May 12, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - In her mid-40s, Rhona Law reached an impasse. She was a single mother working in the pulp and paper industry who woke up one morning and said to herself, “I don’t want my children thinking this is the only thing they can do.” She quit her stable yet boring job, and decided to radically alter her career plans, entering the golf industry.
She began her new adventure working at golf facilities in Northern BC, and eventually gained the confidence and skills to pursue membership in the PGA of BC. Since earning her status as a professional, Law has shown a strong commitment to teaching and helping the next generation of golfers improve. She said one of her key goals is to introduce beginners to the sport and help them avoid frustration and stick with golf. Recently, she took up her current position as a Class “A” Teaching Professional at Blue Ocean Golf Club in Sechelt.
“I started practicing. And I applied for membership. I did my Playing Ability Test, and here I am. I’m proud of the fact that I had the guts to just go do it. My happiness is more important than my paycheque.”
Despite a later start in the industry than most, Law has enjoyed an illustrious career with some cherished memories to hold onto along the way. Her teaching abilities have given her unique opportunities, including the chance to play with a legend of the sport.
“When I was younger, I had the opportunity to play at Torrey Pines with Billy Casper. I worked for his golf schools, and Billy would come visit the students. Billy and I and a couple other camp counselors went to play Torrey Pines together. It was a real thrill! I mean, playing with a Masters winner is awesome,” said Law. “But, a better memory is the fact that a few years ago, I got to play in the best foursome of my life. That consisted of my dad, my sister, my son and me. My dad is in a retirement home now, he just turned 89. He still talks about, ‘Remember that time when we all went out to play golf?’ That’s the best story I can tell people, when I’m trying to talk them into, ‘Hey, give golf a try,’ because this is what you can do.”
The positive and grateful attitude that Law carries has guided her to sustained success and a wealth of professional options. She said she is motivated every day by her peers in the Association, as well as seeing her students gain love for the game as they make progress with her as their guide.
“If I can make anybody’s day better, that gets me up in the morning. If I can put a smile on your face, that gets me up in the morning. If I can say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and you’re doing great, that gets me up in the morning. I’m living the dream. Look at me now, I’m living in one of the most beautiful places in the country. I’m working with the greatest team in the golf business. I’m a member of an Association that I never thought I would be good enough to join. It’s such a great family. I wear the maple leaf on my shirt right next to the PGA of BC logo with pride, you better believe that gets me up in the morning.”
Law said she hopes to act as a role model to other women, and to show them that they can have fun and be comfortable on a golf course. She recognizes that women face additional barriers and challenges that are not present for male golfers. For example, when Law worked in Northern BC, she was approached by a young single mother who wanted lessons but was apprehensive as she also had to look after her child and didn’t know when she would have time. Law responded by telling her to bring her child to the lessons, and that they could watch them together. Now, Law said she makes sure to tell her students that they can bring their own children: “The important thing is that the student actually comes out and plays!”
The presence of more female professionals will serve to increase overall women’s participation in golf, according to Law. She has noticed a difference in engagement and excitement among others when she coaches.
“There’s not as many women working in the industry and I think the game of golf could grow. These women who are a minority of the golfers in our province, but they’re out there and they want to learn, when they hear that there’s a woman teacher coming, they’re like, ‘Hallelujah!’ Women, especially when they’re new to the game, they’re intimidated. So, when they see a woman like me come to teach, they’re going, ‘I think I can learn something from her.’”
Law shared some invigorating advice for other women hoping to break into the industry and become professionals themselves.
“It’s easy, do it, pull up your socks, let’s go! We’ve got the resources; the Association has the resources. They’ll give encouragement, and they really want more women in the business to grow the game. So, just do it. Simple as that… Why do I want the game to grow more among women? Because I want more friends to play golf with. If I’m playing with three other girls, I have their undivided attention for four and a half hours. Could you imagine what we talk about? You don’t even want to know!”
