Facility or Affiliation
Executive Professional at Sagebrush Golf Club
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I always played golf as a kid, loved it. After finishing my Bachelor's Degree I was unsure what I wanted to do next. One thing led to another and I was working at Marine Drive and an opportunity came up to turn Pro and I jumped at it.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
I would love to say the golf, but unfortunately I don't get to play as much as I would like and as much as I used to. I would have to say it comes down to the people. The Member's and guests doing what they love; it’s their leisure time. Being able to facilitate that for them is a nice feeling.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Marine Drive Golf Club - Tim Tait
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
I would say 2 people. I was fortunate to begin my career at Marine Drive and Tim Tait was the Professional there. He came from the Jack McLaughlin "school", so Tim was a huge influence. Then Jack's son Jim McLaughlin. I had an opportunity to work with Jim opening up Westwood Plateau and again later at Intrawest Golf. Also, from that same "tree" I was introduced to Kirk Kokoska at Intrawest Golf, later Blue Star Golf and he has been a huge imflunce for me as well.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Early on, like all Assistant Pros I was able to try a little bit of everything from teaching to working in the Golf Shop, to conducting events. I seemed to gravitate towards the Admin side and enjoying Managing a Golf Shop to start as a Head Professional and later as a GM/ Executive Professional.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
I think being a part of many different types of facilities, from Private to Resort to Daily Fee and hopefully having a positive impact wherever I have been.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Find the leaders in the industry and do anything you can to work for them, get as much experience as you can. In the beginning, it’s not always about working where you can make the most money; as you complete your Apprenticeship, try and work for the best people and that will pay off for you in the long run.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Golf trips with buddies. Whistler, the Okanagan, and Bandon Dunes have created some great memories.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Nicklaus North – just love being in Whistler, great people there and a place I look forward to playing every year.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
I think the easy answer here is you turn pro and play golf all the time. Our busiest times in the industry are when everyone else is playing golf. It is amazing to come to work at a golf course every day, and I wouldn't change a thing, but the reality is you may not be out on the course playing as much as you may have hoped.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
Outside of golf I enjoy staying active, still play some beer league hockey, trying to get in some trail runs, hikes... just enjoy time with friends and family.