25 year background in golf with special emphasis on professional service. Solid track record in colleague and operation management at the international level. Experienced in developing and implementing new business and service strategies for global clients. Professionally developed communication, leadership, and motivational skills with the ability to effectively interact with clients, business prospects and staff.
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- June 16, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Growing up around the game of golf, I saw the role of Club Professional as one of prominence and respect. In the eyes of a junior, the pro is everything cool about our sport. What began as something fun to do evolved into a passion for hospitality and the game of golf.
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 Professional is the people and places I have been able to work and visit in the role of Golf Professional. The friends I have made along the way, the patrons I have met, the experiences -- magic. The brand of Golf Professional is one I wear proudly.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Before I was a pro - Glen Meadows G&CC! A true gem in Vancouver Island's history of great clubs. I was hired by Dan Porteous and at the time also worked with Graham Cliff, Robin Hutchinson, Doug Schneider and Cory Robinson. Also where I first met Warren "Dub" Reeves. A great moment in time. My first Professional job was at McCall Lake in Calgary under renowned pro Jay Wilson. Also working with Germain Francoeur, Gord Newis, Quinn Powell and Alan Robertson.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
This is a split answer but the first name is the same. Alan Carter from my time in Jasper taught me true professionalism and accountability among MANY other things. The second is Alan Palmer when I was at Shaughnessy. I learned the art of club management and branding experience. He is the G.O.A.T. of networking. I am truly privileged to have mentored under them both.
What career path led you to where you are today?
The fork-in-the-road moment of my career was provided to me by Jay Wilson. He helped steer me towards The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and to prioritize building a broad resume in the golf industry. Travel to great destinations and live as a hardworking sponge... the path will reveal itself the further you walk.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Through the Larry Orr Charity Golf Tournament that was started in 2016, we have raised over $50,000 for KidSport-Victoria. Proceeds go to paying for registration and enrollment fees for local kids to play a wide range of sports in our community. It means the world to my family to be able to continue supporting youth sports in his name. We plan to continue the event going forward and keep growing that number!
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
I will share the best advice I received as a brand new pro when I was working under Jay Wilson in Calgary back in 2003. "Go the extra mile in everything you do - the professional golf community is small and word travels fast - take advantage of that."
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Maybe not a specific memory, but a collection of them. I look back to the daily ritual of biking to the golf course after school and playing golf, practicing, goofing around.... until it was dark and had to go home. I lived at the golf course and it felt like home away from home. Amazing way to learn the culture and sport of golf.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Not going to venture to far out on a limb for this one... Victoria GC. A truly special place. Walking from the 4th green to the 5th tee is heaven.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
That I play golf all the time haha. Although proximity to the golf course is part of the job, the Saturday morning rounds are few and far between. Having said that, sneaking in 5 holes in the evening before heading home is always a treat of the job. Oh and the rules, people often think I know the rules of golf back and front... if I have a rules question, I just ask Dave Zibrik.
