Luke has an extensive background in all areas of the golf industry, with a passion and dedication to the game. By age 10, he was working in the back shop of Westview Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario and by 12, caddying at Scarborough Golf & Country Club. His early accomplishments in the industry were competing in junior golf in Ontario, turning pro at 17 as the youngest PGA of Canada member, then going on to graduate from the Professional Golf Management program in Victoria. Luke has worked at many reputable facilities including, GolfTEC in Edmonton, Cobble Beach Golf Links, Horse Shoe Resort, Highlands Golf Club in Ontario, Big Horn Golf & Country Club in Palm Desert California, Golden Eagle Golf Club, Penticton Golf & Country Club, and most recently as the Director of Golf at Eaglequest Coquitlam. Luke played on the Great Lakes Tour in Ontario where he holds the title of 2005 Ontario PGA Spring Open Champion.
"Luke has a very diverse background in the golf industry. Luke was able to bring a great deal of experience & knowledge to Cobble Beach during our start-up, he played a very large part in our initial successes. It was always refreshing to see such a dedicated & detailed approach" - John Anderson, VP & GM Cobble Beach Golf Resort
"Luke also worked with me at Horseshoe Resort, a 36 hole facility. He was instrumental in overhauling both golf departments there. At Cobble Beach Resort, he was my go to for implementing policies, procedure, helped in purchasing yearly, he headed up the golf academy, corporate events, worked closely with me in budget planning. I joke, Luke was my best hire after a phone interview from US, never meeting in person until the day he started at Horseshoe Resort" - Warren Thomas, Director of Golf Cobble Beach Golf Resort
What Past Clients are saying:
"Luke's approach to teaching was refreshing & very effective. He incrementally built my new swing. Luke is also very good at communicating, assigning drills & documenting progress. My wife Clarie also is one of Luke's students. She teaches teachers for a living & quick to comment he is a great teacher" - Doug M.
"You are a true professional. Your work as an instructor, especially you knowledge & enthusiasm, is most noticeable & impressive. It is my opinion that your departure is a big loss to GolfTec Edmonton" - Pat W.
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- Feb. 9, 2022
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Growing up in Newmarket Ontario, I competed in junior golf & competed at a high level of hockey. I worked in the backshop at 10, I was a junior caddie at Scarbrough Golf Club, spent all my summers on the course. My love of golf is the path I chose. I became the youngest member of the PGA of Canada at 17, starting my apprenticeship under my father who had over 25 years in the industry.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
Being able to have a career in a business that is also a passion, is highly rewarding. I am in a position that I mentor and share experiences with the next generation of golf professionals. Also, I feel a huge sense of reward knowing I can help provide the access & opportunity to kids that may never have had the opportunity before,.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
My first facility I worked at was Westview Golf Club in Aurora, On. I worked in the backshop. The head Professional was Bob Reid.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
My father is my greatest influence. He introduced me to the game, taught me the game, & I apprenticed under him. He made sure I knew all aspects of the industry. One year of my apprenticeship was spent working with the Superintendent & the greens crew - lessons I am grateful for to this day.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I spent time in BC during the 90's, including attending Camuson College the first year of the PGM Program. After graduating, I went to California to work and eventually back to Ontario to rejoin the PGA of Ontario. After a few years I had an opportunity in Alberta which I took, joining the PGA of Alberta. I have 3 children that I taught the game to. My youngest has a passion & love of the game the same as me. I took my current position 7 years ago to give us year round access to playing golf.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
I would have to say the biggest accomplishment is that I am a GM/Director of Golf in an industry I have worked in since I was 10 years old and still love what I do. I have worked from public, to resort, private and exclusive clubs and enjoyed every step of the way.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Learn all aspects of the business, not just focusing on one thing. Understanding your industry will give you a longer, more fulfilling career.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Taking my son to the US Kids World Golf Championship in Pinehurst when he was 6 years old. Nothing can top that feeling.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Tobiano Golf Course is my favourite. From the layout, the views and it's difficulty, makes for a great playing experience.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
This makes me laugh. Most golfers think that you stand in the pro shop drinking coffee, chatting ,play golf the rest of the day and then head to the 19th. If they only knew how many hats a golf professional wears in order to give them the best golf experience.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
Most people wouldn't know that I have worked as a carpenter for over 20 years as a winter/side gig. I have framed houses, buildings, high rise glazing, concrete form work, roofing and have worked in the oil patch. If you get a chance check out Cobble Beach Golf Links website. I worked for the local framing crew that built the light house (the course logo), while I waited for the opening of the club where I was joining the team.
