CPGA PRO[FILE] Leslie Painter

Posted by on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

Getting a little perspective from one of the CPGA’s likeable Ladies.

When did you take up the game of golf and who was most helpful getting you started in the game?


I first started to play when I was a very young child as my parents were both avid golfers. However, it wasn’t until my mid teens that I became passionate about the game.


My father was most helpful. He never pushed me, only encouraged and supported me. Golf was an activity we did as a family with my mother and brothers. I’ve been surrounded by golf my entire life.


Why did you decide to go into the golf business? Are you happy with your decision so far?


Leslie PainterI originally went to the University of Guelph majoring in Economics, but after my second year I decided Economics was not for me. With the guidance of my parents, I came across the PGM program at Humber College. Before this time, I never realized I could turn my passion into my career.


I’m incredibly happy with my decision. I work at a gorgeous club, teach golf, play golf and interact with many great members. I am very fortunate. The golf business is also a lot of hard work and long hours but it is well worth it.


Do you see the game growing among the youth of today and, if so, do you see a ‘young’ Lori Kane or Sandra Post on the horizon?


Youth participation is the biggest area in golf, continually growing. At Mississaugua we have a large group of pre-juniors each year. One in particular, Chloe Currie, is a ‘phenom’. She is 9 years old, has won countless junior events, and has a very bright future in the game.


We need to make golf more fun and less intimidating for girls. By trying to reach girls when they are younger and encouraging their friends to get involved, we can hopefully peak their interest early and they will see the benefits of playing golf their entire lives.


As part of your position at The Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, do you have a role teaching young people? Describe your role and how much time is spent with juniors. What needs to be done to get more young girls into golf?


At Mississaugua, we have a Pre-Junior clinic which runs throughout the summer on Thursday evenings, three Pre-Junior
camps and a Junior clinic series which runs throughout the summer on Sunday afternoons. I am in charge of organizing
and running the camps and clinics. Fortunately, I do get a great deal of help from the other golf professionals at Mississaugua.


I take great pride and enthusiasm in teaching young people. I get the opportunity to make golf fun and exciting while incorporating the rules and etiquette which is sometimes lost in today’s game.


I think the CN’s Girl Club is a great start. We need to make golf more fun and less intimidating for girls. By trying to reach girls when they are younger and encouraging their friends to get involved, we can hopefully peak their interest early and they will see the benefits of playing golf their entire lives.


I’ve been very fortunate working under Gar Hamilton for 3 years now. He has been a tremendous mentor and has offered
much guidance and insights into the golf industry. When I first started at Mississaugua, Mr. Hamilton told me I was in charge of the Ladies’ and Junior Section. He gave me direction and advice and then gave me the reins. To work with and for one of the best has been a blessing.


What’s your advice for young people thinking about golf as a sport?


Golf requires a great deal of hard work, patience, time and commitment. It isn’t a game where you can pick up a club
and be instantly good. You have to stick with it and golf can be incredibly rewarding. Golf teaches you many life lessons,
which you can carry throughout your entire life.


What is golf doing right? | What is golf doing wrong?


Accessibility, over the last ten years, has greatly improved due to the increased number of golf courses. Competition for market share has helped the green fees to be decreased. However due to the increase of accessibility, we have seen the art of golf become lost. Golf is a game of tradition which has been played for hundreds of years. I think we need to do more to ensure the history, etiquette and pride of golf is not lost.


Do you still play in competitive tour events or has your game become recreational?


There are only two OPGA events for females and I would normally play in them each year but due to my schedule I was unable to play in them this year. There are many CN Women’s events to play in, however I preferred to take the avenue of golf professional not professional golfer. I love playing competitively but it is incredibly hard to compete at the level I need to when I work 6 days a week at the course.


I play most of my rounds of golf with the members, which is a great way to get to know the membership at Mississaugua. Mr. Hamilton started a Pro best ball series between my fellow professionals and the membership, so we do our part to keep things competitive at Mississaugua.


What is your handicap?


I’m a 4.4 factor


What’s your favourite golf course?


Victoria Golf Club, British Columbia


What’s the most memorable golf hole you have played?


#10 at the Elmira Golf Club, it was the Ladies’ Invitational and it was the 5th hole of a sudden death play-off for the championship. At the time, I hadn’t won a tournament since my junior days and got up and down to make par and win the tournament.


What do you hope to be doing ten years from now?


Currently I am back at the University of Guelph completing my degree in International Business, so in ten years I hope to have completed my masters. Professionally, I hope to be a Head Professional, Director of Golf or General Manager at a prestigious facility.


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