Rick Montgomery - Teaching Professional

Profile 

Rick, grew up in Toronto, picked up his first golf club at the age of 12 and six years later became a PGA of Canada member at age 18; and some 42 years later he still has tremendous passion for continuing to learn and teach the great game of golf to students of all ages and abilities.
During his early years, he began working at a golf course, as a “back shop boy”. Also became a Junior member at that course, winning the junior Club Championship each year he was eligible. Rick was also medalist in the 1978 City of Toronto, High School Golf Championship. 
During his PGA days, Rick played in many Canadian Tour Events, before focusing his skills on developing as a Golf Professional. 
He worked at several golf courses during his time in Ontario, including Weston Golf & C.C. (site of Arnold Palmer’s first Professional Victory, the 1955 Canadian Open)
During this time period, Rick would also build, own and operate his own 4 bay, indoor golf school, allowing him to build upon his passion for teaching and teach golfers during the winter months.
Also exciting on Rick’s resume is that he caddied dozens of times for both Moe Norman and George Knudson, and also on the PGA Tour for Ray Stewart.

Work History:

  • 1978: Asst. Pro, Bayview GC in Toronto, Ontario
  • 1979-80: Associate Pro, The Briars Golf Club in Sutton, Ontario
  • 1981-83:Associate Pro, Weston Golf & CC, in Toronto, Ontario
  • 1984-86: Associate Pro, The Club at North Halton in Georgetown, Ontario
  • 1987: Teaching Professional, PGA Tour Family Golf Centre in Oakville, Ontario
  • 1988: Teaching Professional at University Golf Club in Vancouver
  • 1989-1993: Head Golf Professional at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club in Kelowna
  • 1994: GM/ PGA Professional at McCulloch Orchard Greens in Kelowna
  • 1995: PGA Teaching Professional / Part Owner at Kelowna Driving Range

Personal

Hockey has been a great passion of Rick’s, where after his playing days, Scouted in KIJHL with the Kelowna Chiefs, then BCHL with the West Kelowna Warriors, and finishing in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
He now finds himself staying closer to home, and works as an “Off Ice Official” for the WHL, working Kelowna Rockets games.
Another passion of Rick’s is his massive collection of golf instruction books. This, he says has helped him learn the basic swing fundamentals of all Champions Golfers through the decades, and has been a key philosophy in his teachings today.

Achievements

  • Professional Golf Management at Humber College
  • Rick joined the PGA of Canada at the age of 18
  • PGA of Canada Tex Noble Award Winner
  • Completed and taught at many golf instructional seminars
  • Past Contributing Editor Fore Golf Magazine
  • Past Director BCGA Zone 2
  • Rick has 42 years of coaching experience

Teaching Philosophy


Rick comes armed with an extensive library of knowledge that one could only acquire through his vast playing and teaching experience acquired over the past 40+ years.
His ability to mesh with students of all ages, playing levels and personalities has made Rick a popular and trusted instructor.

​Finding an instructor you trust and one who is committed and loyally dedicated to you and your game is vital to the golfers progression.
Resulting from Rick’s years of study he has noticed that the best players of all time have shared similar key positions in each part of their full golf swings and short games. This allows Rick to simplify the learning or re-learning process for the student, clearing their minds of so many unnecessary swing thoughts that they seem to try each and every time out.
Rick is also a study of the psychology in sports and will apply many of these learned principles throughout his lesson programs.
Rick’s students are just like you, all trying to get more consistency, distance and improved scoring, all while having more fun enjoying this great game.   Rick’s students will become more self sufficient because of how he explains and relates the concepts, which will make it possible for you to practice alone and gain more confidence.
We are extremely pleased to be able to add Rick to our team of instructors this season.

Testimonials

​"I have known Rick for many years and have always been impressed by his knowledge of the swing but also in his ability to communicate effectively.   As an instructor his influences are varied and he is always looking to keep learning and improving himself.   His students would always be in the best of hands."
Finlay Young
Class A Professional
Certified Personal Coach
GOLFTEC Kelowna

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"As a newcomer to the game, I took a series of beginner lessons with Rick, along with my Mom and a few girlfriends. (6 of us in total) His experience and presentation eased our nerves very quickly, which made learning easier and fun. His knowledge of the game along with sense of humour, really made the lessons enjoyable. Rick also took the time to fit us for a new set of golf clubs. We will take more lessons from Rick again."

Lisa O’Rourke-O’Rourke
Peak Cellars



"Rick has a deep passion for the game of golf. He genuinely wants to help everyone he can play better golf. Rick has a lot to offer his students with his vast experience in the golf industry."

Dave Gibson
 Men’s Club Captain, Kelowna Golf & CC