Ann started golf at the age of 5, but didn’t play competitively until she was a teenager in Redwater, Alberta. After playing junior golf and then completing her Physical Education degree at the University of Alberta, she moved to Vancouver to play for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Women’s Golf Team. While she was completing her Masters degree in Human Kinetics, Ann played in the National Women’s Amateur Championship, where she made the cut. In 1997, she joined the CPGA (Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada) as a professional and started her career in golf instruction, coaching, and playing.
Ann started coaching at UBC and quickly became the Head Coach for the Women’s Program. In May of 2000, the UBC Women’s Team placed 2nd at the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) National Championships in Kentucky, and later that summer, Ann was named as the National Women’s Coach for the team that went to the World University Golf Championships in Northern Ireland. The next year, the UBC Women’s team won the NAIA National Golf Championships by 34 shots, and Ann was named as the NAIA Coach of the Year for 2001. In 2021, the 2000-01 UBC Women's Golf Team was inducted to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame.
Since leaving Vancouver in 2002, Ann has been teaching Kinesiology at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) in Prince George. On the side she works as a mental training consultant, coach educator, health coach, and holistic nutritionist. In 2017 she opened Active Health Solutions, a private fitness studio specializing in exercise prescription for anyone with medical issues. Here she is able to work during the winter months with all golfers at her indoor driving range to improve their off-season fitness and golf swings.
She has been working with the PGGCC Junior Program since 2013 and continues to teach clinics and golfers of all ages & levels. In 2020 she joined British Columbia Golf as part of their elite junior golf program as the Nutrition & Recovery Consultant.
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- Sept. 9, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Turning professional seemed like a logical step after playing at UBC as a grad student. I wanted to learn more about teaching and coaching golf, and then I had the opportunity to work as an assistant coach at UBC for a year.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
I continue to enjoy working with our PGGCC Junior Golf Program.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
McCleery Golf Course working for Earl Francis, but Fraser Mulholland was a pro there and he was my golf coach at UBC, so it was nice to continue learning from him, he was a great mentor.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Chris Hood. He was the GM at Musqueam and was extremely supportive when I worked for him. I was working hard with the UBC Women's Golf program and was trying to building my lesson clientele at the same time. There was a lot of juggling and learning and he saw the value of all of that.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Finishing my Masters at UBC and then coaching at UBC at the same time.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Coaching the UBC Women's Team to the 2001 NAIA National Championships in Kentucky. Which subsequently led to a recent induction into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame because of that win :)
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Keep learning, follow your curiosity, and get good at working with people!
What is your most cherished golf memory?
So many great memories, it's hard to choose one. There are many, many little things to reflect on during hundreds of rounds of golf with my Dad.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Prince George Golf & Curling Club
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
That I shoot even par ... nope, I sure don't.