Courtesy Golf Canada & PGA of Canada via press release
Eight talented PGA of Canada coaches to receive in-depth career development and bring a stronger gender balance to high-performance coaching in Canadian golf
Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada are excited to announce the names of eight talented coaches who will receive critical education to advance their careers as top golf coaches in the country.
The eight participant coaches from the Women in Coaching program will receive in-depth career development focusing on four main areas: individualized learning plans with monthly one-on-one check-ins, virtual and in-person coaching education and hands-on training experience.
Launched in 2021, the Women in Coaching program aims to strike a stronger gender balance with high-performance coaches that better reflects the Canadian golf community.
“We are thrilled to be supporting female coaches who have a deep desire to develop their skillsets,” said Beth Barz, the Women in Coaching Program’s Coach Developer. “Their continued growth supports all athletes in the player development system who will work with coaches involved in the Women in Coaching program for years to come.”
Application information was posted publicly on Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada’s websites, where applications were accepted this past winter.
“I am proud to be part of the Women in Coaching program and have an opportunity to learn from top educators and other female coaches from across Canada,” said Kat Kennedy, Assistant Golf Coach at Simon Fraser University and one of the eight Women in Coaching participants. “As a current collegiate coach, I prioritize professional development to gain the tools and skills to provide support and guidance to help student-athletes realize their full potential.”
The eight PGA of Canada members were selected based on prior coaching experience and current coaching or volunteer coaching positions. Past competitive playing experience was also considered an asset.
The eight chosen participants for the Women in Coaching program include:
- Shannon Raina – Calgary, Alberta
Earl Grey Golf Club, Apprentice Professional and Junior Development Leader
- Kat Kennedy – Richmond, British Columbia
Simon Fraser University, Men’s and Women’s Assistant Coach
- Megan Ratcliffe – Victoria, British Columbia
Bear Mountain Resort, Assistant Golf Professional
- Michelle Waters – Vancouver, British Columbia
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Apprentice Golf Professional
- Winnie Yun – Langley, British Columbia
Lago Golf Academy (Westwood Plateau Golf Club), Junior Instructor
- Anne Rogerson – Dorval, Quebec
Golf Le Champêtre, Head Golf Professional
- Leila Harman – Surrey, British Columbia
Morgan Creek Golf Course, Saunders Performance Golf Academy Instructor
- Nicola Greaves – Calgary, Alberta
Willow Park Golf & Country Club, Associate Professional & Junior Leader
To date, 17 PGA of Canada professionals have received training through the Women in Coaching program. This year’s first in-person session kicks off Monday, February 13th in Phoenix, AZ.