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 44 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).
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 44+years.
His ability to mesh with students of all ages, playing levels and personalities has made Rick a popular, sought after 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.  Rick is driven by the desire to somehow be able to help someone be the best they can be.  Coaching/training is a long march, not a short sprint.  We are extremely pleased to be able to add Rick to our team of instructors this season.
 
Here, in his own words are his philosophies.
 
“My goal is to help you understand the basic fundamentals of the golf swing, including the short game, and to help play consistently better, along with learning to practice more effectively.  Regardless of your level, I focus on one thing at a time, instead of overhauling the entire golf swing all at once. I have found that too many amateurs want to solve their issues immediately, but I take the time to explain the direction we are headed and what we will need to get there, piece by piece.  I will provide you with simple drills to do on your own time, both at home or at the driving range, as it’s the drills that develops the skills.  These specific drills provide you with feedback, when I’m not standing there with you, allowing you to develop the new feelings at your pace.  I will give you the specific drill, explain why we are doing it, and also demonstrate how to do it.  I am very passionate about my teaching/coaching, and love helping people play the game of golf, a game for a lifetime, all while continuing to improve my own knowledge about the golf swing, short game and the mental approaches as well.  It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, a single digit player, a mini tour player or one trying to make it to the big tours, I’m going to do everything I can to help make that player improve.
My foundation of teaching can and has worked for everyone that commits to learning at their own pace.
Today, there are more ways than ever to try to self learn or teach yourself the golf swing, short game and psychological parts of the game, whether it’s from an instructional book, a magazine, the Golf Channel, or any of the online coaches you may follow, and some of these are great. BUT, how do you really know what specifically relates to your issue(s) and also filter out the good from the bad so that you can work on what is relevant to you.
I have found over my 44 years in teaching/coaching that majority of golfers have tried going down these paths, and find themselves constantly experimenting or tinkering with their golf swings, usually resulting in further confusion with little improvement or consistency during this time.  My study over the years, has allowed me to determine the main fundamentals that all great champions have in their golf swings over the last century of our game.
This is the foundation of my method of teaching, as it will help you simplify your understanding of the swing, and get you practicing both with drills and hitting balls, in the most efficient way I know.
When we work together it is a commitment to each other, teamwork if you will, as better never ends.
I try not to teach rather coach the best out of you, always keeping in mind, that we don’t always have to fix things, rather find what works for you.  I look forward to working with you”
   -Rick Montgomery

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