Teaching Philosophy | Teaching Credentials | Playing Credentials

John has been playing golf for over 25 years. A native
Victorian, he played junior golf at Uplands GC before
attending the University of Washington where he played
on the golf team and earned a Bachelor of Psychology
degree.

After graduation John turned pro and played on tour from
1990 – 1997. His travels included seven years on the
Canadian Tour, two seasons on the South African PGA Tour and extensive play on mini tours in the U.S. His playing career was highlighted by two events on the PGA Tour.

At the end of 1997 he turned his focus to teaching the game and has become one of Canada's most sought
after instructors.

John's Teaching Philosophy

John recognizes each golfer is different. Each of his students has unique goals for their golf games; distinct body types and preferred learning styles.

John’s teaching philosophy is based on the fact there are black and white requirements for how a golf club needs to be used to create a good golf shot. He feels all golfers can improve quickly when they understand the key concepts of the golf swing and apply them to their particular set of circumstances.

It is John’s opinion that most golfers do not fully understand how the golf club needs to be swung through impact to hit good shots and this results in their inability to improve.

John also focuses on a well-rounded approach to instruction making sure his students recognize the importance of working on the short game and mental skills for maximum improvement. He provides his students with guidance on how to practice so their efforts can be as productive as possible.

To summarize, John feels the combination of good information, personalized instruction and efficient practice is a recipe for improvement and more fun on the golf course.

John's Teaching Credentials

  • Director of Instruction - GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View
  • 2007 PGA of BC Teacher of the Year
  • Golf Magazine's Top Teacher in BC in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
  • Ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the "Top Instructors in Canada"
  • 2002 BC PGA Teacher of the Year
  • Author of instructional book A Wake Up Call for Your Golf Game
  • Canadian PGA member since 1991
  • Helped thousands of golfers with their games.
  • Works with golfers from beginner to Tour Pro.
  • Featured lecturer at the 2003 BC PGA Spring Seminar
  • Featured Speaker at the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Vancouver Golf Show
  • Featured Speaker at the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Vancouver Island Golf Show
  • Written over 90 articles in golf publications and newspapers.
  • Films series of tips for CH Global Television
  • Teaches seminars at Camosun College for fellow golf professionals.
  • One of very few teaching professionals with the combined experiences of competitive junior golf, US College golf, international professional tour golf, a psychology degree and extensive teaching experience.

John's Playing Credentials

  • Canadian Tour member since 1991
  • Winner of over 50 professional events including the BC PGA Championship, BC PGA Assistants’ Championship and the Vancouver Island PGA Championship.
  • Played the South African Tour from 1994 – 1996
  • Played several US mini-tour events from 1992 – 1996
  • Played in two events on the PGA Tour (1991 Canadian Open and 1999 Air Canada Championship)
  • Has held seven course records (presently holds two)

Lowest Tournament Rounds

  • 64 – 1997 Klondike Klassic (Canadian Tour Event)
  • 60 – 1997 Cedar Hill Open
  • 65 – 1998 BC Assistants’ Championship (Morgan Creek GC)
  • 66 - 1999 Vancouver Island Assistants Championship
  • 65 - 2001 Uplands Pro-Am
  • 69 - 2003 Vancouver Island PGA at Bear Mountain (course record)
  • 67 - 2004 Vancouver Island Assistants Championship
  • 66 - 2004 Duncan Meadows Pro-Am
  • 71 - 71 - 72 - 74 - 2005 Times Colonist Open (Canadian Tour)
  • 65 - 2005 Uplands Pro-Am
  • 65 - 2006 Qualicum Event on VI Pro Tour