Brian is the President/General Manager/Executive Professional at Copper Point Golf Club. Brian has been with Copper Point Golf Club since 2004 and has been a Golf Professional since 1992. A graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy, Brian has previously worked at Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, Morningstar International, Nanaimo Golf Club, Shaughnessy Golf & C.C., Eagle Ranch Golf Resort and Copper Point Golf Club. He is the President of the BC Chapter of the NGCOA, a Director with the National Golf Course Owners Association and President of the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. In 2011 Brian was awarded The Business Leader of the Year award and was named Top 10 Business Leaders in the Kootenays. In 2013 he won the NGCOA's Fore Season Golf Professional Award and the PGA of BC Professional Development Award. In 2016 he received the PGA of BC's Distinguished Service Award as well as being named the Kootenays/North Region Golf Professional of the Year.
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight - July 21, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I love the game, the people that play the game and the people that work in this great industry. The ability to help a golfer develop their skills and give them a safe place to practice and play is so rewarding.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The numerous education programs, golf tournaments and most importantly the life long friendships with other PGA pro's.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
In Canada Kokanee Springs Golf Resort - Neil Green. In the US at the Delmar Surf & Turf Driving Range under A.J. Bonar and Louise Parks.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
It started off with Jim Wilkinson, the Director of Student Affairs at the San Diego Golf Academy. He told me if I really wanted to know the business of GOLF, go work at a Resort Course, a Public Course, a Semi Private Course and a Private Course, which in turn I did. Neil Green at Kokanee Springs, Sandy Kurceba at Morningstar, Kerry Davison at Nanaimo and Bruce Murray at Shaughnessy. Lastly John Lagadin at Copper Point who educated me on how to run any business and to always do the right thing!
What career path led you to where you are today?
The San Diego Golf Academy covered all aspects of running a Golf Facility and fully prepared me to have the confidence to accept a Head Golf Professional's position back in 2000.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Personally having a wonderful family with my wife Corrie, daughter Alexandra and son Luke. Professionally having Copper Point named in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada, being named the 2019 PGA of BC Facility of the Year and being named the 2019 Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year for Canada.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Don't stop learning. Whether it's through reading books, attending the education seminars or learning from your fellow PGA of BC Golf Professionals; stay current and stay visible.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Caddying for Lucas Glover in the 2011 Telus Skins Game at Banff Springs. He won 5 skins for $125,000 on the 18th hole. I told him where to hit his tee shot and what club to hit into the green; he then drained the eagle putt.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Of course The Point Course at Copper Point. In a close 2nd would be Greywolf.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
Of course that we play golf everyday! We have to remind them that golf courses are open from dawn till dusk, 7 days a week. It's not uncommon to work 10 to 12 hours a day, then teach a couple lessons and finally head home for a midnight dinner. We are also heavily involved in our communities!
