Kirk Williscroft eats, sleeps and breathes golf.
Williscroft, a 21-year-old assistant professional at Innisfail Golf Club, recently celebrated a major milestone in his young career – receiving his CPGA (Canadian Professional Golfers Association) certification.
Born in Red Deer, but raised in Innisfail since the age of one, Williscroft first picked up the game of golf at the age of 10, when he made his first trip to the driving range.
Obtaining the CPGA professional qualification can be a daunting process. To qualify, a player has to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, be employed in the golfing industry, and complete a playing ability test (PAT). To pass the PAT a player must complete two 18-hole rounds at no more than 15 above two times the course rating.
Not only has Williscroft met the qualifications - he has exceeded them. This spring, he completed his golf management studies at Grant MacEwen University in Edmonton, where he also played on the university team. On May 30 and 31, he completed his PAT while playing two tournament rounds at Alberta Springs Golf Resort. He has also worked in the Innisfail Golf Club for the past seven years where he spends most of his days either working in the pro shop, teaching, or playing a round either before or after his workday.
“I worked hard at it, and I really enjoy going out there,” he said, noting that he doesn’t mind the time commitment his sport of choice demands. “Working here it just made sense to take up the game and continue to work at it.”
While Williscroft said he most identifies with Australian golfer Adam Scott he said he consistently fine tunes his game by watching others, including his caddie, Matt Berry.
“He’s helped me through a lot,” he said of his long-time friend, Berry. Williscroft had previously caddied for Berry when he was attempting to achieve his CPGA tour card.
“I watch everybody from my assistants that work here, and my head professional … to the guys on tour. I pick up everything from all of them.”
Williscroft is already setting himself up for success, even if his dreams of playing of playing professionally on the CPGA circuit don’t pan out. In September he is off to the University of Saskatchewan to study commerce and “the business side of golf.” One way or another he plans to remain in the business.
“I have to make sure I can make any kind of a living at it,” he said. “I’d certainly like to play golf for a living. It’s a long shot but I’ll continue to work at it and see where it takes me.”
