For the second year in a row, Kirk Nederpelt, assistant golf professional at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club, has been nominated for the PGA of B.C. Junior Golf Promoter of the Year.
The four finalists are chosen from different regions; Nederpelt is representing the Lower Mainland. The winner will be chosen this week at the annual trade show in Penticton.
Nederpelt said it is an honour to be chosen for the award and hopes to be a second time lucky and win it this year.
"It means a lot. We put a lot of work into our junior program here, so it's certainly nice to be recognized as one of the best on the Lower Mainland," he said. "It's rewarding to see the work that goes into it is recognized by the association. It's made possible, really in large part, by the club itself. The membership and the board here recognize the important of junior golf and really get behind the program, so that really sets the foundation for us to have such a successful junior program."
Nederpelt said he takes a lot out of being nominated to represent the Lower Mainland with the award.
"I think one of the most important jobs a golf professional has is to introduce this great sport to the young and up and coming players. It's nice to have a facility to do it here and have the backing of the club," he said.
Head professional Jim Pringle said Nederpelt puts a tremendous effort and commitment into the program and has been successful with some creative ideas.
"This is a nice acknowledgement for Kirk, who has done a great job for us here at the club," Pringle said. "I feel he is having a very positive impact on kids from the Sunshine Coast and the ultimate benefit is seeing the number of young kids who have moved through the program and are playing golf."
