Facility or Affiliation
Golden Golf Club
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Love for the game of golf and the desire to be a part of this great industry.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The camaraderie amongst fellow Professionals. The industry can be challenging on a daily basis, but the support PGA of BC Members show each other allows us to get through those difficult moments.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Hinton Golf Club, Doug Lecuyer
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
Doug Lecuyer and Alan Riley. Doug was the Head Professional at my hometown Club. He showed me what it took to be a Golf Professional and how cutting corners was not an option. Alan Riley was the Program Coordinator at Grant MacEwan. His best piece of advice came when I was questioning if I was ready to be a Head Professional at a young age. He said, “you can work for 20 years as an Assistant and never truly be ready to be a Head Professional. You just have to work hard, make the best decisions you can, and just do the job.”
What career path led you to where you are today?
I have been at small town Club’s my entire career and truly love the aspect of a tight knit community. Building personal relationships with Members, Guests, and Staff has been very enjoyable throughout my career.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
My wife and kids. Work related, being a part of so many Team Member’s life journeys, whether they are PGA of Canada Professionals or serving in different roles at our Club.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Never stop educating yourself. Education can be done through reading (doesn’t have to just be golf or business books or articles), a phone call with an experienced Golf Professional or mentor, and educational courses just to name a few areas.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
A two-month golf trip through the western United States with just my golf clubs, a small car, and a tent. Played everyday, saw some amazing parts of the US, met numerous amazing people, and knocked off many, “bucket list,” golf courses.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
The Golden Golf Club. Even though I work here, I love each round I am able to play. There is something very special about this golf course.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
We play a lot of golf and have the winters off. Like most Golf Professionals, I struggle to find time to play nearly as much as I would like. The winters are a different kind of busy, basically it is about getting everything to press print as once the season starts there is not much time for planning.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
When I was younger, and trying to avoid the golf industry, I started my private pilot license. My first flight lesson was supposed to be Sept. 11th, 2001. Obviously, the flight that day was cancelled and kind of a served as a sign to stop avoiding what I knew deep down I should be doing.