News Release
Finding time for up-and-coming golfers
December 20, 2007
Louis Melanson's latest award shows just how dedicated the golf coach is to his students
by paul merrigan
this week staff
Published Saturday December 8th, 2007
Times & Transcript
Appeared on page A22
Golf has been in Louis Melanson's blood for a long time. Fortunately, for many young golfers in the Moncton area, it's more than just a hobby for Louis.
He's dedicated to making it a career and to teaching the next generation of local golfers at the Louis Melanson Golf Academy.
"I did my Phys. Ed degree, that was the first step," says Louis. "I worked in golf right off the bat, so got right into coaching when I got into the golf business."
Over the past 14 years, Louis has gone through many stages in his coaching career. Initially, he worked at a local club, which included some coaching, but other day to day operations as well.
"I've always been coaching the juniors and up when I was at my club," says Louis. "Around ten years ago, I decided to teach and coach full time."
After a couple of years of coaching, Louis decided to narrow the focus of his coaching. Seven years ago, he started to focusing more on younger golfers. The decision has paid dividends for Louis and his students.
For the past six years, he has coached the junior men's New Brunswick champion, most recently Jean Mainville of Scoudouc. Other players coached to the title include Nick Clark of Moncton, Darren Roach of Quispamsis and Marc Bourgeois of Dieppe.
Aside from helping his students to become better golfers and witnessing their success, Louis sees other changes in the young golfers he coaches.
"For me to see my students improve there skills is enjoyable, but outside of golf, I get to see them grow and become more mature," says Louis. "To see that is a huge benefit - to see them as responsible adults."
Louis has also recently been recognized as the Canadian PGA Atlantic Teacher of Year, a testament to his ability and dedication as a coach.This year is the fourth time he has received the honour since 2002.
"It's awarded by your peers," explains Louis. "We don't do this job to be recognized, but when you are recognized by your peers it feels great."
As a result of being selected as the top coach in the zone, Louis has had his name put forward for the national selection, which takes place in February. Even with personal and professional success, there is no rest for a dedicated coach.
"There's always something new coming out," says Louis. "Whether it's new technology or a new way of doing things. It's my job to keep up with that."
There is also a challenge in students being able to find the time to elevate themselves to an elite level, Louis admits.
"A lot of kids are very busy, especially with school," he says. "If you want to play at a high level of golf, it takes a very big time commitment which you have to balance with anything else you do."
With the opening of the Dundee Sportsdome, Louis and his students have another training option while going through another Atlantic Canadian winter.
"The Sportsdome probably cuts our down-time in half, which is important for the players," explains Louis.
Using the resources and skills he has, Louis continues to find ways to help his students excel.
"More so than ever, golfers train to be athletes," says Louis. "It's more than skill, it takes hard work. I like being a part of that."
With a proven track record, his students would agree that Louis is definitely a large part of their success.