GolfBC's Learn to Play and Play More Often strategy setting the standard for player development in Canada

Vancouver, B.C., June 14 2006 – The GolfBC Group’s Learn to Play & Play More Often Strategy saw over 250 complimentary lessons given to players of all abilities at their nine British Columbia Properties during May’s “GolfBC Free Lesson Month”. 

The GolfBC Group is pleased to follow up the launch of their 2005 Learn to Play, Play More Often programs, “Kids Play Free at GolfBC”, “Beginner Friendly Certification” and “Take-a-kid to the Course Week” (in partnership with the NGCOA) with the “Free Lesson Month at GolfBC”. This is the fourth initiative that has been launched by GolfBC since 2005, under the “Learn to Play & Play More Often” banner.

Participating courses are Nicklaus North, Furry Creek, Mayfair Lakes, The Bear and The Quail at The Okanagan Golf Club, Gallagher’s Canyon and The Pinnacle, Arbutus Ridge, and Olympic View. In 2005 the GolfBC Group saw participation in its “Kids Play Free at GolfBC” program top 1000 complimentary junior rounds. With a good early start to the season, the objective is to reach 2000 rounds played this year.  

“Our Learn to Play & Play More Often strategy has not only given us a tremendous opportunity to introduce new golfers and experienced players to our facilities, but has also presented us with the chance to develop and foster the growth of the game of golf”, said Andy Hedley, Vice President of Operations, GolfBC British Columbia.

“We want to be the recognized leader in golf and part of that strategy is to give something back to the game through our Learn to Play & Play More Often programs. Our goal remains player development through participation while creating avid golfers for the future”, added Jeff Ciecko, General Manager and Executive Professional at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler.

GolfBC, a Vancouver-based golf and resort management and investment company, is defining a higher standard of quality and consistency among premier golf destinations. Since 1989 GolfBC has been creating premium golf destinations and master planned golf communities in British Columbia.  GolfBC is the owner/operator of eight championship golf courses in British Columbia, including Nicklaus North (Whistler), Furry Creek (Lions Bay), Gallagher’s Canyon (Kelowna), Olympic View (Victoria), The Quail and The Bear (The Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna), Mayfair Lakes (Richmond), and Arbutus Ridge (Cobble Hill) and one 9-hole facility, The Pinnacle (at Gallagher’s Canyon). In the fall of 2003, GolfBC has acquired five golf courses in Hawaii: the Gold, Emerald and Blue courses at Wailea Golf Resort on Maui, and the Kiele and Mokihana courses at Kauai Lagoons on Kauai. Additional information about GolfBC can be found at its web site: www.golfbc.com.

For more information on GolfBC’s Player Development Strategy, Learn to Play & Play More Often, please Contact:

Mr. Andy Hedley
Vice President of Operations, GolfBC British Columbia
606-681-8700 x 216
[email protected]

Ms. Rita Rennie
Marketing Manager, GolfBC
604-681-8700 x. 211
[email protected]