Mark LaVigne
Learning Academy Director

Golf has been part of Mark’s life since his competitive hockey days ended. It just seemed natural to Mark to pick up a club and swing it like a hockey player. Realizing there was more to this game than meets the eye, a number of experiences occurred forever influencing his life and his perspective on playing and teaching this wonderful game of golf. For over 25 years of crossing paths with people like Moe Norman, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples and the incomparable Payne Stewart, left indelible, positive imprints on Mark that he often shares with his students. Special time spent with the likes of Chuck Hogan, Jim McLean, Rick Smith, Dr.GioValiante, and Dr.Saul Miller has had a profound influence on the way he approaches every student in an individual way. There is no one way to learn the game, but there are some basic fundamentals that don’t change no matter who you are. Mark asks for only two things of his students, one is an open mind and the other is a willingness to try. He’ll provide the rest and his students benefit from his patient progressive methodical approach to building a swing one step at a time. This is a game for a lifetime and to quote the legendary Ben Hogan, “there are no shortcuts on the path to perfection”. 

Clint Foley
C.P.G.A Teaching Professional

Clint became a C.P.G.A. Professional in 2000, the realization of a childhood dream. He began as most young players playing in the competitive ranks of junior golf and went on to play several local professional events. Clint's passion for golf goes beyond the swinging of a club into the technical aspects of the sport. Over the past several years, he has gained extensive knowledge in the club fitting of all clubs, club repair and Launch Monitors. The combination of practical and technical knowledge brings a unique perspective to Clint's teaching. With fourteen years teaching experience in both golf and music, Clint has developed a patient and positive teaching style suitable for any age or level of golfer.

James Peters
C.P.G.A. Teaching Professional

 I was lucky to be introduced the game of golf at the age of 8. A few years later, my mother had the foresight to move to Newlands Golf Course where I was able to develop in a very nuturing junior program and was able to truly start to understand and love the game of golf.

After being a coach in hockey and gymnastics, my second career was to be golf coach. Becoming a golf professional at the age of 27, I was able to complete all courses that the CPGA offers and currently hold a 4 levels coaching certification. I have also done extensive studies and attended courses with Dave Pelz for putting and short game techniques. My beliefs in golf instruction come from a combination of Jack Nicklaus, through the teaching of Jack Grout, as well as Dave Pelz and David Leadbetter. Two Daves and two Jacks.... kind of funny.

It is my personal belief  that "Everyone can play the game of golf." The game we all love is truly a game for the whole family and for everybody. This year I will be available for corporate, group and private lessons as well as developing a program to make the game of golf more accessible to people with disabilities. My teaching experiences have shown me that we all learn a little differently. I strive to educate not only with words, but also with visual experiences and kinaesthetic methodology.

I look forward to incredible season and hope I have a chance to meet all those who visit us and share a love for the game. Whether it is about taking lessons, getting advice on the latest equipment or asking a quick tip, please take a moment and come and say hello.

Randy Lewsey
C.P.G.A Teaching Professional

Randy has been a member of the CPGA for over 18 years. He attained his class "A"  in 1995. Randy has a level 3 teaching certification. He also has club fitting experience that he brings to the golf academy. Randy enjoys the challenge playing competitive golf within the British Columbia Professional Golfers Association.

Randy enjoys the challenge of teaching all levels of students. His knowledge, passion and dedication to helping achieve their goals are his main concern. Beginner or experienced golfer, Randy's focus is on making the lesson experience easy to understand and fun to learn.

Gerry Chatelain
C.P.G.A Teaching Professional

Gerry has over 40 years of teaching experience and was a Head Professional for 28 years at Capilano Golf &  Country Club. He was the Recipient of the "2006 PGA of BC Life Time Achievement Award" along with Stan Leonard and was the past National representative for the PGA of BC. He has done so much throughout the years that he was the winner of three consecutive BC Assistant championships in the 70's and BC Pro Club Pro Champion in the 80's and also worked with two past Canadian junior champions. And lastly he was mentored in his early years by Professional George Knudsen.

Gerry would like to instruct golfers of all handicaps but especially those who have reached the age of 55 and over. Golf does change as we age, so he will help you deal with the physical and mental side of Golf and incorporate these teachings into sound practice and playing habits.

Golf is not to be struggled with but to be enjoyed.

Jacob Shin
C.P.G.A Teaching Professional

Bio Coming Soon