I have been in the golf industry for more than 30 years, 25 of them as a member of the PGA of Canada. I grew up The National Golf Club of Canada and spend 13 years there immersing myself in the game. Through the years I have had the opportunity to work at many different facilities from very private to totally public and have enjoyed them all. I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some great people including George Knudson, Ben Kern, and Mark Evershed. I have taught thousands of lessons to all skill levels and enjoyed them all. Currently I do a little teaching at Olympic View in Victoria, please feel free to contact me. My full time job is now is working for Golf Canada as Regional Director of Member Services for Western Canada.
A little bit more: Facilitator for the PGA of Canada TCCP Program, 2007 PGA of BC Teacher of the Year, 2017 Professional Development Award, Assistant Coach for the UBC Thunderbird Golf Teams 2004-2008 Can still golf the ball occasionally :)
PGA of BC Member Spotlight -- Doug Hastie
Feb. 24, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I loved the game and working at a golf course. I had already been working at the course for 8 years when I decided to make it my profession.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
Having a like minded group of peers to support me and the industry in general. Such great people in this business!
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
The National Golf Club of Canada and my pro was Hall of Fame member Ben Kern.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Ben Kern, my first pro. He taught me so much about the business and about people. He was a pro's pro and got me involved in all aspects of the game and industry. He never did anything half way, and was always looking for ways to improve the customer experience.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I have worked in many areas of the golf business from Head Professional to full time teaching to General Manager. My current position is so different than working at a club, but it has been a great change and challenge for me and I really enjoy it.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Becoming Certified in Coach Developing Competitors within the NCCP was a lot of work. Winning the Teacher of the Year for the PGA of BC was a great honour. But I am most proud of seeing people I have worked with move up and succeed in what they do.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Get out there. Talk to people and try different things. Get involved!
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Qualifying for the U.S. Amateur in 1990
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Capilano. It is a great journey you go on when you play there and encapsulates B.C. golf to me.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
That I play a lot of golf and that I know everything about the Rules.
