Shannon Grinton

Well into his teens before he started to play, Shannon Grinton’s ability to score well and provide great customer service for club members and guests blossomed quickly and it wasn’t long until he was on his way to a successful career as a club professional. Now in his sixth season as head professional at Stanhope Golf & Country Club, the 32 year old professional continues to provide a friendly and welcome atmosphere for the members and guests who come to play in the heart of PEI’s beach district.
 

Grinton was born in Ajax, Ontario and moved with his family to PEI seventeen years ago. Although he received his introduction to golf by going to the golf course with his parents, while living in Ontario, he didn’t play regularly until arriving on “the island” and joining Belvedere. He soon began working at the pro shop for long-time club professional Cecil Dowling. He also attended Holland College in Charlottetown, to study business.
 

Although he came to golf relatively late, Shannon soon started shooting good scores. He also realized the enjoyment of working with the members at Belvedere and helping them enjoy their own games.
“I would watch how Cecil attended to the needs of the members and visitors. He was such a good people person. I realized that I had this ability too and thought, what a privilege it would be to work as a professional in this business. That’s when I decided to pursue this career.”
 

At age 19, Shannon enrolled in the CPGA apprenticeship program and continued to work at Belvedere, until 1996, when he moved to Stanhope, as assistant with Dave Edgett, the professional at that time. The following season Grinton was appointed head professional at the club.

Stanhope has a membership of 500 and Grinton continues to enjoy working in the member-based club environment.
 

“You get to be good friends with the members and are easily able to identify and look after their needs, when you meet them on a daily basis. I believe the most important part of a professional’s job is being able to recognize the different needs that members may have. You may have to treat each person in a different way but still offer the best possible service to everyone.”
 

Shannon believes that golf professionals must create a friendly climate where all golfers know they are welcome and their needs will be looked after.
 

“We must teach and encourage everyone, from beginners to seasoned veterans, so they can play better and we also need to have the ability to provide properly fit equipment. In these ways we help golfers enjoy their sport more.”
 

The interior design of the Stanhope clubhouse lends itself to a successful interactive atmosphere, as the pro shop and food and beverage operation open into the clubhouse and lounge area.
“I’ve been told that we have the best social club on “the island,” remarks Grinton, “ our members are friendly, very approachable, they will play with anyone and they continue this atmosphere at the clubhouse following their game.”
 

Shannon considers his most memorable playing highlight was his third place finish in the CPGA Atlantic Zone Championship, held at Lingan Country Club in Sydney in 2000. He had a second place finish at the Summerside Lobster Carnival tournament and once won the pro division at the Jack Frost in Mill River. Grinton has won the Coca-Cola Classic team event at Magnetic Hill on three occasions with two different partners. As an assistant, he finished third in the Atlantic Championship and competed at the national event. After a sixth place finish at the Stanhope Open last year, he is really looking forward to this season, when the CPGA Atlantic Zone Championship will be held in conjunction with the event.
 

“Oh boy, I can’t wait for this year’s championship,” enthuses Grinton. “I’ve been working on my game and am seeing some good results.
Stanhope has an active junior program. Twice a week Shannon gives free junior clinics.
 

“We have a lot of fun. I really enjoy teaching the kids and we encourage the better juniors to help the others to improve their games.”
 

Successful players who have come up through the junior program are Kevin Crozier, Shane Grinton and Robert Shaw, all who have played in recent Canadian Amateur Championships as well as recent Canadian Junior competitors Greg McMillan, Patrick Neary and Mathew Dingwall.
“ I really enjoy working with the juniors, and last year, was very fortunate to be selected as Junior Leader of the Year by the CPGA Atlantic Zone,” said Grinton. “ It’s an honor I will always remember.”
This award is made annually to the professional who best exemplifies promotion and development of junior golf at the club level and provides image, leadership and integrity.
 

Another fond memory is, while attending the CPGA Apprentice Training Seminar at Royal Oak in Florida, he had the opportunity to watch an exhibition by renowned shot maker Moe Norman. He then had the additional thrill of playing nine holes with him.
 

“Getting to meet and talk with him, then play in his group, was a great experience,” remembers Grinton. “I found him much more approachable than I thought he would be.”
 

In his time away from golf, Shannon enjoys other sports. He plays tennis and in the winter plays recreational hockey twice a week. He enjoys working with computers and spending time with his family. Shannon and wife Jane reside in nearby Mill Cove.
 

As for future goals, “I still have aspirations of improving my golf game and winning tournaments,” says Grinton. “It’s important for me to play well, so I’ve started devoting more time to practice and I’m seeing positive results. Dave Bowlan, of the Avondale Golf Course, has helped me a lot with my game over the years, and I really appreciate it.”
Grinton would like to continue developing good junior golfers and be recognized as a good teacher; one who makes learning, fun.
 

“I want students to be able to say, ‘ I learned a lot from him and he made my learning experience really enjoyable.’”
 

“Today’s golf professionals are so well trained and have many skills to offer a golf club,” advises Grinton. “Wherever I go, I hear people speak well of golf professionals and their abilities. I’m really proud to be associated with the other members of the Canadian PGA and I’m glad we’re such a big part of each golf club and this great game.”