Blehr MacKinley Scores Top Marks
to win the 2005 Canadian PGA
Tex Noble Award
 

(Acton, ON) February 1, 2006 - The Canadian PGA announced today that Blehr MacKinley of Seaview G&CC in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, is the recipient of the prestigious Tex Noble Award. The award is presented annually to the person who earns the highest mark on the Canadian PGA accreditation exam, the final threshold in earning the coveted CPGA Class ‘A’ Professional designation. MacKinley completed his exam with an outstanding final mark of 99.3 %.

“I was stunned and excited when I heard that I won,” stated MacKinley, who graduated from Grant MacEwan College’s PGM program in 2002. “I was feeling a ton of different emotions but most of all I was really honoured that I had won.” Tex Noble was a former Education Director with the Canadian PGA, who was instrumental in the development and training of young golf professionals. The award has been handed out annually since 1992 and MacKinley will receive a personalized plaque and $500 from Simmlands Insurance, proud supporters of the award for many years.

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of the Tex Noble Award. Tex was an inspiration to many of us in the golf industry and would be delighted to have such a worthy candidate receive this recognition," stated John Simmonds of Simmlands Insurance Brokers.

“The Canadian PGA prides itself on the lifelong learning potential of our members” stated Gary Bernard, Director of Education for the Canadian PGA. “Blehr’s standout performance is a true testament of the integrity of a CPGA golf professional. I have no doubt he will thrive and be a leader in the industry.”

MacKinley began his golf career nine years ago at Seaview, working at the pro shop early on before beginning his apprenticeship in 2001 under Lorne Jennex. A lifelong resident of Sydney, MacKinley will remain at Seaview in the upcoming years.

“I would consider Lorne and Stu Musgrave as two men who have been very instrumental, with not only getting in the business, but with preparing me for a career in the industry.” MacKinley also credits the Canadian PGA Teaching and Coaching Certification Program (TCCP) program for preparing him for the golf industry. “TCCP really helps you in so many different ways in addition to teaching. You can take a lot out of the program and apply it, not only to teaching, but, to business and life itself. Also, Alan Riley and the staff at Grant MacEwan deserve credit for their quality of teachings and curriculum,” added MacKinley.