Page 42 - GBC Spring 2026 ENG

At the 2025 Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show, a record number of delegates submitted ideas in advance for
the Great Canadian Idea Share that showcased their best proven money-saving and
revenue-generating ideas. The top 8 semi-finalists were chosen and they presented their
ideas live during the event with delegates voting for their favourite ideas.
It was a competitive process with many creative and impressive ideas from members
across the country. The top 4 finalist ideas will be featured in the Golf Business Canada
magazine. Compliments of Tee-On Software, each of the 4 finalists received a gift card
from Home Hardware, with the winner walking away with a cool $5,000 gift card!
2025 Winner CPGC Learner League
Sharon Labbett, Centennial Park Golf Centre, ON
2025 Winner : CPGC Learner League
Sharon Labbett, Centennial Park Golf Centre, ON
Finalist : The Electronic Proximity Marker
(Virtual Proxy) Trevor Secundiak, Kananaskis
Country Golf Course, AB
Finalist : Ladies Day
Graeme McCarrel, Pheasant Run Golf Club, ON
Finalist : Stationary Beverage Cart Stations
Brian Schaal, Copper Point Golf Club, BC
WHY LEARNER LEAGUE?
The Learner League was created in
response to a request from Kayla,
CPGC Admin Manager and a
beginner golfer. She wanted a
welcoming, non-intimidating league
where beginners could learn with
peers, build confidence and gain
comfort on the course, while learning
core skills and golf etiquette.
WHAT IS LEARNER LEAGUE?
• 22 week, 9 hole league, 60 players
•  20 minute “quick tips” lesson with a
coach before tee-off
•  Weekly email from Coach Graham
covering skills, course strategy,
rules, etiquette and pace of play
•  $155 for 22 weeks of instruction,
2 wine / cheese socials, and gifts
•  Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm.,
designed to appeal to young
professionals
MARKETING STRATEGY
•  Word of mouth and email outreach
to existing CPGC leagues
•  Website and social media promotion
with full program details
INITIAL INVESTMENT
• Admin and registration costs
•  Coach compensation $250
per week for 22 weeks
PROGRAM IMPACT
The program sold out in just 16
minutes! CPGC added 15 spots and
now maintains a waitlist of 180
players. The Learners League has
opened the door to a new beginner
market, increased facility usage,
created a supportive community
and boosted demand for lessons.
Due to overwhelming interest,
CPGC will launch a second Learner
League in 2026 to support progres-
sion and accommodate new players.
Players are expected to
“graduate” the Learner League
and feel confident moving into
other leagues, including compe-
titive options at CPGC or other
courses.
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Golf Business Canada