WATCH YOUR SUPERSTARS SHINE!
John R. Stankov
Professional Qualifications
Caddying for my Dad,
"Rise and Shine Son, grab an extra pair of socks, make sure to wear long johns under your pants a warm sweater under your jacket, and a toque and don't forget your mittens. The first tee is calling, so let's get a move on" commanded my father. Rising with the dew sweepers for a 06:00 tee time, regardless of the cold weather, watching my Dad on the first tee, unleashing the Big Dog made it all worthwhile!
My First Ace,
I captured my first hole-in-one during a father-and-son Golf Tournament in 1979 at the age of 12 years old. Experiencing the certainty that the ball would find its way into the hole before I even swung was a defining moment. The overwhelming sense of confidence, balance, and connection to the target made it clear to me that the game of golf was truly extraordinary!
Saving up for School,
Following my high school graduation, I spent two years working in a factory to accumulate the necessary funds for enrollment at the San Diego Golf Academy. Upon completion, I earned an associate degree in Golf Operations and Management and proudly joined the PGA Southern California. Along the way, I achieved certificates in Custom Club Design and Repair, received awards in Verbal Communications, and earned a Tournament Players Credential. Maintaining an SCGA index of 0.2, I also captured my second hole-in-one during my first-semester tournament in 1989.
Academic & Experiential Education,
During my studies at the San Diego Golf Academy, I honed my skills under the guidance of PGA Tour Star Don Whitt (Golf Digest's most improved player on the PGA Tour award in 1959), LPGA Louise Bruce Parks, and esteemed golf instructor Aj Bonar. I garnered certifications from numerous PGA Teaching and Coaching Summits led by influential figures such as Dr. Gary Wiren, Jim Flick, Jim McLean, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Dr. Rick Jensen, Dr. Bob Rotella, and Fred Shoemaker, among others. Additionally, I participated in professional tournaments alongside skilled players from the PGA of America and the PGA of Canada, gaining valuable insights into the essential qualities needed for successful tournament play.
Learn to Love Golf!
I persistently pursue the highest standards of education to refine my teaching approaches. Recently, I completed my studies at Mohawk College in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness Program. With this expanded knowledge, my teaching toolkit now encompasses the ability to implement exercise programs, nutritional plans, and wellness strategies tailored to clients with diverse fitness levels. In my interactions, you'll often hear my mantra: "I wish to offer you a higher quality of life and a spectacular game of golf!" My teaching philosophy and enthusiasm are dedicated to prioritizing the individual goals of each student-athlete and facilitating their achievement.
- San Diego Golf Academy Graduate - Associate Degree
- PGA Southern California - former
- SCGA - Tournament Players Index 0.2
- SDGA - Players Credential Award
- SDGA - Verbal Communications Award
- SDGA - Golf Club Design & Repair Certificate
- PGA of Ontario Class B Apprentice - former
- PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit Port St. Lucie, Florida - 2 Certifications
- Taylor Made Tech Rep - former
- Dynacraft Newark, Ohio USA Club Making Institute - Certificate
- Mohawk College Graduate - Health, Wellness & Fitness - Diploma
- R&A USGA Golf Canada - Rules of Golf LVL 2
- Mohawk College - Varsity Golf Team Assistant Coach - former
- Head Coach Junior Golf Instruction -The Golfer's Academy