A Journey of Resilience: PGA Day to Support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Written By: Skylar Jardine, Communications, Marketing, and Event Management Coordinator, PGA of Canada Atlantic
Every PGA professional has their own unique journey, shaped by personal struggles and triumphs. For many, ongoing health challenges can be overwhelming, particularly when they persist for years. PGA Professional Evan McFarlane exemplifies resilience, channeling his experience with Crohn’s disease into a passionate commitment to a cause he deeply cares about.
A Journey of Resilience
Seven years ago, Evan McFarlane’s life took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing symptoms that would later be diagnosed as Crohn’s disease. Two years after his diagnosis, McFarlane endured the harsh reality of his situation, forced into multiple hospitalizations and ultimately, a life-saving surgery resulting in a permanent colostomy.
“The disease was severe, and I was down to 140 lbs. at 6’6”, I felt like I was given a second chance after the surgery” McFarlane recalls. Once diagnosed with a disease like such, the battle is never quite complete, while grateful for the new lease of life, McFarlane knew that he would have to adopt a new lifestyle. Adjusting to life with Crohn’s disease meant remaining vigilant about his physical and mental well-being, requiring him to adapt his diet and daily routine.
A pivotal moment in his journey came in 2019, while he was at the St. John Regional Hospital, uncertain if he would ever return to sports. Watching Tiger Woods earn himself the famous green jacket at the 2019 Masters had awakened a newfound motivation. This moment led him to resign from his job and return to the golf community.
Just two months later, McFarlane had passed his PAT into the PGA of Canada at the Zone Championships held at Kingswood. “Which even though were not my lowest golf scores ever; are probably the two rounds I am most proud of in my golf career” he reflects.
An Idea Comes to Life
“I have always been really proud of the initiatives of the PGA of Canada Atlantic to host PGA Days and use our platform to raise money for important causes” comments McFarlane. For the past two years, McFarlane contemplated how he could contribute uniquely to these efforts.
As an association, it’s crucial for us to cultivate a community that uses its platform to raise awareness and foster support for deserving causes. The PGA of Canada Atlantic welcomes the responsibility, recognizing that as our membership grows, so does our obligation to the community.
In line with this mission, McFarlane has organized a PGA Day event in support of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. On August 18th, Evan McFarlane, Zach Rodrigue (Director of Golf), Luke Miles (Assistant Professional), and Steve Williams (Head Superintendent) will participate in a golf-athon to raise both awareness and funds for the cause.
The event will start at the first tee time of the day at the Algonquin Golf Course, following a 4-person scramble format until 7PM, with the goal of playing as many holes as possible. Afterward, all are welcome to join them at the club restaurant for a social gathering.
To add more excitement to the event, each donor will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a $300 gift card to Levelwear!
Click here to support the cause today.
“I am thrilled to finally bring this idea to life and support a cause that is very close to my heart” McFarlane shares.
Community and Partnership Support
The ongoing support McFarlane has experienced from the beginning of his battle with the disease up to the creation of this event has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite it being a personal battle, those around McFarlane have made it their mission to ascertain that he’s not alone.
McFarlane expresses gratitude to all parties who’ve shown support in making this event come to life. The list of supporters started with his partner and family and has now grown to include the Algonquin Golf Course, the PGA of Canada Atlantic, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, CHCO TV (local TV station), and Levelwear Canada.
“What started as a thought of just playing as many holes as we can, has turned into a full-fledged event” says McFarlane.
Giving back and Moving Forward
For McFarlane, giving back is a way of expressing his appreciation for the support and help during his battle with the disease. Despite the challenges he faced, he emphasizes the exceptional care provided from the specialists and surgeons, who “never made me feel like just a number”.
The opportunity to combine his passion for playing and working in the golf industry with sharing his journey in support of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is incredibly special to him.
“Golf has essentially given me my life back, and using my personal brand to potentially do the same for someone else is something very close to my heart” shares McFarlane.
Support and Resources
For those seeking more information or support, McFarlane highly recommends Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Their website offers a wealth of resources, from detailed information about the diseases to local support opportunities. Click here to learn more.
As someone who tried to self-manage and overlook his symptoms, he advocates strongly in getting screened by a doctor at the first sign of issues. With no current cure for the diseases, early intervention is vital for better management and quality of life.
The PGA of Canada Atlantic are proud to be affiliated with the event and look forward to continuing its growth in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
In sharing his final thoughts on the event, McFarlane says,
“I am incredibly grateful for my family and the community that have always been there for me. From day one in the hospital five years ago, the support I've received has been so special and is 100% the reason why I want to leverage my story to give back whenever I can. I am looking forward to what is going to be a fun yet emotional day on the course as we try to raise as much money as possible.
I can easily see this event turning into not just an annual occurrence, but one that grows into a full-sized golf tournament in the coming years. I can't say enough about the PGA of Canada Atlantic and the support I am getting. Being open about my journey has helped me navigate the past few years, and the opportunity to use their brand to do this is something I am eternally grateful for.”