I am an associate pro with Eaglequest Golf Centre in Coquitlam, BC. I also help out with the Maple Leaf Junior Golf tour which holds junior tourneys throughout BC, other parts of Canada and the US. My start with the PGA of Canada was with head pro Cec Ferguson at Quilchena Golf Club (Richmond) in 1984. Other jobs have been at the Rossland Trail Golf Club, Langara Golf Club, Nanaimo Golf Club, Beban Park Golf Centre (Nanaimo) and Cedar Hill Golf Club (Victoria.) I also had 20 wonderful years being a full time teacher in the Lower Mainland from 1988 to 2008.
Facility or Affiliation
Eaglequest Golf Centre - Coquitlam, BC
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I love the game of golf and what it represents. I was a decent player as a junior and much of my tutelage came from PGA professionals. One of them in later years was Sandy Kurceba of Trail, BC who taught me how to break 70. I also found the business of golf fascinating. Many PGA of Canada pros really know what they are doing from a financial standpoint. I wanted to work for astute professionals and that was easy within the scope of 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 communication and professionalism from the office of the PGA of BC. Their educational programs are first rate and the tournaments they run are always top notch. Their website is very detailed not only for the professional members but also the general public. First class all the way!
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
My first job with the PGA of Canada was supposed to be at the Regina Golf Club with head pro Cec Ferguson in 1984. During the winter of 1983/1984, Cec made a sudden move out to Richmond, BC to become the head professional at Quilchena Golf Club. Cec asked me if I wanted to come to the Vancouver area instead of Regina. After a short deliberation (very short), I said yes. I was at Quilchena for three years and have had employment in BC ever since.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
My mother and father supported me equally in my desire to play golf. My dad taught me the basics of the swing, drove me to various cities to play in tournaments and was with me during many of my junior wins and also my club championship victory at the Wascana Golf Club in 1981. There have been many professionals and business owners who I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. I am limited in space otherwise I would list all of them.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I graduated from the San Diego Golf Academy in 1979. This started the ball rolling on my career path. I’ve had employment in the golf business in many departments ever since.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
1) Playing competent golf as a junior. 2) Passing my PGA playing ability test in Christina Lake, BC with scores of 75 & 70. 3) Shooting a course record 65 at the Birchbank Golf Course in Trail, BC. 4) Having continuous employment and working for competent golf pros over many years. 5) Starting a golf website (DriveForSuccess.ca) which is a way for me to give some of my knowledge back to students.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Work hard for your head pro. Show up early to work and don’t mind staying late. Be inquisitive and learn as much as you can both about playing the game and work ethics. Have fun and make sure you have a sound work/life balance. You will succeed.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
This is a tough question because I have had so many great memories. I think the relationships I have had with my co-workers and my students rank up there. I met my wife while teaching golf too.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
This is another tough question as each golf course is so unique. Let’s see, in the Lower Mainland, I love Meadow Gardens Golf Course as it is a challenging course and is an easy walk. On Vancouver Island, I really like Cedar Hill Golf Course. It’s an executive golf course that is once again an easy walk – and challenging. In the interior, I recently played The Bear in Kelowna. Jack Nicklaus designed it and it is truly a risk/reward type of course – amazing.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
Many folks think that club professionals play all day and always break par. The odd club pro does shoot really well but most of us barely play once per week. Our clubs are busy and many of us work 50 hours plus per week. Interestingly enough, we are actually better at helping our students or members break par.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
I enjoy learning sleight of hand techniques from magicians such as Penn & Teller, Jay Sankey and others. I bring these tricks to the golf course when I do junior lessons but this question isn’t supposed to be about golf so I’ll stop right here.