PGA of BC Member Profile - Kyla Inaba
March 17, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I originally became a PGA of Canada Professional when I retired from playing professionally. I thought it would be a good way to continue to work in the golf industry. It has been that and so much more!
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The most rewarding thing about being a member of the PGA of BC is having a job that I can positively impact our club members and golfing community.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Gallagher's Canyon Golf and Country Club is near and dear to my heart as I spent my summers home from university there, as well as my down time between professional events. Peter Hopley, Jon Kadin and Lee Alarie were hugely supportive of my golfing journey.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Being involved in sports and being an athlete growing up has been a major influence in my career. TPI and coaches like Jason Glass and Lindsay Manion have been huge influences when it comes to the body and swing connection as a player and coach. Having played 5 seasons in Australia I made a many great connections Down Under. When I transitioned to coaching I was able to work and shadow under a few great coaches in AUS/NZ, who took me under their wing and influenced how I coach today.
What career path led you to where you are today?
A tweet from Brodie Carle in 2017 posed an opportunity for me to coach part time and play part time. Ultimately I made the difficult but massively freeing decision to retire from playing professional golf and pursue a coaching career. Golf Instruction allowed me to flip the switch from the focus being entirely on me and my results to helping others find joy in golf.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am really proud of my involvement in growing golf and making golf more approachable and accessible for women. From expanding our Predator Ridge Swing Like a Girl program, to being chosen as part of the inaugural Women in Coaching program, golf is full of opportunities and I am happy to be involved in growing the game.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
To new members or those looking to get involved in golf instruction. Dive in! The more experience you can get the more you will learn. You are not alone, you have an entire network of PGA professionals you can reach out to if you have questions!
What is your most cherished golf memory?
So many great memories - two of my stand out memories are: Playing with Laura Davies at the Victorian Open and winning an event in my final season on the ALPG tour with many of my close friends present.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Shaughnessy - so many hours were spent there as a UBC Thunderbird. We were so fortunate to call Shaughnessy our home course.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
That I get to play golf all the time... that couldn't be further from the truth!
