Jonas’ clean up PGA of Sask. awards

Phil Jonas was the big winner this year after the PGA of Saskatchewan announced their annual award recipients.

Jonas, a B.C. Golf Hall of Fame inductee that now calls Saskatoon home took home the Frank Fowler Trophy for lowest stroke average, the Peter Cusher Trophy for the Order of Merit championship, as well as the Scott Knapp Trophy for player of the year. Jonas said the honours are special.

“I’m really proud to have won this award against strong competition, it means a lot to me having just moved to Saskatchewan. I will savour this, given my advancing age opportunities will be few,” Jonas said.

Patty Jonas, also a B.C. Golf Hall of Fame member who co-operates the Jonas Golf Academy out of Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (SGCC) was named the John Gaudet Trophy winner that goes to the teacher of the year.

“This did come as a surprise to me as I have only been here a year and while I have been teaching a long time,” she said. “I’m sure there were others that have done more in the province to date then myself. I am very happy and honoured to have been recognized and will continue to create opportunities for people to learn and stay excited about playing golf.”

The Graham Coulter Trophy for professional of the year went to SGCC Head Professional McLaren Taylor. He said he’s very appreciative of the recognition.

“It really is a special honour to be named professional by the PGA of Saskatchewan,” Taylor said. “We’re a big province with golf professionals in all directions who work hard to serve the game. We don’t get together often but there’s a lot of camaraderie at our events and seminars, so to be recognised by the group is really special. Of course, it doesn’t happen without a lot of support from our home clubs. I’m fortunate to have a great management team at SGCC, and a supportive board and membership to serve.”

The assistant professional of the year award went to The Legends Golf Club’s Brent Eikelenboom. Junior leader of the year was Paul Schatz from the Joanne Goulet Golf Course in Regina. Saskatoon’s Jason Schneider was named the coach of the year for 2021. He said being recognized for his work is a privilege.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be recognized by your peers. I’m lucky to get to work with amazing athletes who make coaching them easy and enjoyable,” Schneider said.

Retailer of the year is Brennan Gee from the SGCC and the Bill Taylor Award for sportsmanship is Sloane Harder.

The awards are normally announced during the PGA of Saskatchewan’s buying show and annual general meeting, but that event was cancelled due to COVID-19.