In 1986, Scott was first hired by now PGA of BC Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Mike Parker to work in the back shop. In 1992, he started his professional career as Assistant Professional at VGC. After obtaining his Associate Professional status, he moved to Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club starting a Golf Academy. Scott returned to the island in late 2002 as Manager of Arbutus Ridge G&CC where he introduced the GBC Academy. In early 2006 he moved to a new facility, the Raven at Lora Bay in Ontario. Scott returned to Victoria Golf Club in August 2006 as General Manager. Scott also runs a successful Pro Am in Las Vegas (www.vegasbaby.ca) every November. Winner of the PGA of Canada Pat Fletcher Merchandiser of the Year Award, Cec Ferguson PGA of BC Executive Professional of the Year Award and NGCOA/PGA of BC Fore Season Golf Professional Award.
Scott has served on the PGA of BC Board in the past and is proud to be your BC representative at the PGA of Canada and now as its Vice President.
Scott recently embarked on a new career in the recruitment industry with his business Fresh Golf Solutions www.freshgolf.ca and can be reached at scott@vbgolf.ca
PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- July 6, 2022
Facility or Affiliation
Fresh Golf Solutions
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
Not an easy answer. I have belonged to most of the golf associations and I don’t think there is a comparison of the brother/sisterhood of our group. It just feels like a family and home when we all get together. PGA members are so passionate for the sport of golf and its participants. I don’t think you will find a stronger group!
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
Victoria Golf Club and Mike Parker
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
I don’t think I have had just one to look up to. From Mike Parker in the beginning to Munn Family in Kelowna, I have always had great role models. I have also had many like the McLaughlin family and others show that we can be more than just golf pros to help lead golf properties.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a teacher, player (not a good one) and administrator. While I wouldn't profess to be the best in any of them, I am happy there is a path to a diverse career that simply wasn’t really there 20+ years ago. Starting my own business which will help not only golf courses but those working in the golf industry is extremely gratifying.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Again fortunate to win personal awards which were voted on by peers, especially the inaugural Cec Ferguson Executive Professional of the Year was special moment. However, the team awards are most rewarding to me as it meant that a group of us were all on the same path of preforming at a top level. We won the facility of the year twice in my time at VGC, voted best golf shop in BC & Canada, and the Club Management Association of Canada awarded us the Club of the Year in Canada in 2016.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
To seek mentors, especially outside your Club. No golf association has better members willing to share their experiences than the PGA. A second piece would be to try to ask for ways to help you stand out. Find an underperforming area of your operation and turn it around.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
So many flood your memory banks when you ask this type of question, to be honest, simply playing with long time peers like Colin McCulley, Jayme Young, Winston Michell and others are really the best, no matter what course we are playing.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
I will always be loyal to Victoria Golf Club, it is a unique property on the ocean and never plays the same. Capilano on a sunny day is a nice place to spend an afternoon.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
I think most golfers in general think we all play more golf than we do. Although if I had one regret in my career to date is that when I took a more administrative role in clubs, I didn’t play enough. Try to find a way to get out, the paperwork will always be there later!
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
Sadly I’m pretty boring, other than family and golf there isn’t much. I did decide to take up the game of basketball at the age of 40 and enjoy it. Aside from the exercise, there is something about the challenge of taking up a sport later in life that you know you will never be great at. It gave me more compassion for a golfer who started later in life that simply will never be a signal digit golfer.
