Joined the PGA of Canada in 2012 under the guidence of Kyle Duffin. Worked as an Assistant Professional at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre in Saskatchewan Canada for 5 seasons. Made the move to Vancouver Island and the Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in August 2016. Became a Class 'A' PGA of Canada member in November of 2016 while working alongside and under Gord Melissa at the Pheasant Glen Golf Resort.
PGA of BC Member Profile -- Travis Busch
March 24, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I worked in back shop in my hometown of Lloydminster Saskatchewan as a junior golfer. At the end of one summer I asked how the head professional how do I get to move up to the pro shop staff and not clean clubs anymore. That conversation lead me to applying to Grant McEwan to enrol in the Professional Golf Management Program and shortly after turning 18 years of age joining the PGA of Canada.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The most rewarding part of being a PGA of BC member is the location and climate. I am fortunate that I am at a course with green grass year round and have the opportunity to have a club in my hands one way or another daily.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
I got my start in the golf industry at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. While there I worked under Professionals Kyle Mulligan and Kyle Duffin.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
The person that has most influenced my career is Gord Melissa, the current PGA professional that I work under. Since making the move to the PGA of BC zone he has helped me grow as a professional as well as round out and assist me in becoming a better instructor and coach.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Growing up in the prairies it was always hockey in the winter and golf in the summer. Although being on the ice was great, it was golf that was my talent and passion. Unfortunately I was blind to the possibility of playing golf at the collegiate level, which left me focused on joining the PGA of Canada at the age of 18. That allowed me to enrol in the Professional Golf Management program at Grant McEwan University.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
One accomplishment that I am most proud of is that I achieved Class 'A' status at the age of 23 after fast tracking my education and qualifications through both the PGA of Canada and Grant McEwan University.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
One piece of advice is the golf industry is that everyday seems to be filled with different tasks and different people. Not may careers see change like this from day to day and this can make it very rewarding.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
One golf memory that I cherish is getting a hole-in-one on a Par 4 at the age of 14. It was on the 284 yard 14th hole at Wainwright Golf Club in Wainwright, Alberta.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
My favourite golf course in British Columbia is Royal Colwood. It has 18 strong holes that flow together perfectly for competitive play. It takes a complete round to post a low number and the conditions are always immaculate.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
One misconception that the job entails is that Club Professionals never get to golf. It does take time and effort to play but I have made it a priority to play bother casually and competitively every year. I am proud to say I've played over 100 rounds a year every year since joining the PGA of Canada.