Keri’s road to coaching began when she transitioned from a gymnast into coaching the competitive team at her local club. Those years instilled a love for coaching that crossed over to golf. She taught her first lesson days after she turned professional and was immediately hooked.
Her first full-time role in teaching was at Westwood Plateau Golf Academy. Following that, she was hired as the Director of Instruction at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club where her team created a successful Academy.
In addition to running the Mayfair Lakes Golf Academy, she was hired by British Columbia Golf to work with the provincial team where she ran provincial training camps and coached Team BC at several Canadian Junior Girls’ Championships and BC Summer Games. And this past summer, Keri was selected to coach Team Canada at the FISU University Golf Championships in Turin, Italy.
For the past 12 years she have been the Assistant Coach for the UBC Women’s Golf Team. During the 2021/22 season the team dominated the NAIA rankings, winning a NAIA record-breaking 12 of 12 tournaments, including the NAIA National Championship and Golf Canada’s College/University Championship. On top of the team success that year, nine players won individual tournament titles.
She shares her successes in coaching with the amazing people she has met along her journey. She’s had the privilege of working alongside some of the best coaches in Canada. She believes in order to be great you need to surround yourself with great people.
Keri has won the 2023 PGA of Canada Coach of the Year, 2023 PGA of BC Coach of the Year, 2023 Cascade Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year. As well, she's won the 2019 PGA of BC Coach of the Year Regional Award and was the 2011 PGA of BC Teacher of the Year winner.
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- Feb. 16, 2022
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I became a member of the PGA because I love to see students push themselves to be the best they can be at golf.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
I love it when a student achieves the goal they have been working towards. The look on their face at the exact moment they do something they didn't think they could is amazing.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
I turned pro in Ontario under my dad's guidance who was also a PGA member. I worked for him at his Teaching and Fitting Centre as well as at Kingsville Golf & Country Club.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
I have been lucky to have many mentors in my career, including Doug Hastie, Chris MacDonald, Brian Coe, Jamie Baxter, Courtney Campbell, but my dad taught me what it means to be a professional who lived according to his values. He was the perfect blend of old school and respectful disrupter and always pushed to try new things. He taught me so much about how to be authentically me.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I've worked as a range picker, club cleaner, outside services, Golf Shop attendant, Assistant Pro... I've tried it all but teaching and coaching is where my heart lies.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Outside of my two awards from the PGA of BC, my biggest achievement was walking my last UBC women's player in on the 18th hole at NAIA Nationals in Oklahoma City as we won the team title. Seeing the team behind the green as Kate Johnson dunked it from 100 yards for birdie was unreal. I still get goosebumps thinking about that day.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Be unapologetically yourself. This industry needs people who are authentic to who they are.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
My most cherished memory in golf isn't one, but a collection of many because for me it been about the amazing people this sport has brought me. I have made connections and friendship that will last a lifetime.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Sagebrush, hands down! It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster where you will experience every feeling you've ever had in golf. It will force you into submission until you finally accept this golf course was built on the land that asks you to adjust how you think golf should be played, not the other way around. I love that golf course!
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
That I get to play a lot of golf. I do make it a priority to play, but not as much as I'd like.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
I started out as a high level gymnastic coach before I transitioned to golf.