered with them."

The Bamboomer Golf Tee uses the most advanced technologies in order to protect and conserve the environment. The carbonization process allows Bamboomer to produce bamboo tees without the need for a lacquer or paint coating, producing strong, durable and environmentally friendly tees.

"We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Ontario PGA and its members and we feel The Bamboomer Long Drive Championship will provide another exciting element to the Ontario PGA tournament schedule," said Patrick Gorman, General Manager of Bamboomer.  "We would like to thank the courses that have decided to introduce our Bamboomer Tees, which in turn gives their members and players the opportunity to participate in environmental conservation." 

To qualify for the Bamboomer Ontario PGA Long Drive Championship members of the Ontario PGA must do so at an official Ontario PGA tournament. At each tournament a hole will be designated as the official long drive qualifier. On October 28, 2008 each one of the qualifier's will battle it out on the Angus Glen driving range for the right to be crowned the Ontario PGA Long Drive Champion. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers.  

Bamboomer golf tees are distributed through Nearly New Golf in Mississauga.

Howard Wins Canadian PGA Club Professional of the Year

Patty Howard, Executive Professional and Director of Golf at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club in London, Ontario, is the 2007 recipient of the Canadian PGA Club Professional of the Year award.

Patty Howard has been a Class “A” Member of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association for 26 years and a Head Professional for 23 years. In a male dominated profession, she has excelled, regardless of gender, at a very high level on all fronts. She has managed her own successful Patty Howard Golf School for 11 years, played and won on the Futures Tour, managed the Golf Operation as Director of Golf / Head Professional at two private clubs and above all, has exuded professional character throughout. In 1985 and 1986 Patty Howard became the first female Member to sit on the Ontario P.G.A. Board of Directors and is the second female in Canadian PGA history to win this award.

“I am so shocked that I received this award from the Canadian PGA,” says Howard, also winner of the 2007 Ontario PGA Club Professional of the year award. “It truly is an amazing award to receive. I thought it was incredible to win the provincial award, so to win the National award in addition is very humbling to say the least.”

Howard has been the Director of Golf at Sunningdale Golf & Country Club for the past six years. Her career has come full circle, as she grew up playing golf and was first introduced to the game at Sunningdale when she was young. “It is so nice to be able to say that I have returned to the place where I was first mentored in the game of golf by Fred Kern and Bruce Atkins to name a few,” says Howard, “you don’t work throughout the year at the club thinking that this award is your final goal, so to receive it is such an honour.” Howard’s management style and professionalism is one of thorough detail and focus towards excellence in all areas including staff training, administration, merchandising and service atmosphere.

In her capacity she is responsible for 47 staff including the Head Professional, 11 Front Shop Staff, 10 Starters / Rangers, 25 Back Shop Staff and 1 Membership Coordinator. To manage this large team, Howard employs a balance of structured administration along with an ‘open door’ policy for all staff members to ensure healthy communication. Frequent team meetings ensure continuity in such subjects as day-to-day service, tournaments, merchandising and sales.

Ontario PGA and PING Canada Introduce
PING - SEPTEMBER SERIES

(Pickering, Ont. March 4, 2008)  - PING Canada extended their 2008 partnership commitment to the Ontario PGA today by becoming the title sponsor of the inaugural Ontario PGA Class 'A' Championship. PING is also the title sponsor of the Head Professional / Head Professional Championship which has been played for the last three years at Glencarin Golf Club in Milton. Both events will now comprise the new PING - September Series.

"PING Canada is a loyal supporter of Canadian PGA Professionals in Ontario," said Kevin Purcell, Ontario PGA President. "These new initiatives will afford our members the opportunity to network and build relationships with one another during the month of September."

The Class 'A' Championship which will be played at the recently renovated Rock Golf Club in Muskoka will be open to all Class 'A' Professionals that are members of the Ontario Zone. The two-day 81-player championship will be played on September 15^th and 16^th and will count towards the Hunt Trophy.

The Head Pro Head Pro Championship is a 27-hole tournament with each of the 9-holes consisting of a scramble, better ball and alternate shot. Eligible members for this event include Hear Professionals, Head Teaching Professionals, Master Professionals and Executive Professionals.  

"The new September Series will be an extension of our involvement with the HP / HP Championship as both of these events meet our belief that golf professionals have an opportunity to play in a unique format while enjoying the fellowship the game provides to all who play it," said Dave Wilson, General Manager of Ping Canada.

Ontario PGA Partners with CMC GOLF

(Pickering, Ont. February 26, 2008) - The Ontario PGA is pleased to welcome CMC Golf as its newest partner. CMC Golf will become the official custom gift provider to the Ontario PGA. CMC will provide the majority of the Ontario PGA tournament winners with keeper gifts as well as all PAT Qualifiers with a special gift for the successful completion of their playing ability test.

"We are very excited about our partnership with CMC Golf," said Ontario PGA President, Kevin Purcell. "CMC will be providing our winners and PAT qualifiers with a high quality gift, which I'm sure will be well received."

CMC Golf was founded in 1986 and entered the golf accessory market in 1993. Today, CMC is the number one supplier of custom bag tags and repair tools world wide. Their comprehensive collection of at-once sets covers the golf and corporate markets with high quality accessories for any budget.

"CMC Golf is pleased to partner with the Ontario PGA," said Derek Grant, Canadian Sales Manager for CMC Golf.  "The relationship with the Canadian PGA Professionals in Ontario is a key part of our business and we are delighted to be supporting the Ontario PGA and its 1300 members. CMC Golf has made a significant investment in Ontario over the past year - opening a local office and hiring two new sales representatives to service this growing market.  Our goal is to provide Ontario PGA members products and services that will improve the golf shop bottom line and improve the golfer's experience."

CMC Golf is also a partner of the Canadian PGA Retirement advantage program. The CPGA Retirement Advantage is a program by which CMC Golf and other supplier partner's sales incentives can be contributed directly to a RRSP for Canadian PGA Professionals.