Meet the Team

Josh was born and raised on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, BC and has been a Vancouver resident for 10 years now. Having grown up around the game from a very young age, golf has always been a part of his life. After working in the industry for the better part of a decade, he decided to turn professional in the spring of 2019. The first few years of his career were spent right here at University Golf Club, followed by a 2 year stint at Point Grey Golf & Country Club. His experience has allowed him to expand his skillset and work with some of the top PGA Professionals in our country.

Josh enjoys the outdoors and is an avid sports fan. You will likely find him with a cup of coffee in his hand talking golf around the golf shop, on the lesson tee or on the golf course.

Phil comes from a family that has a rich history in golf. Born in Derby England, Phil was destined to have a career in the golf business. His Father, Uncle and Grandfather were all golf Course Superintendents. Phil learned at an early age, the importance of his grandfather’s legacy, which ultimately instilled in Phil a love of the golf industry. Phil’s family immigrated to Canada for his father to assume a role as Superintendent at the highly acclaimed Royal Colwood in Victoria, BC. The seed of a career in the golf course management had been planted in Phil’s mind while he worked summers on this course along side his Father.

Phil’s experience spans over 37 seasons, serving for the past 10+ years as the Golf Course Superintendent at University Golf Club. During Phil’s tenure at UGC, he has implemented an “Attention to Detail” maintenance program that has enhanced both the quality and playability of the course. Committed to supporting the profession, he has been an active member of the CGSA, GCSAA, BCGSA and the Western Canada Turfgrass Association. Phil, his wife and their two sons live in the quaint fishing community of Steveston, BC.

Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Justin discovered the sport of golf amidst the beautiful greens of Niagara. From a young age, he has travelled extensively across Canada and the US to play on some of the most scenic courses and conquer some of the most challenging slopes. He started his career in hospitality and event management at the Fairmont Banff Springs, where he enjoyed the best of both worlds: snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains during winter, and golfing on the renowned Stanley Thompson-designed course during the summer. In 2021, he moved to Vancouver to pursue his dream of working in the golf industry and playing golf year-round. With an extensive knowledge of creating memorable experiences, Justin is eager to apply his expertise to every golf event he organizes.

Despite his loyalty to the Maple Leafs, don’t be surprised to find Justin wearing a Canucks hat and jersey on game days.

Stephen was born and raised amidst the scenic landscapes of Vancouver, with a brief stint in the Prairies adding diversity to his upbringing. With a passion for hospitality and retail, he dedicated three decades to perfecting his craft in these industries before finding his calling at UGC six years ago. Starting as the manager of the driving range, Stephen quickly proved his mettle and expanded his responsibilities to include overseeing the Outside Services team.

An avid sports enthusiast, Stephen’s love for anything sports-related knows no bounds. Whether it’s discussing golf or the latest football game, he’s always eager for a conversation. However, his true joy lies in ensuring that every customer, whether at the range or on the course, receives the highest level of service and an unforgettable experience. With his unwavering dedication and focus, Stephen continues to elevate the standards of customer satisfaction at UGC.

Ronan grew up in Cork, Ireland and from an early age his passion for golf blossomed amidst the stunning landscapes of his homeland. His journey in the golf industry began in 2018 at the Tom Fazio designed Adare Manor, the venue set to host the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Four years on, he embarked on a new chapter to Vancouver, driven by his commitment to developing exceptional guest experiences and he looks to bring this to UGC everyday. Beyond golf, Ronan is a sports fanatic and is always ready for a discussion on the latest sporting events worldwide.

Darren, originally from Wicklow, Ireland made the trip to Canada in 2023, bringing a wealth of golfing knowledge along with him. His passion for the game has been a lifelong affair, with the privilege of playing and working on prestigious courses from his homeland, including favorites like Druids Glen, Royal Dublin, and the European Golf Course. Recently, Darren earned honors from Setanta College in Strength and Conditioning, a testament to his dedication to helping others enhance their skills. When not perfecting his own technique on the fairways, you’ll find him stationed in our pro shop. Don’t hesitate to drop by for a chat about all things golf – Darren is always delighted to assist you.

Growing up in Southern Ontario and moving to BC as a teenager. Jeremy has always had a passion for Travel, Adventure, and new experiences. He has been to over 30 countries and worked abroad in Australia, Germany, and Walt Disney World in Florida. With over 10 years in the industry he has always had a passion for customer service. His hobbies include, photography, film, sports, staying active, and the outdoors. Since joining UGC in 2021 as one of our Restaurant Managers Jeremy is now our Food & Beverage Manager and looks forward to leading the F/B team into the future!

Joni is a local, born and raised in the Vancouver area (how rare is that these days) and has been in the Food and Beverage industry for 39 years having spent 36 years of that time in Food & Beverage at University Golf Club. Joni is currently our Events & Catering Manager, however she has had a variety of roles within the department since she started working here while attending the University of BC acquiring her Bachelor of Education. Joni has her WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits and enjoys wine and wine education (aka ‘market research’). When not working she can be found spending quality time with family and friends and playing the occasional round of golf (although she would like to play more). She thoroughly enjoys being a part of the F/B team at University Golf Club.

Michael has been the University Golf Club’s General Manager since 1997. Prior to that, he was the club’s Head Golf Professional for three years. Before coming to UGC in 1994, he spent 14 years working at the prestigious Capilano Golf & Country Club in West Vancouver.

To date Michael has scored 6 hole-in-ones during his golf career…but who’s counting! He is the only member of his family not born in beautiful British Columbia. He was born in Scarborough, Ontario but we won’t hold that against him as he’s definitely not a Leafs fan.

He and his wife Jacquie, were married at UGC’s gorgeous gazebo garden in the summer of 2009. They were blessed with the birth of their first child, Nathan, in the spring of 2012 and then the arrival of beautiful Aubrey, in the spring of 2014. If you recall…those same two springs, Bubba Watson won the Masters…so we’ll always be curious of what might happen if he manages a third ‘green jacket”!!

Words to live by: “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal…and it goes by far too quickly!”

Michael – known as Spike – hails from a career of construction, starting when he arrived in Vancouver coming from the Hammer in the summer of 1992. Spike entered the commercial construction industry almost immediately on the ground level. In 1997 he earned his ticket as an Interior Systems Mechanic and then spent the 5 years prior to joining UGC in the residential construction industry.

Spike enjoys golfing in his spare time and loyally watching The Leafs and Ti-cats. Oskee Wee wee.