Welcoming a new pro

Paul Whittingham is the new head golf professional at Cranbrook Golf Club

The Cranbrook Golf Club has many exciting things to look forward to this season—including a new head CPGA pro. The club welcomed Paul Whittingham this past March; Whittingham brings with him an extensive background within the industry. Whittingham fell in love with the game of golf at an early age and has been a golf professional for the past 15 years. Prior to his move to the East Kootenay, he spent the last 10 years at Calgary's Heritage Pointe Golf Club—three years as the head pro with the Golf Academy at Heritage Pointe.

What’s your favourite hole at the Cranbrook Golf Club?

I would have to say Hole No. 1. It’s very rare to have a driveable par four on your first hole. You can take a safe approach or step up and knock it on the green. The opportunity to make a par or a birdie can really start your game out on the right foot.

In giving a golf lesson, what is a common problem?

Tension! People often grip the club too tightly, which does not allow for a natural swing. When you are not able to think your swing through properly, it will obviously make for a poor swing.

What’s your choice of driver?

The Taylormade Tour Burner has to be one of my favourite drivers. The Tour Burner lets you hit straight and is very forgiving. It’s a much lighter club featuring SuperFast technology, and it has lots of clubhead speed.

How do the golf courses in the East Kootenay compare to those in Alberta?

There are so many unique golf courses in both provinces which I enjoy playing. I like the idea of playing on a woodland course. Each hole is your own hole where you feel there is some separation. The natural golf courses tend to offer fairways and greens that are carved into the landscape, which makes for a very appealing golf experience. Some other attractive benefits is that we have a much better price point in the East Kootenays, and availability is another great feature—compared to some of the comparable golf courses in Alberta.

What was the oldest and youngest students you have taught over the years?

The youngest was four years old and full of energy. Believe it or not, the oldest was 75 years—come to think of it, he was also full of spunk and energy. It really makes you realize that golf has become universal with every generation.

Are you enjoying living in Cranbrook? Do you miss living in Calgary?

There is a real sense of community here that I enjoy—you really feel like you belong. We have two small children, so my wife is meeting lots of parents and really enjoying herself. Unfortunately, I won't get to enjoy many of the summer activities but I am looking forward to getting the family out skiing during the winter months.

What do you like best about being a golf professional?

The interaction with the people and the diversity of the job. For the most part we deal with people that are playing a game that they love and are at a location they enjoy being at. In regards to the diversity of the job, each day is a unique day, no day is the same. There are many different aspects of the job and there are many different hats the golf professional needs to wear. Some days you are stuck in the back doing paper work but other days you may instruct for a few hours, fit someone for new golf clubs, work the front counter for a few hours, run a corporate outing for a few hours and attend a board meeting for a few hours. Each day is different which keeps the golf professional on his toes for the entire summer.