When Jennifer Greggain pulls out her crystal ball and peers into the future, she sees Chilliwack as a hub of golfing activity.
She sees youngsters gravitating to the sport. She sees teenagers developing their skills on local courses before moving on to college programs and professional tours.
She sees top flight golfers coming to Chilliwack to fine-tune their games.
And the 35-year-old sees herself in the middle of it all, leading a golfing renaissance as the head instructor at the Chilliwack Golf and Country Club.
“It starts with the children, and I’ve always wanted to see a thriving junior program here in the Fraser Valley,” Greggain said. “One of my goals is to get kids excited about golf and put golf clubs in the hands of kids who otherwise might not have that chance.”
In September, Greggain and fellow instructor Val Beebe launched the SNAG (Starting New at Golf) program at Cheam Centre. Using engaging activities and colorful props, they made golf fun for a small group of students (eight the first time, 18 the second).
“You give them a chance to explore the game and let them have fun,” she said. “You show them golf is more than ugly pants and strict rules.”
As a player, Greggain has logged a decade of tour experience, including two on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) circuit. She spent four years on the Futures Tour and has been playing on the CN Women’s Tour since 2004.
Greggain’s TPI coaching certification allows her to provide instruction in everything golf.
“As a player on tour, I always found it difficult to find the elite training and instruction that I needed. There really wasn’t a lot of better golf instruction, people using the innovative technology and teaching methods that are available,” she noted. “I’d like offer that, and I’d like to offer coaching and mentoring for golfers to learn how to practice properly and prepare mentally, physically and strategically for tournament play.”
Getting new golfers involved. Growing a junior program. Top end training.
A tall task, but one Greggain sees as doable.
“It’s a big project, but it’s been on mind for my long time,” she said. “There’s so much potential in Chilliwack and the facility at CG&CC. There’s such an opportunity here, and I’m so excited about moving forward with it.”