Blessed with a climate where it is really possible to golf twelve months a year, heading to Victoria to hone your golf skills just might be the best way to get first class instruction while enjoying the affordable luxury of a west-coast winter at The Westin Bear Mountain Resort and Spa. Today, head golf pro Tony Harris, who recently took top honours at the annual Callaway Golf PGA of BC Club Professional Championship, proudly announced that resident CPGA professional Aaron "Fuji" Grice has won the BCPGA's 2009 Assistant Golf Professional of the year award.

Born in Vernon, B.C., 27 year old Grice grew up idolizing golf legend Phil Mickelson. For the past four years, Grice has worked at Bear Mountain Resort as Assistant Golf Professional and has claimed multiple professional wins and a career-low round of 63.

"On behalf of everyone at Bear Mountain I want to congratulate Aaron on his prestigious win," said Tony Harris, Head Golf Professional at the Resort. "He should be proud of this award, as it's another notable feather in his cap. He's already known as a fantastic golfer and he is a great representative of the game as Co-Chair of the Vancouver Island Professional Golf Tour. We're very fortunate to have him with us."

A natural born instructor known for his relaxed manner and ability to find the best in everyone's game, Grice teaches at Bear Mountain helping new and seasoned golfers feel at home on the picturesque Mountain and Valley courses.

"Golfing at Bear Mountain is a dream," explains Aaron, "There is literally something to challenge everyone's ability from the new golfer to the competitive golfer. When we tell people that we are the first and only Resort in Canada to have two Nicklaus Design courses, they can’t believe that this quality of play is available to them at such affordable prices. I think it’s the best kept secret, frankly because it gives me a lot of time to spend with those who are making the discovery and come to spend their Fall and Winter seasons working on their game. I’ve made some great friendships over the years and really – that’s what golfing is all about – challenging yourself and celebrating your golf mates surrounded by spectacular scenery."

The Westin Bear Mountain's winter golf rate is $69 from October 19 thru to April 11 (includes all the extras: GPS power cart, Club Valet & Cleaning, Bottled Water and warm up Range Balls)

Bear Mountain Resort will host the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game on June 21st and 22nd in 2010.