THERE'S a new look at one of the Lower Mainland's most venerable golf courses.
Starting August 1, 2011, Monaghan Golf Incorporated - which manages Fraserview Golf Course for the Vancouver Parks Board - was selected by the District of West Vancouver to manage the Ambleside Par3 course and Gleneagles.
As well as keeping one of Canada's busiest golf courses in tip-top condition, Monaghan Golf also operates The Golf Institute at Fraserview. There head pro Tom Monaghan, a CPGA "Class A" TCCP Level 5 instructor, oversees a team of teaching pros dedicated to helping people of all ages get the most enjoyment out of playing golf.
One of Monaghan's most talented team members, James Presnail, has been appointed head professional at Gleneagles and is a great resource to help North Shore residents improve their game.
With a father working in the airline industry, Presnail moved around as a youngster and attended high school in Japan and Singapore.
"I golfed about a dozen times in Japan.
"I started when I was deciding on which college I wanted to attend while living in Singapore. I was going to become a chef and go to Cordon Bleu . . . but I saw that some Canadian colleges offered a Professional Golf Management program. This program seemed more interesting to me, so I decided to take up the game of golf and attend the program.
"I was a 25 handicap in the summer of 2003, and turned professional in 2007 by passing my playing ability test at Royalwood Golf Course in Chilliwack."
From there, stints at courses including Oakdale, Royal Colwood, Shaughnessy and Fraserview have helped him hone his skills to take on the posting at Gleneagles, his first head pro appointment. He already has some solid plans.
"I intend to elevate the customer's experience, build a strong junior and adult lesson program, increase the exposure of the golf course through a marketing campaign and develop a strong retail business by offering well priced products."
While working at Fraserview, Presnail became involved in the First Tee youth golf program. Operated in Greater Vancouver by the YMCA, the First Tee program teaches youngsters the game and helps kids aged 7-18 learn golf's key values of sportsmanship, perseverance and judgement.
As part of his work in West Vancouver, Presnail hopes to help bring the First Tee program to the North Shore.
"It would be great to have it at Gleneagles and Ambleside. They are perfect courses for learning the game."
If James can take his own game from a 25 handicap in 2003 to turning pro in 2007, just imagine what he can do for your game.
"If there is anything I can do to help, give me a call at Gleneagles. We provide a full lesson program and a fully stocked golf shop."
You can reach James at the Gleneagles pro shop at 604-921-7353.
