Steve Tees Off Podcast

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/

Daniel Silva’s journey through professional golf spans continents, cultures, and one of the most competitive eras of the European Tour.

Born in Johannesburg and later representing Portugal, Daniel earned status on the European Tour and competed alongside some of the game’s most respected names — including Vijay Singh — during the 1990s. In this episode, he reflects on life inside professional golf, the pressure of tour competition, and what it took to win the 1992 Jersey Open.

We explore:

• What the European Tour was really like during that era
• The mindset differences between elite professionals and amateurs
• The realities of international golf travel and competition
• Lessons learned from competing against world-class players
• How those experiences shaped his approach to golf instruction

Now based in Delta, British Columbia, Daniel leads Silva Lining Golf, where he works with juniors, competitive players, and everyday golfers seeking consistency and confidence in their game.

This episode blends European Tour history, professional golf insight, and practical coaching wisdom — offering listeners a rare perspective from someone who has competed at the highest level and continues to teach the game today.

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

Professional golf is one of the last true meritocracies in sport—and there’s no safety net.

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, Steven Malkowich is joined by returning guest Chris Crisologo, former Simon Fraser University standout and current PGA Tour Americas professional, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to pursue golf at the highest level.

They explore why golf operates so differently from team sports with structured minor leagues, how players navigate a system with no guarantees, and what separates those who progress from those who stall. The discussion also looks at how digital media, YouTube instructors, and creator-driven content have disrupted traditional development pathways—and why authority in golf media has shifted away from legacy outlets toward decentralized voices.

The episode also highlights grassroots models like the Vancouver Golf Tour and their role in supporting competitive golfers outside the traditional system.

This is a candid look at modern professional golf—its pressure, its reality, and where the game is heading next.

🎙️ Steve Tees Off explores the people, pathways, and pressure points shaping golf in British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Why does Ledgeview Golf Club consistently produce high-level golfers?

In this episode of Steve Tees Off Podcast, Steve sits down with Brady Stead — Director of Instruction at Ledgeview, Team BC Performance Coach, and Head Coach of the Bateman Golf Academy — to unpack what actually drives long-term player development.

Brady explains what separates juniors who progress into college or elite golf from those who plateau, drawing on his experience across club, academy, and provincial performance systems. The conversation also explores the Teach-a-thon for Mental Health — how it started, why it matters, and why mental health is now a critical part of developing young athletes.

This episode is essential listening for parents, junior golfers, coaches, and anyone interested in building sustainable, healthy pathways in competitive golf.

Sponsored by: https://riversidegolf.ca/

Canadian golf professional Christine Wong shares her journey from growing up as a junior golfer in Richmond, BC to competing nationally, playing college golf, representing Canada, and becoming a PGA of Canada professional and coach.

In this conversation, Christine talks honestly about being one of the only girls in junior golf programs, navigating the jump from junior to elite competition, and what young golfers and parents often misunderstand about development, confidence, and the college pathway.

Now coaching the next generation while still competing herself, Christine offers rare insight into what it actually takes to build a long-term future in women’s golf — whether that future includes professional golf, college competition, or lifelong involvement in the game.

This episode covers:

• Junior golf development in BC and Canada

• The transition from junior golf to college and national teams

• Life as a student-athlete and elite competitor

• Coaching young women while still competing

• Barriers facing girls in golf today

• Advice for juniors, parents, and coaches

🎯 If you care about women’s golf, junior development, or the real path through competitive golf, this episode delivers perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Follow Steve Tees Off for weekly conversations with golfers, coaches, and leaders shaping the game.

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

British Columbia is emerging as one of Canada’s strongest golf pipelines — and leadership matters.

On this episode of Steve Tees Off, we’re joined by Matthew Steinbach, CEO of British Columbia Golf, to discuss his journey into the role, the evolution of junior golf in BC, and how today’s player pathways are shaping tomorrow’s professionals.

We explore what makes BC’s golf community unique, which players are on the brink of turning pro, and how BC Golf fits into the bigger national and global golf picture.

A must-listen for golfers, parents, coaches, and anyone invested in the future of the game.

Brought to you by Riverside Golf.

What does it really take to turn pro — and stay on tour?

Canadian professional golfer Chris Crisologo, currently holding status on PGA TOUR Americas, joins us to talk about the grind of professional golf, the mental side of competing at the highest level, and why golf so often mirrors real life.

We cover his journey through Simon Fraser University, the influence of coach Harry White, and what SFU’s NCAA exit could mean for the future of BC and Canadian golf.

An honest conversation about the work behind the scorecards.

Brought to you by Riverside Golf www.riversidegolf.ca

What happens when competitive golf meets Hollywood?

In this episode of Steve Tees Off, we sit down with Justin Bjornson, an SFU collegiate golfer who found himself in an unexpected role—serving as a swing double for Owen Wilson on the Apple TV+ series Stick.

Justin shares how a golfer from Manitoba ended up on a professional TV set, what surprised him most about filming versus tournament play, and the pressure of hitting golf shots for camera with no re-takes and a full crew watching.

We also get into:

• Life as a collegiate golfer at SFU

• How golf skill translates when the stakes are no longer a scorecard

If you enjoy golf stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and conversations about pressure, performance, and unexpected opportunities, this episode is for you.

👉 Follow Steve Tees Off on Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes.

Brought to you by Riversidegolf.ca