Thank A Pro Day: PGA of Canada Pro Shoutouts

Thank you to everyone who submitted a 'Thank a Pro' form over the past several weeks! We would like to acknowledge the following pros who were mentioned: 

Andrew Aguanno, Player Prefered Academy 

A friend and colleague to many, Andrew is the consummate pro.   Ready to step up and help in times of need, Andrew has gone above and beyond to support our sport and our profession!

Brayden Arnott (2), Collicutt Siding Golf Club 

Brayden Arnott is a dedicated golf professional whose passion for the game extends far beyond his own performance. At Collicutt Golf Course located in Crossfield Alberta, he plays a key role in shaping the future of the sport through his involvement in the Junior Academy. His impact on the program has been truly inspiring—not only does he teach skills and techniques, but he also fosters confidence, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the game in every young player he coaches.

Amaya Athill, Golf Canada 

She's created an amazing community where women in golf, especially women of color, can feel safe and welcome. It's a place where they can learn and enjoy the sport in a supportive and inclusive environment. Her impact on the community is truly inspiring!

Chris Barber (3), The Landings Golf Course and Teaching Centre 

Chris helped me regain my mechanics and confidence in my swing and game. More importantly, Chris has been the very reason that I have come to love the game of golf once again. Chris Barber is not only a true ‘Pro’, he is a true gentleman and an impressive representative of his profession.

Your dedication, passion, and the time you invest in your junior golfers week in and week out truly makes a difference. Your knowledge and experience are second to none, and your tireless efforts never go unnoticed.

Whether it’s coaching on the range, running your Junior Academy, work in the background, supporting at tournaments, or just being there with encouragement and guidance, you go above and beyond for your members and juniors.

Thank you, Chris, for all that you do—you’re a true pro in every sense!

Pat Biln, Castlegar Golf Club 

Pat inspires all golfers he comes across and has certainly helped me improve my game. Always welcoming presence when you enter his pro shop.

Colin Bird, Meadowbrook Golf Club

Colin consistently goes the extra mile to ensure members receive top-tier service and a great experience. He holds himself to a high standard, always focused on creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment at the club. As a coach, Colin is incredibly patient and makes learning the game fun and approachable for players of all levels. Whether he’s helping someone with their swing or introducing a beginner to the basics, he brings a steady, encouraging presence to every lesson.

It’s been impressive to watch everything he’s achieved in his career. Colin’s work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to growing the game make him a real asset to the golf community.

Ben Bolder, Sirocco Golf Course

I’d like to thank him for being a friend first and second being a great time on and around the golf course.

James Boyce,  Glencairn Golf Course

James has been there all my 6 years of working in the golf industry and he’s become a very good friend as well and someone who’s helped me down the path I was looking to in golf.

Henry Brunton, Henry Brunton Golf 

Henry was a believer in my coaching abilities right from the start of my teaching and professional career.  Coaching is what I loved to do and Henry made sure to tell me that the future in golf for me would be with coaching and with his support my dreams have come true! I'm a proud PGA of Canada professional that has enjoyed a very successful teaching and coaching career and PGA Mentors like Henry were there to give the extra support as needed

Don Churchill & Phil Durant, Rockway Vineyards

Donny & Phil, both PGA Pros at Rockway Vineyard Golf course in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada are not only Professional in their trade but very welcoming and friendly. I'd like to thank them for ensuring we have a great golf course to play on and treating members as friends and green feeders as members. Great guys.

Chris Cooke, Silvertip Golf Club 

A great golf professional to work with. Always positive and very service oriented.  Creates a positive atmosphere  and  a collaborative team.

Josh Copeland, Wainwright Golf Course

When I was 17/18 years old I worked on the grounds crew back in Wainwright where Josh is now the Director of Golf. At that age I was so impressed how well Josh operated the place being the only golf pro there. I found my love for the game playing golf back home in Wainwright and later turned pro in 2022 and started working at the Northern Bear Golf Course. I would say my appreciation for what Josh does led me in this direction of my new career in the golf industry.  He’s a busy guy and he does an unbelievable job and does not get nearly enough credit

Kevin Cote, Pointe West Golf Club

Kevin loves his job and golf as a sport. He strives every day to make his golf course the absolute best it can be. He is always ready to help out a fellow golfer in any way that he can. Kevin is definitely a top notch pro and deserves a big thank you!

Derek D'Ortenzio, Greywolf Golf Course 

I would like to thank Derek for organizing a ladies league at the Greywolf Golf Course. He has put lots of energy and thought into making it a fun and educating experience!

Steve Dayman, Granite Golf Club

Thanks to Steve for making the members and guests always feel welcome at Granite Golf Club

Dave Deluzio, Roseland Golf & Curling Club

Always helping out local charities, by supporting their fundraising efforts with gifting Foursomes, and putting together tournaments, etc...  Roseland Golf Course the Jewel in the city of Windsor. Many Thanks!

Chad Denyes, Glendale Golf & Country Club

Chad has made an incredible impact as a PGA of Canada professional. His dedication to growing the game, especially among juniors and beginners, is truly inspiring. He brings patience, positivity, and a deep knowledge of the game to every lesson he gives. What stands out most is how genuinely he cares about his students’ progress, he celebrates their wins as if they were his own. I’d like to thank him for his passion, his unwavering support for others, and his ability to make every golfer feel confident and valued. The golf community is lucky to have him!

Pierre Dugas, Cowansville Inc. (Club De Golf)

A professional who improved my game in match play! 

Tyler Erb, Glencairn Golf Course

Tyler has been there for me the past 4 years working alongside James Boyce and has been  great leader/mentor for myself and others around me. They are really good guys to work for.

Jesse Florkowski, Connaught Golf Club 

Thank you for being the ultimate professional, treating everyone with respect and welcoming all.  You create a warm and welcoming environment.  Congratulations on all your professional achievements and your lovely family .

Dylan Gallant, Green Gables Golf Club

Dylan has and continues to go the extra mile at his home course of Green Gables. His passion for the game has inspired so many through the Academy to pursue the sport and have fun while doing it. He knows his stuff and teaches in the most patient and supportive way. Keep up the incredible job Dylan!

Alyssa Getty, Kingsville Golf & C.C.

Big shout-out to our incredible golf professional, Alyssa Getty! Your talent, leadership, and love for the game inspire everyone around you. Thank you for your dedication on and off the course — we’re lucky to have you! Personal thank you for helping make my game better! Your patience, tips, and passion for the sport make all the difference and so enjoyable!

Todd Halpen, Golf Fanatics 

Big shout out to Todd, who's been way more than a coach. I've been fortunate enough to call him a mentor, a friend, but he feels like a big brother. Todd's commitment to golf as a whole is incredible, he's always seeking knowledge, looking for ways to sharpen his skillset to better serve his students. I'm truly grateful for Todd and all his contributions to the game. He's someone I'll always look up to, and try to be more like.

Mark Hillcoff, Woodside Golf Club 

Mark has an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise, and will always make time for people. He's an incredible asset at Woodside GC, from club fitting to lessons, everyone has an excellent experience with Mark and a great take away to improve their golf.

Roger Hogle

Thank you Roger, for the 25+ years of service to the game of golf. You’ve unofficially mentored many of us professionals and amateurs in Saskatchewan. THANK YOU PRO!

Marc Hurtubise, Club de golf le Parcours du Vieux Village

The guy I've played the most rounds of golf with in my life! A great professional! 

Greg Johnson, Golf Fanatics 

Big shout out to Coach Greg! Infectiously positive, truly a great person to know and armed with a wealth of knowledge to boot. Very fortunate to be able to know, and learn from Greg

Matt Jones, Penticton Golf & CC 

Matt brings out the best in everyone! He is truly an outstanding golf professional whose dedication and passion for the game set him apart from the rest. With an incredible work ethic, he leads by example, showing up every single day with a commitment to excellence that inspire all of his students. Matt’s kindness and genuine care for his students make him not only a great coach but also a trusted mentor. His ability to connect with each golfer individually and help them grow both on and off the course is remarkable. Without a doubt, he is the best golf professional I’ve ever met. I owe everything I have to Matt, he inspired me to pass my PAT and become a golf professional myself. I can’t say enough great things about him and he owes significant recognition on thank a pro day! Thank you Matt for all that you do for your students and the game of golf!

Brian Kollman, Life Professional 

Brian is awesome. So approachable, and to say he's wise would be an understatement. He makes difficult concepts seem easy, and makes enjoying the game even easier.

Pierre Lallier, Académie Pierre Lallier - Venise

Pierre is a genuine enthusiast, guided by a sincere desire to help others progress. Always present, always committed, he approaches each session with a contagious energy and a desire to pass on far more than technique. He teaches with passion, with heart, and you feel it from the very first minutes you spend with him.

Pierre Lalonde, Pinegrove (Club De Golf)

He introduced me to golf nearly 50 years ago!

Michel Latulipe (6), Valleyfield Inc. (Club De Golf)

Warm, welcoming, available, not stingy with good advice and little tips to improve our game, easy to get to, always in a good mood!  We're really lucky to have him at the Valleyfield Golf Club!

Adam Lowe, Caledon Country Club

Coach! Thank you for being someone who’s not just helped me become a better golfer, but a more focused, resilient person. From day one, your patience, insight, and love for the game have been contagious. Grateful for every lesson, every swing breakdown, and every reminder to trust the process. You’ve made this journey something special thank you

Jeff MacGregor, Glendale G&CC 

Jeff and his team have created a wonderful service culture at the Glendale. Lots of exciting opportunities for all members.

Jeremy Maher, Modern Golf (Calgary) 

Jeremy is awesome! Easy to get along with, and easier to learn from. Great communicator, makes adjustments seem easy and approachable without overloading your brain with a ton of information. Grateful to be on his team, and to learn from him.

Keith Martin (3), Sunset Ranch Golf & CC 

Keith has made an impression from the moment he arrived at Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club. He greets you by name, has made improvements in customer service and is always kind and accommodating.

Tara McInroy, Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club 

Thank you to our incredible golf pro for all that you do. Your dedication and passion for the game makes a lasting impact on everyone who steps onto the course. You always have the biggest smile on your face and we are grateful for you.

Tara has become a beacon of excellence and inspiration within the club's vibrant community. Her passion for the game, coupled with her exemplary leadership skills, has significantly elevated the golfing experience for both members and guests alike.

Her approach to coaching and mentoring is both innovative and inclusive. Tara is known for her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a strong sense of community. She organizes engaging tournaments, creative events, and youth programs that not only promote the sport but also strengthen friendships among members. Her ability to connect with people, understand their goals, and motivate them reflects her genuine care and dedication.

Her positive impact is evident not just in the improved skills of the golfers she coaches, but also in the vibrant, supportive, and dynamic culture she helps cultivate.

Jamie Moran, Crown Isle Golf Resort

Thanks Jamie and all the pros, you make a big difference in the lives of all of us members!   Cheers

James Nicholas, Black Bear Ridge 

James makes Black Bear Ridge a fun and exciting environment. He is always positive and encourages others to keep pushing. James is also a man of many surprising talents and never fails to make you laugh. I want to thank James for creating a welcoming environment and the amount of times he has gone out of his way to assist me. Thank you James!!!!!

Dylan Nickel (3), Chilliwack Golf Club 

Dylan is the type of person everyone wants to have as a  professional at their course. He is always in a great mood, never takes sides in any situation or dispute that he is put in and is just simply a pro and a great human. I have been taking some lessons from him recently and he is the first guy I can truly understand and gain knowledge from. Loudest shoutout, thanks Dylan!

Jaden Noble, Lookout Point Golf & CC 

Shoutout to Jaden Noble. Day 1 brother, nobody works harder than that man

Peter Oliphant,  Connaught Golf Club

Thank you Peter for the lesson. Your expertise has improved my game and confidence. Very professional ,pleasant and great teaching pro.

Miles Palahniuk, Tower Ranch Golf & CC 

Thank you for your welcoming demeanour and personality.  You make it a pleasure to visit Tower Ranch.

Jamie Parkinson, Sarnia Golf & Curling Club 

We would like to recognize and thank Jamie Parkinson, Head Golf Professional at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club, for his outstanding dedication and leadership. Jamie's unwavering commitment to SGCC is evident in every aspect of his work—from the meticulous planning and flawless execution of a remarkable number of events each year, to the high standard of excellence he consistently upholds. His attention to detail and tireless efforts have elevated the member experience and brought a vibrant energy to our club community.

Equally commendable is Jamie's inclusive and supportive leadership style. He fosters a team environment built on respect, collaboration, and a shared drive to continually improve.

Mathieu Paradis, Royal Quebec (Club De Golf)

Thank you for introducing me to golf technology!

Jamie Reimer, Golf Fanatics 

Reimer is unreal. Terrific coach, even better friend. You can tell how much he cares about his students, and how effective his methods are by how well they learn to perform. Jamie does an amazing job setting up his students for success in tournaments and scholastically. I wish I had taken up golf when I was younger to be eligible for the Strive program!

Cory Renfrew, Pacific Golf Academy (Richmond)

Shout out to Coach Cory for making this game so fun and introducing me to the competitive side of it. You have helped me reach my targets and then some.

Dan Roud, Lookout Point Golf & Country Club 

Dan Roud has been an amazing Head Professional during my time at Lookout Point Country Club and has really helped me a lot with being able to become an apprentice professional and believed in me. I believe that this Head Professional definitely deserves a huge thank you today!!

Chad Russ, Carrying Place Golf Club 

Chad has been a consummate professional since joining the Carrying Place staff. What truly sets him apart is his ability to connect with members on a personal level, making our time at the course feel like an extension of home. He also helped me tremendously during the lessons we have had, simplifying the swing and shaving some much needed strokes off my game. We appreciate everything Chad and the team have accomplished over the last few years.

Katy Rutherford (Groom), Silver Springs Golf & Country Club 

Katy is a force to be reckoned with!  Intense competitor, tons of experience, and we're all excited to see how far she goes in her career. She's an inspiration to all those who are fortunate to know her!

Gregg Schubert (2), Elk Ridge Resort 

I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Gregg for his countless hours of hard work put in day after day. Your dedication to the club, the game, and the industry truly stands out .  It amazes me how he has the ability to make every person feel seen and valued. Whether it's a longtime member or a public player walking in for the first time, he always greets them  with a smile and somehow always remembers their name. That kind of personal touch and commitment speaks volume about your character and passion for the game. 

Thank you for all that you do to make the experience at the Club truly exceptional!

Matt Seifert, Golf Fanatics 

Most of us like golf, Matt LOVES golf. Never have I met someone that lives and breathes the game as much as Matt does. He's doing incredible things with his grow the game tour in smaller Alberta communities, bringing his skills and love of golf to places who may not have access to resources that we have in bigger cities. He's great at  making the game approachable and easily digestible while being a ray of sunshine the whole way through

Jared Siminoff, Haus of Golf 

I would love to thank Jared for coaching me this year and completely changing how I think about golf. Not only am I improving, my scores are slowly coming down as I compete again, but golf is FUN. I can’t say I’ve had fun playing golf, probably ever. So this is a massive shoutout to how good of a strategy coach (and swing coach) he is. Thank you Jared!

Brian Urbach, Borden Golf Club 

Urby epitomizes the strong silent type, and is  the most solid PGA of Canada Professional I know. From Barrie CC, to Mad River, to Midland, to Borden, Brian is first class all the way!

Jason Vanmali

Thank you for your continual improvement and character, both in terms of golf game progression and the manner in which you improve relationships and bring people together!

Aaron Wagner (3),  Antigonish Golf & Country Club

I would like to say thank to a true golf professional Aaron Wagner, who genuinely loves his work and goes above and beyond every day to make Antigonish Golf Club even better! His dedication, energy, and commitment to providing the highest level of service are truly impressive. Thanks to his efforts, the atmosphere is always welcoming, and players enjoy an exceptional experience. He doesn’t just do a job – he lives and breathes golf, inspiring others with his passion for the game. Thank you for your professionalism, care, and invaluable contribution to the growth of our club!

Matthew Wagg, Brampton Golf Club

Matt has done such a great job at Brampton with our Junior Program by growing the program and creating such a great community, as well as taking the initiative to run the Junior Interclub for the entire West GTA. Thanks Matt! 

Andrew Waldie, Granite Golf Club

Andrew's consistency and work ethic shines bright.  With a service-first mindset, he gets the job done with a smile on his face.

Brandon Weiss (12), DiamondBack Golf Club

There are people who leave a lasting impact—not just on our game, but on who we are. Brandon is one of those rare people. From the first time we worked together, his passion for golf, his deep knowledge of the game, and his ability to teach with both patience and purpose have made a powerful impression on me.

But, it’s more than his skill as a coach that’s impacted me—it’s his character. He has taught me how to show up with focus, how to handle setbacks with grace, and how to keep learning no matter where I am in my journey. Because of him, I’ve not only become a better golfer, but a more grounded and confident person off the course as well.

Thank you Brandon for believing in me, even on days I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you for every word of encouragement, every honest critique, and every moment you’ve invested in helping me grow. Your influence will stay with me always, and I’m truly grateful. You truly are an expert at your craft and I appreciate you guidance always

Derek Whipple

Thank for always being accessible in all aspects of golf mentorship and personally outside the course as a friend! Those who meet you almost ALWAYS leave with a smile and better mood! Keep Whipping us all into better happier golfers!

Andrew Widjaja (6), Crown Isle Resort

This young gentleman came to Crown Isle early this past Spring. He is a definite asset to the golf club. His positive attitude, his willingness to always help you in any way, whether it be helping booking tee times, helpful hints with your game, or asking how your game was.  He is so personable, thoughtful, conscientious of those around him and always acknowledges you when you walk in to the pro shop. 

Andrew is a very personable young man.  His instruction is concise and easily understood.  He is passionate about golf and helping golfers play their best. Thank you for your positivity in your instruction and your outlook in general. Always has a smile and inquires about how the instruction/club fitting or whatever has been working.

Cory Wilson, Squamish Valley Golf Club

Thank you to Cory for leading by example, having a knowledge in club fitting that knows no bounds, and helping create a strong junior program at the club. 

Adrian Wright,  Crown Isle Resort

Adrian! Thank you for your patience, dedication and commitment to helping me! Thanks for sticking with me! 

The Entire Uplands Golf Club Professional Staff 

I'd like to thank Ben Griffin, Michelle McCann, Sean Hay, Justin Clews & Dave Rands.  The hardest working professionals who make Uplands Golf Club amazing, and give their time and dedication tirelessly to make every day awesome.