Geoff Lalovich: Navigating a New Path on the Golf Course
Written By: Skylar Jardine, Communications, Marketing, and Event Management Coordinator, PGA of Canada Atlantic
5-minute read
.png;w=660)
After sustaining service-related injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces, Geoff knew that his time in the force was ending. Faced with the question, 'What will I do now?', he found himself returning to what he loved as a kid: playing golf.
By chance, he came across West Hills Golf Course in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As many can probably relate, being on the course provided him with an outlet to step away from the noise. From his experience, he found, "getting outside and walking has helped me, I have to hope that this simple act would help anyone else that is in a position like I was”.
After becoming a member of West Hills, Geoff made a promise to himself to walk every day that year; which later translated into playing a hundred rounds of golf. However, that is just one of the many examples of his determination and drive.
Certain skills are often forgotten during a round of golf, overshadowed by concerns like perfecting the swing. Staying present in the moment is a practice that can be difficult to teach and even harder to learn. Geoff advocates, "take any opportunity to go out and enjoy a round by yourself," as it has helped him stay present and find peace with whatever life throws at him.
Golf became more than a creative outlet for his mental health but also the foundation of a strong community. Among that community was PGA Atlantic Professional, Brett Wilson. Through the support and guidance of Brett, Geoff began the process of becoming a PGA Atlantic Professional.
Aware of his injuries, Geoff knew that one day his ability to play golf would suffer, but he didn’t let that realization define his journey. Throwing himself completely into the academic side of golf, he graduated from McMaster University in the Business of Golf and Resort Management program. He quickly achieved the 30-credit requirement for Class A status, but continued to complete 47 more credits, and counting.
Golf can be viewed as just a sport, but Geoff has shown that it can also be a pathway to various opportunities. Over the last three years, his life has changed drastically. "Golf helped me take the first step in taking care of my mental health. My mental health was the key to being successful in the golf industry and moving forward with my life after the military."
You can now find Geoff Lalovich as an Apprentice Professional at West Hills Golf Course or on Instagram under the username, @newirelandgolf. To add to his recent success, he is also a brand ambassador for Cobra Puma Golf, Bridgestone Golf, and West Hills Golf Course.
When asking Brett Wilson, Director of Golf at West Hill's, about his experience with Geoff, he shares, "Geoff has been an exceptional addition to West Hills, as well as the PGA of Canada Atlantic. Still being active in the military and having done so for the better part of a decade, transitioning into another field is not always a simple task, but Geoff has continued to show nothing but professionalism and dedication in his role as a professional. I have no doubt that Geoff will thrive in this position, and we are very fortunate to have him on the team here at West Hills."
Geoff has no plans to leave West Hills Golf Course, especially since he lives only a short distance from the first tee box with his partner and their dog, Gus. However, his ambitions extend beyond a single golf course. Eventually, Geoff plans to travel the Atlantic Zone to visit, volunteer, and learn from the vast experience of our members.
If Geoff was able to achieve all this in just three short years, we’re excited to see what he’ll do in the next ten!
If you're looking to connect with Geoff Lalovich, his contact information can be found here.
The Atlantic Zone will be continuing a Member Highlight Series to showcase the diverse and unique experiences of our PGA Atlantic Professionals. If you know of a member with an interesting story, please contact kevin.purcell.pga@outlook.com or skylar.jardine.pga@outlook.com.