Golf isn’t a seasonable sport in the lower mainland and many play it year round, so are just better than others and one such golfer is 55 year-old Philip Jonas of Surrey, who has competed in around 30 tournaments this year alone.

Given his success of late, he has managed to add more hardware to his collection as he was recognized as the PGA winner of the “Stan Leonard Player of the Year Award” for the 4th time in his illusive career.

As one would expect with any award when he received the phone call from the PGA of B.C. this time around, he was caught off-guard.

He mentioned “I was kind of surprised and I’m 55-years-old, and a lot of the guys competing are all young and the last time I won, I was 45 and of the four times I’ve won, this is definitely the most satisfying,”

He continued “I’m very honoured, mainly because of my age. I’ve had better years, but to have a decent year like I had at 55 is pretty good considering my body doesn’t feel as good as it used to.”

The PGA of B.C. chooses the winner of the award on merit instead of a voting ballot that is based on their opinion of the best player.

Merit points for the award are based on who performs best in both provincial and national events.

Last month in Victoria he won the PGA of B.C. Club Professional Championship and other highlights of his season include a top-five finish in both the PGA of BC Championship and Seniors PGA Championship of Canada.

For Jonas his career began at a young age as his Father was a manager of a golf course in South Africa where he grew up and the early age he had a passion for golf.

He has been fortunate to have golfed around the globe and was a member (previous) of the PGA Tour in 1987.

He was also a part of the Latin American PGA Tour in the early to mid 90’s and during that time he has golfed with pro players such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, and John Daly.

In 2003 he opened up the Philip Jonas Golf Academy and is based out of Hazelmere Golf Course in South Surrey and since then he’s been teaching as well as competing in various events throughout North America.

It’s been his main passion and he tries to teach that when he teaches future up and coming possible pro golfers.

He mentioned “It doesn’t matter if someone is young or old, but if I can make them enjoy the game enough to play for the rest of their lives, that’s the best reward.”

The PGA of B.C. Awards Celebration was held in the Whistler Ballroom at the River Rock Casino in Richmond.

Congratulations to all the winners!!!