January 13, 2025
Richmond, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC is proud to recognize its 2024 Career & Professional Development Top 100, as determined by the Association’s Career & Professional Development Program (PDP) points race presented by Sunice & Bobby Jones.
The PDP points race acknowledges PGA of BC Professionals who make outstanding contributions to the Association, their communities, the province’s golf industry and, most importantly, themselves. The PDP provides an avenue to showcase and reward the diverse strengths of PGA of BC Professionals by crediting their participation in continuing education, the Association’s annual Trade Show, and various forms of volunteerism.
The PGA of BC is excited to announce Sandpiper Golf Club's Ryan Tofani as the winner of the 2024 program. Tofani, who finished as program runner-up in 2023, demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to professional development and career growth in 2024 to lead the Top 100. Tofani took part in a wide variety of Association education initiatives, as well as other golf industry learning opportunities, to lead his peers in the Education category. Furthermore, Tofani displayed his altruism through impactful association volunteerism, sacrificing his time to enrich PGA of BC events and initiatives.
Tofani finished with 103 points to seal the victory. Chris Ward (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) earned runner-up honours with 95 points. Rounding out the podium, Dylan Nickel (Chilliwack Golf Club) finished in third place with 74 points.
"PDP Points Champion is such a fantastic achievement & something I'm very proud of. To have my name on the list along with some of the best professionals in our association is an honour," said Tofani.
"I've been top-5 & top-3, so I made it my goal this year to be in the top spot. I also challenged my Assistant Professional [Dylan Nickel] to get involved & challenged him to finish in the top-5. I'm happy to see both of those come to fruition. The PDP Program is such a great way to further educate yourself on the many topics the game of golf has and a great way to give back to our local community with the initiatives & events we put forth."
Tofani emphasized the value of active participation in the association’s offerings, highlighting how engagement can lead to both personal and professional growth.
"My advice to the other members is just to get involved in whatever you can. The PGA of BC has so many great programs, initiatives, education seminars where you're bound to learn something you didn't know before. It will help you further develop your understanding of our ever-changing business and at the end of the day, make you a more well-rounded golf professional."
The Association also tracked an Assistants' and a Rookies' race in the 2024 Professional Development Program. Ward led the way among Assistants in 2024 with 95 points. Nickel earned second place in the Assistants' race, while Caine Lacusta (Riverway Golf Course) amassed 65 points to finish in third.
Running away with the Rookies' race, Nickel's dedication to professional development and massive impact in his first year exemplify the core values of the program, showcasing how active participation in Association events and a commitment to continuous learning can accelerate growth. In second place among Rookies, Shanlee Johnston (Point Grey Golf & Country Club) earned 47 professional development points, while Alexander Webber (Musqueam Golf Course & Learning Academy) finished in third place with 39 points.
The PGA of BC was thrilled to once again partner with Sunice & Bobby Jones for the 2024 Professional Development Program. The Association extends its gratitude to Sunice, Bobby Jones, and BC Sales Representative Steve Graham for their support for professional and personal growth among PGA of BC members.
"The Professional Development Program is an incredible opportunity for PGA of BC members to continue building their knowledge and skills. It reflects the drive required to grow as professionals and strive for excellence,” said Graham.
“I have great respect for those who dedicate their time and effort to this program—it’s a commitment that not only enhances their own careers but also elevates the standards of our industry."
Thanks to the patronage of Sunice & Bobby Jones, the top-10 finishers on the points race will split a bursary purse of $4,000, meant to provide financial opportunity and incentive to pursue additional education and professional-development undertakings in the future.
Please click here to view the final standings from the 2024 season and to learn more about the Professional Development Program.
For more information and for any media inquiries, please contact Communications & Marketing Manager Graham Abraham at graham@pgabc.org.
