PGA of BC Professional Spotlight -- Shannon McGeady
May 12, 2021
Why did you become a PGA of Canada Professional?
Honestly, I went to university on and off for a while and never really found anything I liked. I was always working at golf courses, was kind of good at golf and the Pro at the course I was working at (Brad Herridge) gave me a pamphlet about the PGA of Cananda. Golf was really the only thing I liked and was kinda good at, so it just made sense.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of the PGA of BC?
The people! The network of people from all different walks of life, the stories, the knowledge, the experiences. To be part of such an amazing group of unique professionals that have such a vast range of personalities and qualities is pretty special.
At which golf facility did you first begin working within the industry, and who was the PGA Professional?
I started working as a beverage-cart server at my home club, the Wascana Country club. Graham Coulter was the professional at the time and he was the one who taught me how to play golf. I bounced around from course to course in Regina, working bev carts and in the pro shop until I finally moved to B.C. in 2008. I'm not gona lie, being a decent golfer and working the bev cart had it's advantages :) Being able to out drive at least one person in every group was a great way to make tips!
Who has influenced your career the most, and how?
I have been fortunate enough to have had may amazing people in my corner through my golfing career. Graham Coulter, Brad Herridge, Gord Staseson, Cec Ferguson, DBD (Don Brett-Davies), Terry Smith, Ian Henson and Adam Blair to name a few. All these people saw potential in me that I never knew was there. They have all pushed me and given me the opportunity to grow and become the best Professional, golfer and -- above all -- the best person I can possibly be. I am forever grateful :)
What career path led you to where you are today?
I don't know if it was really a career path that led me here as much as it was someone taking a chance on me. Terry Smith interviewed me for the job of Head Professional at Tobiano at the end of 2014. I went into the interview thinking there was no way he would hire me. I laid all the cards on the table, highlighted my strengths and overemphasized my weaknesses. If I was lucky enough to get the job, I wanted to over-deliver rather than under-perform. Turns out I got lucky :) Thanks Terry.
Which significant accomplishments are you most proud of?
Becoming Head Professional at Tobiano. I would also have to say winning the Saskatchewan Women's Amateur Championship in 2007. Being inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 was a pretty big highlight! That was extremely humbling and nerve-wracking, but overall a pretty amazing experience!
If you had to share one piece of advice with a new member of our Association, what would it be?
Be humble, patient and empathetic. Being part of this amazing organization is a privilege, not a right. You never know what path someone took to get here. We are all on the same team, pushing towards the same goal. Every golf course operates differently and every professional has different hurdles to overcome. Stay positive and at the end of the day just be grateful that your passion has become your profession. Never forget why you became a Professional in the first place.
What is your most cherished golf memory?
Any time my dad caddied for me. Specifically the one time I was playing like crap and I was 230 out on a par-5 and wanted to lay up. Tough hole, pin on the right, water all down the right, trees front right of the green. My dad says to me, "What the hell do you have to lose... What's a couple more strokes when you're already out of it?" He convinced me to hit a 5-wood and hook it between the trees on to the green. I was so pissed....I roped that 5-wood within two feet and made eagle!! I showed him!!!
What is your favourite golf course in British Columbia, and why?
Too may to choose from! I may be biased, but Tobiano is pretty awesome. Talking Rock is up there for sure, probably because of how opposite it is to Tobiano. The tree-lined fairways really shape the golf course and make you have to focus on carving a shot. A hidden gem is Chinook Cove. It is just a 9-hole layout, but it can be tough if you are spraying the ball. It is just a lot of fun and has so many different looks crammed into nine holes.
What is a common misconception that golfers make about what your job entails?
They think that I just play golf everyday. I wish!