Steve Tees Off Podcast

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 90Whether 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 instructionNow 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 CanadaThe transition from junior golf to college and national teamsLife as a student-athlete and elite competitorCoaching young women while still competingBarriers facing girls in golf todayAdvice 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 SFUHow golf skill translates when the stakes are no longer a scorecardIf 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

Jackson Jacob joins Steve Tees Off to break down the real path from college golf to pro ambitions.In this episode, Jackson shares his early foundations in the game, the key lessons from his college golf journey at Idaho and UFV, and what finally clicked during recent breakthrough performances. He opens up about how he practices, how his game has evolved, and what he’s focusing on as he pushes toward the professional level.We also talk about his experience acting in Stick alongside Owen Wilson, how that opportunity came together, and how he balances off-course experiences while staying locked in on competitive golf.Inside this conversation:Early golf development and mindsetCollege golf decisions: Idaho → UFVBreakthroughs, confidence, and current formPractice habits that translate to scoringActing in StickPro ambitions, travel schedule, and long-term goalsFollow Steve Tees Off for honest conversations with golfers building their careers—one level at a time.📍 Brought to you by Riverside Golf — where your game gets better.https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

In this Festive Christmas Special of Steve Tees Off, we’re joined by Brad Ewart — PGA of Canada professional, golf journalist, and trick shot artist — for a timely and thoughtful conversation about golf, family, and the path to the PGA Tour.Since this episode was recorded, Canadian A.J. Ewart won the PGA Tour Q-School and earned a 2026 PGA Tour membership, making this discussion especially meaningful in hindsight.We also round out the episode with a festive golf gift guide, offering practical, thoughtful gift ideas for golfers of all levels — just in time for the holidays.A must-listen for golfers, parents, coaches, and fans of Canadian golf.Brought to you by https://www.riversidegolf.ca/

This episode features Jared Siminoff, PGA of BC Board Member and General Manager at The Haus of Golf, for a deep dive into the fast-growing world of indoor golf and sim golf.We explore how golf simulators, golf technology, and AI-driven swing tools are transforming the way players train, compete, and stay engaged through BC’s long winters. Jared shares his journey as a PGA professional, his leadership role in the BC golf community, and what the rise of virtual golf means for the future of the Canadian golf industry.We break down the evolution of sim golf, the culture around indoor golf facilities, and the new opportunities for golf coaching, golf training indoors, and competitive simulator play.If you’re curious about where golf innovation is headed, how tech is reshaping the sport, or what’s coming next for the PGA of BC, this episode delivers insight from someone helping lead that change.Steve Tees Off is brought to you by Riversidegolf.ca

Fraser Mulholland breaks down the vision behind the Vancouver Golf Tour — how it built Canada’s next generation of pros, what defines elite talent, and why mental toughness separates future champions.This week on the Steve Tees Off Podcast, Steve sits down with Fraser Mulholland — a PGA of Canada member since 1992 and the founder and commissioner of the Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT).Fraser shares what inspired him to launch the VGT, the early challenges he faced, and how it’s grown into one of the most respected development tours in Canada.He talks about the players who got their start on the VGT, the traits that signal a golfer is ready for the next level, and how mental strength often separates the pros from the rest.Fraser also explains how the VGT’s structure and schedule are designed to simulate professional competition, preparing young athletes for the leap beyond local tours.It’s a powerful look at what it takes to build Canadian golf talent from the ground up — and how passion, structure, and grit can change the game.🎙️ Brought to you by Riverside Golf — where your game gets better.

Golf insider Brad Ewart returns to Steve Tees Off for another candid look inside the game.Brad explains what it really takes to make it on the PGA Tour of America, Fortinet Cup, and Korn Ferry Tour—and why success comes down to who works the hardest.He also reveals a surprising piece of Happy Gilmore history he’s held on to since filming—the original leaderboard—and joins Steve to debate the best golf movies ever made.Then the two tee off on the Ryder Cup, discussing it from both a fan’s view and a PGA perspective. Were the Europeans better prepared?Whether you’re a weekend golfer or a tour dreamer, this episode is full of insights, laughs, and stories that remind us why professional golf brings out the best in people.🎙️ Brought to you by ⁠Riverside Golf⁠ — where your game gets better.

In this episode, Steve sits down with one of British Columbia’s top golf minds — Matt Palsenbarg a name synonymous with elite instruction and golf innovation. With over 25 years of experience and 25,000 lessons taught, Matt has helped shape golfers from the grassroots level to the professional ranks. He’s the founder of the renowned Labsters Golf Program, owner of The Backyard Golf at Clayton Hills, and a lead instructor at Haus of Golf.In this episode:The evolution of junior golf in BC and what’s next for young playersWhy facility design matters — inside The Backyard Golf visionCoaching insights from 25,000 hours on the rangeThe philosophy behind developing the next generation of golfersHow BC’s golf community is changing — and why that’s a good thing.If you love the game — and believe in where it’s headed — this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to support homegrown golf stories from BC and beyond.Brought to you by: ⁠⁠https://www.riversidegolf.ca⁠

Welcome to the very first episode of Steve Tees Off! Follow to get notified about future episodes! Brought to you by Riverside Golf located in South Surrey, BC.This podcast is 100% committed to golf in the Lower Mainland of BC, across Canada, and beyond. We cover everything from junior golf to the stories that make golf a metaphor for life. In our debut episode, Steve sits down with Canadian golf professional Brad Ewart (PGA of Canada) for a deep dive into his journey and his lasting impact on the game.Brad shares:• His role in building junior golf in BC• The story behind the Grizzly Golf Tour• His son AJ Ewart’s rising career and the future of Canadian golf• Life lessons learned from decades in the gameIn Steve Tees Off, we follow our own flagstick. So grab your stories — this is going to be a fun round. Guaranteed.Join us every two weeks as we tee off with golf pros, players, and personalities who live and breathe the game.About Steve MalkowichA lifelong golfer, entrepreneur, and storyteller, Steve brings his laid-back BC style and curious mind to every conversation. From the local golf scene to global stories of perseverance and passion, Steve’s goal is simple — to connect through the game we all love.