Sports

Richmond’s Kat Kennedy is one of eight participants in Golf Canada and the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada’s 2023 Women in Coaching program.

Photo courtesy PGA of Canada

Richmond golfer among 2023 Women in Coaching participants

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:35 PST, Fri February 10, 2023

Last Updated: 12:26 PST, Mon February 27, 2023

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Golf Canada and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Canada are announcing eight talented coaches who will receive critical education to advance their careers as top golf coaches in the country.

Richmond’s Kat Kennedy, who is the men’s and women’s assistant golf coach at Simon Fraser University, is among the participants of this program. Participants will receive in-depth career development focusing on four main areas: individualized learning plans with monthly one-on-one check-ins, virtual and in-person coaching education, and hands-on training experience.

Launched in 2021, the Women in Coaching program aims to strike a stronger gender balance with high-performance coaches that better reflects the Canadian golf community.

“We are thrilled to be supporting female coaches who have a deep desire to develop their skillsets,” said Beth Barz, the Women in Coaching program’s coach developer. “Their continued growth supports all athletes in the player development system who will work with coaches involved in the Women in Coaching program for years to come.”

Application information was posted publicly on Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada’s websites, where applications were accepted this past winter.

“I am proud to be part of the Women in Coaching program and have an opportunity to learn from top educators and other female coaches from across Canada,” said Kennedy. “As a current collegiate coach, I prioritize professional development to gain the tools and skills to provide support and guidance to help student athletes realize their full potential.”

The eight PGA of Canada members were selected based on prior coaching experience and current coaching or volunteer coaching positions. Past competitive playing experience was also considered an asset.

To date, 17 PGA of Canada professionals have received training through the Women in Coaching program. This year’s first in-person session kicks off next Monday in Phoenix, AZ.

About Golf Canada

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 300,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in communities, visit golfcanada.ca.

About PGA of Canada

Established in 1911, the PGA of Canada is the second-oldest and third-largest professional golf association in the world. The PGA of Canada is a non-profit association comprised of nearly 3,600 golf professionals across the country. The association’s mandate is to develop, promote, and support its members in living a better life and earning a better living while growing participation, excellence, and passion for the sport of golf. The association consists of the national office located in Acton, Ont., and nine zone offices across the country.