C.P.G.A Class A Golf Professional and Coach
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight - July 28, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Couldn't have imagined a better career "for me" of course. I wanted something in sports, number one, and I wanted it to be fun, rewarding and potentially lucrative enough to support a family. It has done all those things.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
We live in the "California" of Canada so the opportunities in the golf business are much better here in BC than any other province due to a 12-month season potentially.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Seymour G&CC is my one and only location. Dale Schienbein was and is the only Head Professional I've worked with.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Dale Schienbein, Terry Yacyshen, Mike Smedstad, Ann Carroll, Lenny Cyr. All these people have the common attributes of great Professionals: they are great with people, great intellect, great managers of people and never stop learning how to be a better Professional. Ann was my coaching guru, she was very influential in my coaching style to this day.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Started off with education at the Golf Academy of America, known then as the San Diego Golf Academy. From there, it was working in the best, most southerly province in Canada (to assure year-round employment), finally securing a position in the North Vancouver Deep Cove community. There was no desire to be anywhere else to raise my family.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Passing my Entry and Exit Playing Ability Test. At the time I did it it was full of a ton of pressure and anxiety. Winning the gold medal at the BC Summer Games as head coach the first year golf was included. Our Zone 4 team destroyed the field. All the newcomers, kids and women I've introduced to golf and have become addicted and love the game.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Learn every aspect of the business from coaching to merchandising, to board structure hierarchy to turf management. Try to know it all!
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Going Par-birdie on Holes 17 & 18 at TPC Sawgrass. Pebble Beach for my good friend's 50th Birthday with our wives riding/observing. My two holes-in-one.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Public: Storey Creek in Campbell River for its unparalleled beauty and strength of design. Private: Shaughnessy G&CC. BC's finest private layout, strong and beautiful enough to host a National Open
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
Us PGA Golf Professionals play a ton of golf. Ha, it's a big year if I play 25 rounds.