Hélène Delisle, PGA of Canada Class “A” member and Head of Instruction at Fairwinds, started playing golf at six years old. She has been teaching golf for over 20 years, and teaches golf to all skill levels. Hélène believes that every golfer can improve their game, and that knowledge, preparation and the proper individual analysis of a student’s game are the keys to good instruction. Hélène is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at College Lafleche in Trois-Rivieres, QC. She has completed all 4 levels of the PGA of Canada Teaching Certification Program, her National Coaching Certification Program Level 1, and she is a certified instructor for the Playground to Fairway Program. She has been playing golf tournaments since 1990 and is the only female professional who has won on the Vancouver Island Professional Golf Tour with a score of 69 (-2) in 2007. She also has been playing on the Canadian Women’s Tour since 2004.
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
I became a PGA of Canada Professional because I love the game and wanted to help golfers with their game.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The most rewarding part of being a member of the PGA of BC is to see golfers loving the game as much as I do and sharing my knowledge of the game.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
The golf club where I started working was Le Grand Portneuf Golf Club in Pont-Rouge, Québec and the Head Professional was Mario Bouchard.
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
I am lucky to have many people who influenced my career and I have to name more then one as they were are very important to me, Mario Bouchard, Debbie Savoy Morel, Anne Chouinard, Daniel Levasseur and my mom and dad. They all help me become the person who I am now and I will never thank them enough for everything they have done for me.
What career path led you to where you are today?
Teaching and coaching were always what I was the most passionate and was lucky to start teaching at the age of 21 years old. Once I found my passion, I made decisions that would help me become a better teaching professional. In 2005, I decided to move to Victoria to improve my English, so that I can teach in both French and English and was planning on moving to Montreal and work for Debbie at Le Mirage Golf Club, but ended up falling in love with the island.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
When I started working at Fairwinds there wasn’t any juniors and now, 9 years later, we have over 100 juniors participating in our junior programs.
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and make decisions to help you become the best at what you like doing.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Growing up in Quebec, I had the chance to participate in the Elite Golf Programs with the best female amateurs and juniors in the Province and we were coached by Debbie Savoy Morel and Anne Chouinard who were well know in the province. Being part of a group of women that were sharing the same passion as me was my best memory.
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
My favorite golf course in British Columbia is Storey Creek Golf Club, because of the beautiful big trees and the separation between holes. I love playing courses where each hole is isolated from the others.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
They think that we play golf all the time, but really we probably have less free time then most other jobs.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that doesn't involve golf?
I have 3 children and love spending time with them. They are my world.