What does it really take to chase professional golf — and what happens when the dream becomes harder than expected?

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, Steven Malkowich sits down with Matt Daniel, a former professional golfer, 2002 TELUS Edmonton Open champion, BC Junior champion, seven-time college tournament winner, and founder of Matt Daniel Elite Golf Academy at Savage Creek.

Matt shares his path from picking up a golf club as a kid to standing out in BC, turning pro, winning on the Canadian Tour, and learning the reality of life on the road. The conversation covers the pressure of missing cuts, the highs of winning, funny and unexpected course stories, and what decades in the game have taught him.

Now coaching through PlayLikeAGolfPro.com, Matt also talks about helping golfers develop confidence, understand the game better, and improve without getting lost in technical overload.

Recorded during Masters weekend, this episode also touches on Augusta, tournament storylines, and why Masters week still captures the imagination of golfers everywhere.

A great listen for anyone who loves Canadian golf, BC golf stories, pro golf journeys, coaching, and the side of the game most fans never get to see.

Brought to you by Riversidegolf.ca

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, Steven Malkowich sits down with Shanlee Johnston to talk about athletic transition, elite performance, and how the habits built in high-level sport can carry into a completely different game.

Before building her path in golf, Shanlee competed at an elite level in field hockey, representing Team Canada. That experience shaped how she thinks about pressure, discipline, preparation, identity, and coaching. Now working in golf, she brings that same performance mindset into player development and instruction.

This conversation looks at what athletes take with them when they move from one sport to another, how competitive identity evolves over time, and why the mental side of performance matters just as much as the technical side. It is a strong episode for golfers, coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the crossover between sport, mindset, and growth.

A great conversation on high performance, reinvention, and what it really takes to keep improving.

Brought to you by Riversidegolf.ca

Tim Wilson joins Steve Tees Off for a fun and insightful conversation about the game from every angle.

From his early days in golf to competing on tour, Tim shares how his journey led him to become one of Canada’s most respected coaches and the 2021 PGA of Canada Teacher of the Year.

We get into his coaching philosophy, life at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, where the game is heading, and the next generation of players to watch in BC. Plus, Tim shares some of the funniest moments he’s seen in over 25 years in golf.

If you love golf stories, player development, and real insight from someone who’s lived every side of the game, this episode delivers.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

Golf is not just swing mechanics anymore.

In this episode, Steve talks with Jason Chung of Ion Performance and Wellness about how fitness, mobility, recovery, and injury prevention are changing the game for modern golfers. Jason shares what he sees from competitive players and everyday golfers alike, the injuries golfers ignore for too long, and what it really takes to play better and stay healthier over time.

This is a strong episode for anyone who wants to feel better, move better, and get more out of their game.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

Returning guest Matt Palsenbarg is back on Steve Tees Off to talk about getting more kids, women, and beginners into golf — and why making the game fun early matters more than ever.

From short game development to confidence-building and welcoming first experiences, Matt shares what helps new golfers stick with the game and improve. The conversation also highlights his work with The Backyard Golf Company and Haus of Golf in the Surrey/Langley area.

A strong episode for parents, beginners, and anyone who wants to see golf grow in a more inclusive and enjoyable way.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, Steven sits down with Maxim McKenzie and Luke McKenzie for a fascinating conversation about what it really takes to build an elite junior golfer.

Maxim has already developed an incredible winning record at a young age, and in this episode we dig into where it all started, how he learned to compete, and what it takes to keep improving while handling the pressure that comes with high-level golf. Luke shares the unique perspective of being both father and coach, including how they separate golf from family life, handle tough rounds, and build trust through the ups and downs of competition.

The conversation also explores the practice grind, mindset, Team Canada NextGen, high school golf success, the road to NCAA golf, and the people around Maxim who help him perform at a high level. It is a great listen for junior golfers, parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the making of a rising Canadian golf talent.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, we sit down with Bryn Parry — winner of the 2013 PGA Championship of Canada, a four-time PGA of BC Champion, longtime professional at Seymour Creek Golf Centre, and the 2025 PGA of BC Teacher of the Year.

Bryn shares insights from a career that has spanned high-level competition, coaching, and player development. We talk about what it takes to compete, how his perspective on the game has evolved over the years, and what he has learned from working with golfers of all levels.

We also get into Bryn’s views on the current state of BC golf, the depth of talent in the province, and the lessons that still matter most in a game that keeps changing. With experience on the Canadian Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, Bryn brings both competitive credibility and teaching insight to this conversation.

If you follow BC golf, Canadian golf, coaching, or competitive player development, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

What does it actually take to play college golf in Canada?

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, we sit down with Krysta Schaus, Head Coach of the Simon Fraser University men's and women's golf teams, to talk about the realities of collegiate golf and the pathway from junior golf to university competition.

Krysta shares her own experience competing at the collegiate level, the biggest adjustments players face when transitioning from junior golf, and the lessons that shaped her career in the game.

We also dive into her journey from competitive player to coach, how she joined the SFU program as an assistant coach, and what it has been like stepping into the role of head coach. She explains her philosophy for building a strong collegiate program and developing student-athletes both on and off the course.

We also discuss the current state of golf in British Columbia, the depth of junior talent emerging in the province, and what young players should understand if they hope to compete at the collegiate level.

If you're a junior golfer, parent, or competitive player thinking about college golf, this episode offers an inside look at what the pathway really looks like.

Brought to you by https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

Cory Renfrew took an unconventional path to professional golf.

Instead of heading to the U.S. on scholarship, he stayed home at UBC — then worked his way through PGA Tour Canada (formerly the Mackenzie Tour) to earn three PGA TOUR starts.

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, we discuss:

• Growing up and developing in BC golf
• Choosing UBC over a U.S. program
• Life on the Mackenzie Tour
• Monday qualifiers and earning PGA TOUR opportunities
• What it’s actually like inside the ropes at that level
• Transitioning from touring professional to instructor
• His role today as Program Advisor at UBC

This episode is for competitive golfers, coaches, and anyone curious about the real pathway from junior golf to professional tour golf in Canada.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

What truly separates talented junior golfers from elite competitors?

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, we sit down with Sergez Dronov — founder of Pacific Golf Academy, ranked #49 in Canada as a player, and the 2024 PGA of BC Coach of the Year.

With nearly 20,000 hours of instruction and close to 100 junior tournament wins from his students, Sergez breaks down what actually creates long-term success in competitive golf.

We discuss:

• Why talent alone isn’t enough
• The importance of golf IQ and emotional control
• What separates juniors who advance to college golf from those who plateau
• The current state of junior golf in British Columbia
• One practical tip for breaking 90

Whether you're a competitive junior, a golf parent, or a weekend player trying to improve, this conversation offers insight into how elite golfers are truly developed.

New episodes weekly.

Brought to you by: https://www.riversidegolf.ca/