The two pros at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club have been honoured by their peers for their community work and promotion of the game.

Head pro Billy Simkin and associate pro Ricky Watson were ranked in the top 25 in the inaugural Ontario PGA Professional Recognition Program.

Simkin was tied for second spot while Watson placed 25th in the rankings.

“This year the PGA of Ontario developed its Top 100 list,” Simkin told The Lake Report. “Members of the PGA earned points over the course of the year, in many ways, such as education, participation in seminars, hosting PGA events and also participation by playing in Ontario PGA events.”

“This was personally a big year for me as I am now the chapter lead for the Niagara Region for the Ontario PGA,” Simkin added.

He also joined the Champions of Champions organizing committee and now is in charge of the Niagara District PGA tour.

“I am very proud of what both Ricky and I do for our Club, members and our community,” he said.

Watson noted the program was created due to COVID to try to keep PGA members involved while courses were closed earlier this year.

“This was a points-driven program based on being active within the industry through various forms of professional development, education, industry contribution (hosting events, contributing to meetings, etc), community involvement (junior programs, school programs) and tournament play,” he said.

Watson earned points for organizing and participating in the RBC Scramble at the NOTL club, “for being involved in round table discussions with assistant pros from all over Ontario, and various education/professional development seminars/webinars.”