APRIL 21, 2021
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) –- The PGA of BC regrets to share the news that Sean Richardson (The Harvest Golf Club) passed away Sunday at the age of 52.
One of the most accomplished coaches and instructors among the ranks of PGA of BC Professionals, Richardson had battled cancer for several years prior to his passing. He spent the entirety of his impressive career based at golf facilities in British Columbia.
Richardson first became a PGA of Canada member in 1988 while working at 108 Golf Resort. He also served as an Apprentice Professional at Quilchena Golf & Country Club, Fraserview Golf Course and Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community before obtaining Class “A” status in 1994.
Following several years as a Teaching Professional at Musqueam Golf & Learning Centre, he became the Head Professional and General Manager of The Falls Golf Club in 1998, a role he held for two seasons.
In 2000, Richardson began a four-year stint as a regional coach for Golf Canada. He also served as a provincial coach for British Columbia Golf from 2000 to 2006, during which time he taught out of Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club and Eaglequest Coyote Creek.
Richardson moved to the Interior region in 2007 to take up a teaching post at Predator Ridge Resort, staying there until he transitioned into his role as Director of Instruction at The Harvest Golf Club in 2013.
A testament to his work with players at all levels, Richardson was a three-time provincial award recipient of the PGA of BC, taking home the Association’s Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award in 2004, the Teacher of the Year Award in 2010 and Coach of the Year honours in 2018. Richardson also spent most of the past decade working as a technical coach for the Kelowna chapter of BC Special Olympics.
Many of Richardson’s students have gone on to achieve tremendous success. They include two-time PGA Tour winner Nick Taylor, two-time Korn Ferry Tour winner Adam Svensson, former LPGA Tour player Sue Kim, and Darren Wallace –- the youngest-ever winner of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at age 15 in 2004 –- just to name a few. A couple of other students he worked with closely who have been successful in golf and life are Symetra Tour players Jessica Wallace -- Darren’s sister -- and Megan Osland. He was particularly proud of their accomplishments outside of golf and the role that golf played in their success.
Richardson is survived by wife Tracy, daughters Alexis and Kiana, stepsons Ewan and Colin, brother Michael, and parents Keith Richardson (Nanae) and Susan Hodges. The PGA of BC extends its sympathies to all of Sean’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.