Our Coaching Philosophy
Our passion is developing confident, lifelong golf enthusiasts. The PGA of Canada certified coaches at Fraserview Golf Academy help students improve their golf skills and enjoy each learning experience.
We Listen.
Coaches listen carefully and work collaboratively with students to identify goals and create achievable skill development plans. We use a broad-based approach, using technology, tools, and techniques, to customize the best plan for each student, drawing upon and enhancing their natural skill.
We Teach.
Students learn the complexity of the golf swing in simple terms and develop solid fundamentals in order to advance to mastery. From fundamentals, to club control and ball control, we support each student in growing their physical, technical and mental golf skills.
We Share Expertise.
Our PGA of Canada certified instructors are accomplished players, passionate learners and skilled communicators who have coached hundreds to thousands of students. Collectively, our team has more than 60 years of experience in helping players - from first-time beginners, to elite-level amateurs and tour-playing professionals. Our coaching team is comfortable sharing and collaborating with one another when assessing student's swings and game improvement goals.
Read what students say about us here.
Our greatest satisfaction is seeing students improve their skills while enjoying the many social connections and positive health benefits golf brings.
We Listen.
Coaches listen carefully and work collaboratively with students to identify goals and create achievable skill development plans. We use a broad-based approach, using technology, tools, and techniques, to customize the best plan for each student, drawing upon and enhancing their natural skill.
We Teach.
Students learn the complexity of the golf swing in simple terms and develop solid fundamentals in order to advance to mastery. From fundamentals, to club control and ball control, we support each student in growing their physical, technical and mental golf skills.
We Share Expertise.
Our PGA of Canada certified instructors are accomplished players, passionate learners and skilled communicators who have coached hundreds to thousands of students. Collectively, our team has more than 60 years of experience in helping players - from first-time beginners, to elite-level amateurs and tour-playing professionals. Our coaching team is comfortable sharing and collaborating with one another when assessing student's swings and game improvement goals.
Read what students say about us here.
Our greatest satisfaction is seeing students improve their skills while enjoying the many social connections and positive health benefits golf brings.
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Derek Thornley - Director of Instruction
Derek is a Class ‘A’ Level 5 Teaching Professional with more than 30 years of experience in teaching, coaching, managing golf operations and competing professionally. He is a long-time student of the game, receiving much of his guidance from PGA of Canada Hall of Fame members Alvin Thompson and Stan Leonard, and PGA of America member Stan Utley. He recently served as the technical swing coach for the UBC Men’s and Women's Golf Teams and has coached players on the RCGA National Junior Team and National Women’s Team. He has participated as an assistant coach at the RCGA Western Canada Player Development Camp and currently works with several university level team members. As a player, Derek competed on the Canadian PGA Tour and the Australia / New Zealand PGA Tour. He has also played in Canadian Open qualifying events and reached second stage qualifying for the U.S. Open. Before turning professional, Derek competed in the U.S. Amateur (Chicago, Illinois), several Canadian and BC Amateur Championships and finished 7th in the Canadian Junior Championship. A graduate of Oral Roberts University (Tulsa, Oklahoma), and member of the ORU NCAA Division 1 Golf Team, Derek has coached more than two dozen students that have gone on to receive university scholarships for golf. |
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Ye Rin Suh - FGA Coach
Ye Rin is an LPGA Class “A” Professional and a Class "A" Professional with the PGA of Canada; she's also earned her Teaching Class "A" specialization. A native of South Korea, she's lived and worked in Canada for the past 15 years. She was previously a Head Korean Coach specializing in high-level junior performance and preparation for university golf programs at a local facility. A certified Opti Brain Performance Optimization Professional, Ye Rin combines psychology and Opti Brain science in her coaching to help students better understand the mental-physical relationship of swing performance. Her class “A” status with the LPGA (United States) includes completion of all three levels of coaching certification. Ye Rin is an experienced player and a graduate of the Australia and Korean Junior Golf Academy (Brisbane), and the David Leadbetter Academy (Florida). She has competed in Australia, Canada, United States and Korea. As a junior, she placed 5th in the 2011 B.C. Juvenile Girls Championship and won several championships in Australia including the Greg Norman Point Challenge and Ian Baker-Finch Classic. Following junior golf, Ye Rin competed professionally on the Korean Ladies PGA Tour (KLPGA) for one year. Ye Rin has a deep passion for helping every level of golfer enjoy their game and is committed to a student-centred approach to coaching. |
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Blake Ceron - FGA Coach
Blake brings a strong academic and athletic foundation to his coaching. He graduated from McMaster University’s Business of Golf and Resort Management program, earned a Certificate of Recognition in Golf Management from the Golf Management Institute of Canada, and holds a Diploma in Human Kinetics from Capilano University. He is also a certified NCCP Instructor of Beginner Golfers and a licensed coach with Canada Soccer, giving him experience developing athletes and golfers of all levels. Blake’s coaching philosophy is holistic, combining swing and short game technique with mental preparation, course management, and confidence building. Utilizing his sport science background combined with video analysis, Blake helps golfers better understand their swing and make lasting improvements. Lessons are simple, effective, and enjoyable—helping beginners build strong fundamentals and gain confidence to get on the course quickly, while guiding intermediate and advanced players toward greater consistency. |
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Marty Therkelsen - FGA Coach
Marty Therkelsen is a Class 'A' Professional with the PGA of Canada and a past competitive player in BC. During his years working at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club (Vancouver, BC), he facilitated and taught the Junior Program and Clinics in addition to managing the Men's Night and Ladies' Day clubs. Marty is currently a member at Beach Grove Golf Club. Marty teaches all classes at Fraserview Golf Academy Including GGR Levels 1-5, the GGR Mini Program, Long Term Player Development classes in addition to group and private lessons for both adults and juniors. Marty is certified as an NCCP Instructor of Beginning Golfers and is certified to teach the First Tee Program. He's completed the Pursuing Excellence in Junior Coaching Levels 1 and 2. Marty's teaching philosophy begins with communication. He believes that the ability for a student to learn comes from communicating in a simple and clear manner with each student on an individual level. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and skill levels. |
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Richard Zhou - FGA Coach
Richard is a Class “A” professional with the PGA of Canada and competitive player. Fluent in English and Mandarin, Richard holds Titleist TPI and Leadbetter Academy certifications. His passion for golf began under the influence of his father and since then, has received instruction from noteworthy coaches, including former PGA tour players Jeff Coston and Larry Rinker. Richard has competed in dozens of local and provincial tournaments, including a win at the 2021 Northview Open in Surrey, BC. He previously worked at a local golf facility specializing in high performance coaching for juniors. Richard tailors every lesson to match each student’s unique learning style, physical capabilities, and goals. With juniors, he prioritizes building respect for the game, creating lasting passion, and fostering friendships through golf. With strong communication skills and an extensive knowledge of the game, he puts emphasis on breaking technical information into manageable, practical steps. Richard welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels from beginners to competitive players and is committed to helping students create a lifelong love for the game. |
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Katrina Johnson - Administrative Assistant
Katrina is the Administrative Assistant for the Academy. Her background in the golf industry began in Edmonton (AB) as Food & Beverage Manager, then later as the Director of Golf at the Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club in Vernon (BC). In addition to working with the Fraserview Golf Academy team, Katrina volunteers with the food programme at her children’s school and operates a Bed & Breakfast in Vernon. |
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7800 Vivian Dr. Vancouver, BC V5S 2V8
[email protected]
Copyright © 2026 Monaghan Golf Inc. All rights reserved.
[email protected]
Copyright © 2026 Monaghan Golf Inc. All rights reserved.