Three PGA of BC members will be toting significant pieces of hardware back from Canada Night in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 23, 2014 at the PGA Merchandise Show.
The British Columbia winners of this year's PGA of Canada awards included
Robert Ratcliffe, teaching professional at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community in Courtenay, who was named the Ben Kern Coach of the Year.
Todd Deters, a fellow coach, describes why Ratcliffe is such an honoured golf coach: "The difference between being a golf coach versus being a golf instructor can be summed up very quickly by observing Robert Ratcliffe's daily activities.
"He represents all that a golf 'coach' should be. He has been recognized for his expertise at a provincial and national level by serving as the Alberta Provincial Coach from 2004-2006, the Assistant National Coach for Golf Canada from 2007 to present, and served in 2013 as the Team B.C. Canada Games Coach," Deters said.
"During this time, the players that Robert has worked with have enjoyed phenomenal results. These accomplishments would be too numerous to list."
In 2014, Ratcliffe will take on the role of Men's National Development Team Coach with Team Canada (a recent promotion). This is a full-time role that will see Ratcliffe work with Canada's best junior golfers as they prepare for international competition, collegiate golf, and chase spots on the Canadian national amateur team.
In 2013, Ratcliffe won the gold medal at the Copas de las America's Tournament at Doral in Miami, and also led Team B.C. to all four available gold medals at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
Other B.C. winners were Rob Houlding, head teaching professional at the Rob Houlding Golf Academy in Surrey, who was named the George Knudson Teacher of the Year, and Scott Kolb, executive professional and general manager of the Victoria Golf Club who was named the Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year.
Thousands of PGA of Canada members across the country are eligible for these prestigious awards every year and only a very select few are nominated by their peers.
"This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication Rob, Robert and Scott have demonstrated throughout their careers as golf professionals and both the PGA of Canada and PGA of BC applaud their accomplishments," a PGA of BC spokesperson commented.
– PGA of BC