Doug Morgan has been involved with the Canadian P.G.A. for twenty years, the last thirteen (13) as a Class “A” Member. He actively participates in the Association by attending annual education seminars, tournaments and co-facilitating the Learning Centre at the Vancouver Golf & Travel Show.
Growing up in Victoria was an idea location to work on his game. The mild winter afforded play and practice year round. After some successes as a Junior and Amateur, Doug turned Professional in 1991. “I worked at both public and semi-private facilities during my Apprenticeship and had the great opportunity to work for four great mentors.”
“I had aspirations of a playing career, but made a decision that travelling and playing this game for a living was not for me. I still wanted to compete and be involved with the game but was unsure what part of the business to pursue.”
After his involvement with the R.C.G.A. Elite Player Development Program, Doug realized that he had many experiences as a player that would benefit golfers of all ages and abilities. Teaching has been his passion for the last fifteen years.
Doug’s coaching techniques, beliefs and principles continue to evolve through reading, education seminars and attending Golf Schools during the off-season.
“The Dave Pelz 3-Day Short Game School reinforced my beliefs about putting, chipping and bunker play. One of the shots that was a weakness in my game was the less than full wedge. I learned new techniques, have better control with my wedges from inside 80 yards which resulted in more birdie opportunities. My scoring average continues to drop from also learning how to constructively asses my putting. I have lowered my putting averages by a full shot since 2006.”
“Attending the Vision54 Golf School - Every Coach Must Have a Purpose, has shown me that teaching golf isn’t just about swing planes and becoming more consistent. Focusing the players’ attention on their intention is a key to improvement. There are also many more disciplines that most golfers need to explore, most still believing that another series of swing lessons or the latest technology will make them a better golfer and shoot lower scores.”
Playing competitive golf is Doug’s other passion. After 29 years, he is still actively competing in local Pro-Am’s and Open’s during the season. “Thanks to my trainer at Grills Golf Fitness, shots learned at the Pelz School and breathing techniques learned at the Vision 54 school, I continue to be competitive on local Pro-Am’s and Open’s (5 wins in 2007 - 2 wins in 2008). This season I am planning to compete primarily on the Srixon Pro Tour, Vancouver Golf Tour and P.G.A. of B.C. Tournaments.”
Other career tournament highlights include an exemption to the inaugural Greater Vancouver Open in 1996, winning the Vancouver Island Assistants Championship 7-times (1991-’93 & ’95-’98), earning Medalist honours at the 1992 U.S. Open Local Qualifier in Tacoma, Washington, tying the course record with an eight (8) under par 62, at the Uplands Golf Club in Victoria during the 1993 Vancouver Island P.G.A. Championship and shooting a career best, 19 under par at a four day Pro-Am in Maui in November 2008.