On Tuesday, June 17, the team at Copper Point Golf Club once again demonstrated their deep commitment to the ALS Society of BC, raising nearly $20,000 during the 20th annual PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.

The club is proud to have nearly reached the mark, bringing their cumulative total to over $150,000 raised across participation since 2006.

Teeing off at 4:50 a.m. and wrapping up at 10:35 p.m., the team completed an astonishing 885 holes in a single day. The Copper Point lineup featured a powerhouse of professionals whose dedication to the cause was matched only by their stamina on the course.

Executive Professional and General Manager Brian Schaal (who played 265 holes), a PGA of Canada member since 1991, has long been a leader in the BC golf community. With accolades, including the PGA of BC Distinguished Service Award and the PGA of Canada’s Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year, Schaal continues to set the tone for Copper Point’s culture of giving.

Alongside him was Scott McClain (who played 265 holes), the club’s Head Professional, whose 25+ years of experience and multiple PGA of BC awards, including Professional of the Year and Coach of the Year, made him a driving force behind the day’s success. McClain’s energy and leadership were instrumental in pushing the team through nearly 18 hours of golf.

Joining them was Matt Gillett, an Assistant Professional and a rising star in the PGA of BC. Since joining Copper Point in 2024, Gillett has brought a dynamic blend of hospitality, instruction, and technology to the club. A two-time Top 100 Golf Professional and 2021 Apprentice Professional of the Year, he played 265 holes with the same enthusiasm he brings to every lesson.

Rounding out the team was Dale Moore, Director of Instruction and a five-time PGA of BC Kootenay Zone Teacher of the Year. With over three decades of experience and a reputation for technical excellence, Moore added 90 holes to the tally and was a steady presence throughout the day.

The team was also joined by Jenn Perry, a PGA of BC candidate for membership; despite being sidelined by injury, she spent half the day scorekeeping and cheering on her colleagues. Her support added a boost of camaraderie that helped carry the team through nearly 15 consecutive rounds of golf.

“Copper Point Golf Club continues to support this PGA of BC initiative while raising funds and awareness for the ALS Society of BC. We are proud to have surpassed $150,000 over the past 19 seasons, which has helped patients and their families affected by ALS,” said McClain.

“The professional team at Copper Point Golf Club never cease to amaze us for what they do,” said Donald Miyazaki, Executive Director at ALS BC. “Not only do they support the Golfathon each year, they pick their day near the summer solstice, meaning they choose to do it when there is the most amount of daylight. And then they surpass visibility and stretch their play into darkness, both before and after – all in their efforts to raise money and awareness.

“They truly are heroes, and we are incredibly grateful for being beneficiaries of what they do for their community,” he added.

The ALS Society of BC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the PGA of BC, whose unwavering commitment has made the Golfathon for ALS a cornerstone fundraising event for two decades. With approximately 700 dedicated golf professionals at almost 200 golf facilities across British Columbia, the PGA of BC plays a vital role in advancing the game of golf while fostering strong leadership in the community through charity events and volunteering.

Their mission to promote, develop, and grow the sport aligns perfectly with the Golfathon’s goal of making a lasting impact on ALS patients and their families.

A special thank you to Copper Point Golf Club and deepest gratitude to the incredible efforts by Dale, Brian, Scott, Matt, and Jenn, along with their staff, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who made this event possible. Your collective generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Photo submitted

ALS Society of BC

Article Share